Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-08

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 one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Overall, in the begining the moist air passes through the windward side of the mountain to form clouds after that, clouds reachs on the peak of the mountain than the rain falls. On the other hand, dry air countinues on the leeward side of the mountain to form a rain shadown desert.

Initially, winds approach the coast level and after that, winds pused upwards to create moist air and cools down to form clouds on the windward side of the mountain. In addition, coulds reach the peak of the mountain after that, rain falls.

On the other hand, dry air continues over the mountain. Dry air converts into dry winds and reach inland areas and after that, the rain shadow desert is formed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the process and include its main stages, from winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland and a rain-shadow desert forming. The overview also recognises the contrast between the rainy windward side and the dry leeward side. However, some details are unclear or inaccurate: the moist air is not described as passing through the windward side, and clouds do not “reach” the peak; rather, moist air rises and cools, clouds form, and rain falls on the windward side. The response contains 126 words, below the required 150, which limits how fully you can explain the stages. Add the role of the mountain in forcing air upwards and clarify how the air becomes dry as it crosses the mountain.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a recognisable introduction, overview and description of the process, and the sequence is broadly understandable. However, progression is weakened by repeated transitions such as “after that” and “On the other hand,” which are used mechanically rather than to show precise relationships. The overview and body also repeat several points about clouds and rain, while the final stages are compressed into a short sentence. Organise the body in clear chronological groups: first the windward-side stages, then the leeward-side stages. Use more specific links such as “as a result” or “once the air crosses the mountain,” and avoid repeating the same contrast marker.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “windward side,” “leeward side,” “moist air,” “dry winds” and “inland areas,” so the topic is generally clear. However, the range is limited and some word choices or forms make the description less precise, such as “clouds reachs on the peak” and “dry air converts into dry winds.” There are also noticeable spelling errors, including “begining,” “pused,” “coulds” and “shadown.” These do not prevent the reader from identifying the process, but they reduce accuracy and control. Learn the spelling of key terms and use more exact process verbs, for example, air “rises,” “cools,” “condenses” and “descends.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, including a sequence linked with “after that,” and the overall meaning can usually be followed. However, complex constructions are often faulty, and errors occur frequently. For example, “clouds reachs” has incorrect subject–verb agreement, while “winds pused upwards to create moist air and cools down” has an unclear subject and inconsistent verb structure. The sentence beginning “Overall” also joins several stages without clear grammatical control. Practise building accurate clauses with an explicit subject, such as “As the moist air rises, it cools and forms clouds.” Check agreement, verb forms and sentence boundaries before submitting.

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.