Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-03

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 picture diagram illustrates the formation of rain shadow desert from winds approach coast through tha sea to the dry winds reaching the inland areas.

Overall, the process consists of several stages beginning with the winds approach from the coast sea, the formation of clouds, the rain falls and ending with dry winds arrives in inland areas.

In details, from the sea the winds approach the coast and pushed upwards through the windward side of the mountains. Then, the moist air produced and cools the air. This is how the clouds are formed and started rain falling.

Regarding the remaining processes, the dry air started falling continuously from Leeward side of the mountains. After a while, the dry winds reached the ground of the mountains and subsequently converted into Rain- shadow desert. From the sea coast of the rain-shadow desert the distance is almost thousands of kilometres approximately.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses the main features of the rain-shadow desert diagram, presenting an overview and covering the sequential stages from winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland areas. However, the explanation of certain stages is somewhat limited and lacks full development, such as the precise mechanical description of how clouds form and how precipitation occurs. Furthermore, the length requirement is not met, as the response falls slightly short of the minimum word count of 150 words. To achieve a higher band, the writer needs to expand on the processes depicted in the visual data with greater clarity and ensure that the response strictly meets or exceeds the minimum length requirement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response exhibits an overall coherent arrangement, dividing the writing into a clear introduction, an overview paragraph, and body details. However, cohesion is at times mechanical or faulty. The writer uses basic transition markers like 'Then' and 'Regarding the remaining processes', but referencing and logical progression are occasionally disrupted by awkward phrasing. Paragraphing is present and logically separates the introduction and overview from the body details, but smoother organizational links between sentences are needed. To reach the next band, the student should employ a wider and more natural variety of cohesive devices to connect ideas fluidly without relying on formulaic transitions.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing the writer to attempt less common terms such as 'rain shadow desert', 'windward side', and 'leeward side' taken from the diagram. Nevertheless, there are noticeable lexical errors and awkward word choices, such as 'picture diagram' instead of 'diagram' or 'illustration', and 'rain falling' where a noun form or precise verb collocation is expected. Spelling and word choice issues occasionally cause mild strain for the reader. To improve in this area, the student should focus on precise word formation, correct collocations, and natural vocabulary range rather than lifting terms directly without accurate grammatical embedding.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The writer demonstrates a limited range of sentence structures, relying heavily on simple sentences and basic active forms. Attempts at complex structures are frequently faulty, characterized by persistent errors in verb tense, voice, and prepositions, such as 'winds approach coast through tha sea' and 'pushed upwards' lacking the necessary auxiliary verb. Articles and singular/plural agreements also show frequent lapses throughout the text. While meaning can still be pieced together, the density of grammatical errors impacts readability. To progress, the student must practice constructing accurate complex sentences with correct subordination, active/passive voice control, and reliable verb-subject agreement.

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

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