Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-14

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 given below illustrates how a rain-shadow desert is created. Overall, there are various processes involved in the formation of such unique named desert. Apparantely, there is a coastland behind the sea just below the ground. The area covered by the coast and the inland is thousands of kilometres. In the first step, the wind which is moving around, reaches the coast area and then it is moved towards the top direction where it gives a soar to wet air and cool breeze. Eventually, the clouds are created in the fourth step and rain falls from them on the top of the mountain at the windward side. After that, the dry air remains on the mountain at the leeward side and the dry winds went to the inland area to create a rain shadow desert. The windward side and the leeward side both plays a major role in this whole procedure for wet and dry winds comparitively.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the subject and give a broad account of the sequence, including wind reaching the coast, rain falling on the windward side, and dry winds moving inland. However, the explanation is only partly accurate and developed: the key mechanism that moist air rises and cools before clouds form is blurred into “it gives a soar to wet air and cool breeze.” The overview is also vague (“various processes”) rather than summarising the main contrast between rainfall on the windward side and dry conditions beyond the mountains. The claim that the coast is “just below the ground” is not supported by the diagram. To strengthen the response, describe each stage precisely and explain how the loss of moisture creates the rain-shadow desert inland.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response follows the diagram’s general order, and sequencing expressions such as “In the first step,” “Eventually,” and “After that” help the reader track the process. Nevertheless, the ideas are presented as one long paragraph, and the progression is not consistently clear: the account jumps from the wind being pushed upwards to “wet air and cool breeze,” then to cloud formation, without clearly connecting the stages. The opening overview and the final comment about the two mountain sides do not form a strong summary of the process. Use a clear overview followed by a logically ordered description, and make links between cause and result explicit—for example, explain that rising air cools, forms clouds, and produces rain before continuing inland as dry air.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some relevant process vocabulary, including “windward side,” “leeward side,” “inland,” and “rain-shadow desert,” which helps identify the main locations. However, the range is limited and several choices are inaccurate or unnatural, sometimes making the process difficult to understand. “Gives a soar to wet air” does not clearly express that the wind forces moist air upwards, while “unique named desert” and “coastland” are not suitable descriptions here. There are also spelling errors in “Apparantely” and “comparitively.” Aim for precise, conventional terms such as “moist air,” “rises,” “cools,” “precipitation,” and “dry air,” and avoid adding decorative wording that does not clarify the diagram.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, including a sequence linked with “and then” and a final sentence comparing the two sides. However, control is inconsistent, and errors in sentence structure and agreement are noticeable. For example, “the wind … reaches the coast area and then it is moved” shifts awkwardly from active to passive, while “both plays” should use a plural verb. The sentence beginning “In the first step” also combines several stages without clear grammatical links, making the meaning hard to follow. Work on forming direct, accurate process sentences, such as “The wind is forced upwards, causing moist air to rise and cool.” Check subject–verb agreement and use punctuation to separate stages.

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