Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-07

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 illustrate that how a one type of desert called a rain shadow desert , came in existance .

Over all , there are seven different stages for the formation of desert . There are two sides of the mountain one is called Windward side and the other is Leeward side . First there is a sea in the left side of the mountain . Wind play a vital role in the formation of desert .

To begin with, there is a sea on the left side of mountain above sea winds approach coast then in the next stage winds pushed upwards . After this moist air rises and cools .In the Windward side of the mountain the clouds are form then rain falls .

Furthermore, air becomes dry then dry air continues over mountain from the Leeward side . And finally dry wind reach inland areas there rain shadow desert formed .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You cover the main process in the correct order, from winds approaching the coast through rainfall on the windward side to dry winds reaching inland and forming the desert. You also identify the two mountain sides and give a broad overview that there are seven stages. This makes the response relevant and addresses the task. However, some features are less fully explained: the diagram shows moist air rising and cooling before clouds form, and the rain-shadow desert lies inland beyond the leeward side; these relationships could be stated more precisely. The opening also repeats the task rather than offering a clear summary of the overall cause-and-effect pattern. A stronger overview would highlight that mountains cause moisture to fall on one side, leaving dry air to create a desert on the other.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and paragraphs describing the stages. Sequencing expressions such as “To begin with,” “After this,” “Furthermore,” and “finally” help the reader follow the process. The stages are generally presented in the right order. However, some links feel mechanical, and the progression is weakened by unclear or incomplete connections, particularly “then in the next stage winds pushed upwards” and “there rain shadow desert formed.” The overview also includes details about the sea and mountain sides that are repeated later. Grouping the stages into a clearer cause-and-effect sequence, and using references such as “this rising air” or “the resulting dry air,” would make the cohesion more natural and precise.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “clouds,” “rain falls,” “Windward side,” and “Leeward side,” so the reader can understand the main stages. There is also some attempt to vary wording with phrases such as “play a vital role.” However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or awkward, including “came in existance,” “winds are form,” and “dry wind reach inland areas.” Spelling and spacing errors, such as “existance” and “Over all,” also reduce control. Aim for precise process language and consistent forms: for example, describe winds as being forced upwards, clouds as forming, and dry winds as reaching inland areas. This would make the account clearer and more natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, and the sequence is mostly understandable. However, control of sentence structure and verb forms is inconsistent. The opening, “The diagram illustrate that how a one type…,” has problems with subject–verb agreement and clause construction. In “winds pushed upwards,” the passive form needs an auxiliary (“are pushed”), while “the clouds are form” also has an incorrect verb pattern. Articles and prepositions are sometimes missing or misplaced, as in “left side of mountain” and “in the Windward side.” Punctuation and spacing around sentence boundaries are also uneven. Practise building accurate passive sentences for processes, such as “The winds are forced upwards,” and check each sentence for a clear subject, verb, and appropriate article.

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