Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-01

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 how rain-shadow deserts are formed.

Overall, the process consists of seven main stages, begining with when winds coming from sea approah coast, whereas the process ends when after travelling thousands of kilometers dry air finally reaches inlands areas and eventually form rain-shadow deserts.

At the first stage, winds arrive at coast coming from sea which are then pushed upwards, after which, it reaches the mountains and moist air rises above cools down and form into clouds when the air comes near windward slide. Once this has been completed, rainfall takes place after reaching the peak of mountain, while forming dry air.

Following this, dry air continues over mountains reaching leewards slide. Subsequently, dry airthen goes in downward direction reaching the inland areas, where finally the last stage of this process is completed, resulting in the formation of rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses the main components of the diagram showing the formation of rain-shadow deserts, outlining the seven numbered stages from winds approaching the coast to the final inland desert. However, the explanation remains somewhat limited and under-developed, relying heavily on a literal, step-by-step translation of the labels rather than providing a more synthesised overview of the geographic and climatic mechanism. Furthermore, the length requirement was not met, as the essay falls slightly short of the minimum 150-word count. To reach a higher level, the writer needs to expand on the relationships between the geographical features and climate shifts while meeting the minimum word length.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response maintains a coherent overall arrangement and follows the sequential flow of the diagram logically. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'At the first stage', and 'Following this' are utilised to guide the reader through the process, even though some referencing and linking mechanisms feel slightly mechanical or repetitive (e.g., overusing 'after which' and 'after reaching'). Paragraphing is attempted, though grouping the entire body into a single block limits organisational clarity. To improve, the writer should ensure smoother transitions between sentences and organise the text into distinct, logically separated paragraphs.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is minimally adequate for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms like 'moist air', 'windward', 'leeward', and 'rain-shadow desert'. However, there are noticeable lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'begining' (spelling), 'approah' (spelling), 'inlands areas' (word form), and 'windward slide' instead of 'windward side'. These minor errors and a limited range of vocabulary restrict the response. To progress, the writer should widen their lexical range, employ more precise academic collocations, and pay closer attention to spelling and word forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but attempts at complex sentences are frequently marred by structural errors, faulty relative clauses, and punctuation slips. Examples include 'winds coming from sea approah coast, whereas the process ends when after travelling thousands of kilometers...' and 'moist air rises above cools down and form into clouds when the air comes near windward slide.' There are frequent errors in prepositions, articles, and verb agreements that occasionally cause difficulty for the reader. To achieve a higher score, the writer must exercise better control over complex clause structures and reduce grammatical errors.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.