Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-04

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 processing chart illustrates by which method mountains change into rain shadow desert involving various type of stages.

It is apparent that,there are 9 steps to convert mountains into rain shadow .The processdure started with winds approach coast and end with dry winds reach inland areas.this is represented how mountain turning to rain shadow desert.

In the beginning,wind travel over the sea and approach the coast,these winds are pushed into rise .This forces the moist air and cools by windward side of mountains.Susequently,cloud form in the upper level and the result with heaviley rain falling on the side of thr mountain range.

Consequently,rain falls convert into dry air continues by leeward side.Finally these dry winds reach the areas of inland and transform into rain desert.

The mountains are spread out a thousands of kilometres and creating a massive rain shadow desert

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses the task only partially, and it falls short of the minimum 150-word requirement, coming in at 141 words. While you attempt to describe the stages of the rain-shadow desert formation, some parts of the process are underdeveloped or presented in a somewhat confusing sequence. You present an overview in the second paragraph, but the details lack full clarity and precision when describing how the winds interact with the windward and leeward sides of the mountains. To achieve a higher band, you must ensure you meet the word count requirement and present a more fully developed, clearly articulated overview of all key stages shown in the diagram without missing important geographical details.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is some organisation in your response, but overall progression is lacking, and paragraphing is somewhat disjointed. You attempt to use cohesive devices such as 'In the beginning', 'Susequently', and 'Finally', but these are sometimes mechanically applied or inaccurate. Referencing is occasionally unclear, making it hard to follow the exact progression from the sea across the mountains to the inland desert. To improve in this criterion, you need to use a wider range of cohesive devices more naturally and structure your paragraphs so that the logical flow of the natural process is clearly sequenced from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

Your vocabulary is limited but minimally adequate for the task. You attempt to use some less common words, such as 'processing chart' and 'Susequently', but there are noticeable errors in word choice, form, and spelling, such as 'processdure', 'heaviley', and 'rain desert'. These lexical slips can cause some difficulty for the reader. To move up to a higher band, you should expand your vocabulary range, pay closer attention to word formation and spelling, and use precise scientific or descriptive terms related to geographical processes rather than relying on basic or inaccurate phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You display a limited range of sentence structures, relying heavily on simple sentences or attempts at complex structures that are often faulty. There are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text, including issues with comma splices, run-on sentences, missing articles, and incorrect verb forms, such as 'winds are pushed into rise' and 'this is represented how mountain turning'. These frequent errors can cause difficulty for the reader. To achieve a higher band, you need to demonstrate a greater variety of complex sentence forms with better control over grammar, punctuation, and clause structures, while significantly reducing basic grammatical errors.

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

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