Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-29

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The diagram below shows how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The formation of rain-shadow deserts

Student answer (Band 5.5)

The diagram illustrates the process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed on the leeward side of a mountain.

Overall, the process consists of seven stages, beginning with moisture-laden winds approaching the coast and ending with dry air reaching inland areas, resulting in desert conditions.

Initially, moist winds blow from the sea towards a mountain range. As these winds encounter the mountain, they are forced to rise, causing the air to cool. Consequently, water vapour condenses to form clouds, which produce rainfall on the windward side of the mountain. During this stage, the air loses a significant amount of its moisture.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

The student successfully identifies the main topic of the diagram, explaining how a rain-shadow desert forms on the leeward side of a mountain. An overview is provided, outlining the seven stages from winds approaching the coast to dry air reaching inland areas. The body paragraph accurately describes the initial stages, detailing how moist winds blow from the sea, are forced upwards by the mountain, cool down, and produce rainfall on the windward side. However, the response is incomplete because it stops abruptly after describing step 5 (rain falls), completely omitting the final two stages regarding dry air crossing the mountain and forming the desert on the leeward side. Furthermore, the word count is only 101 words, failing to meet the minimum requirement of 150 words. Consequently, Task Achievement is severely limited by the missing content and under-length issue.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The text demonstrates a logical opening and clear sequencing of the initial stages. The student makes good use of introductory phrases and cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Initially', and 'Consequently' to connect ideas smoothly. Paragraphing is introduced appropriately, though the essay remains too brief to showcase a fully developed multi-paragraph structure. Reference words are handled well, and the progression of the described steps is clear up to the point where the text stops. Despite the positive structural elements, the premature ending prevents a fully coherent overall arrangement of the entire diagram process.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally accurate and appropriate for describing a geographical process. The student successfully employs terms such as 'moisture-laden winds', 'water vapour condenses', 'rainfall', and 'windward side'. While the range is somewhat restricted due to the short length of the text, the words chosen are precise and fit the context well. There are no spelling or noticeable word-choice errors in the language produced, indicating a solid foundation in lexical resource that is unfortunately cut short by the essay's brevity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The writing exhibits a commendable mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as the participial phrase 'beginning with moisture-laden winds approaching the coast' and the subordinate clause 'As these winds encounter the mountain, they are forced to rise'. Grammatical accuracy is quite high within the sentences provided, with correct tense usage and appropriate punctuation. Although the range of structures is limited by the overall brevity of the piece, the grammatical control shown in the actual sentences is solid and error-free, reflecting a competent grasp of English grammar.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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