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 illustrates the process of how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Overall, the Rain-shadow process consists of seven main stages, beginning when winds approach coast and ending when dry winds reach inland areas, leading to the formation of Rain-shadow desert.

Initially , winds approach the coast then pushed upwards then the moist air then rises and cools down, These leads to formation of cloud, Subsequently, rain falls on the windward side of the mountain.

After this, dry air continues over mountain towards the Leeward side.Finally Dry winds reach inland areas , resulting in the formation of rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the diagram as a process and give its overall direction: winds approach the coast, and dry winds eventually reach inland areas. You also include the key sequence of rising, cooling air, cloud formation and rainfall on the windward side. However, the account is only partial and under-developed: it does not explain the sea-to-inland setting or clearly describe how the mountain creates a rain shadow on its leeward side. The response contains 93 words, below the required 150; 13 words copied from the prompt were excluded from that count. Develop each stage with accurate detail and explain the relationship between rainfall on the windward side and the dry conditions inland.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic, useful structure: an introduction, an overview, and paragraphs describing the earlier and later stages. Sequencing expressions such as “Initially,” “Subsequently,” and “After this” help the reader follow the process. However, progression is weakened by the compressed chain of events in “then pushed upwards then the moist air then rises and cools down,” where the links between stages are unclear. The final paragraph also runs stages together, and punctuation around “side.Finally” interrupts the flow. Use one clear sentence for each group of stages, with accurate linking and consistent punctuation, to make the sequence easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “windward side,” “Leeward side,” “moist air,” and “rain-shadow desert,” so the reader can understand the topic. The range is nevertheless limited, with repeated use of “winds,” “air,” and “formation,” and some phrases are not natural or precise, such as “formation of cloud” and “winds approach coast.” Capitalisation of “Rain-shadow” and “Leeward” is also inconsistent. Broaden the vocabulary for describing movement and cause, while keeping the technical labels accurate. More precise collocations would make the account clearer and less repetitive without requiring unnecessarily complex wording.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both a complex overview sentence and a sequence of process clauses, but the range is limited and errors are frequent enough to make some relationships difficult to follow. For example, “winds approach the coast then pushed upwards” shifts from an active verb to a passive form without a clear subject, while “These leads to formation of cloud” has an agreement error and missing articles. The long sentence beginning “Initially” also joins several stages with weak punctuation, and “Finally Dry winds” needs clearer sentence boundaries. Practise forming complete clauses with consistent subjects and verb forms, and check articles, agreement, and punctuation when combining stages.

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