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)

This diagram illustrates the formation of rain-shadow deserts from the moist air to the dry wind area travelling thousands of kilometres from one side to other side of the mountain.

Overall,it shows the four main features which accumulate rain-shahdow and these are coastal winds,windward side,leeward side or inland aread.

Futhermore,when the winds start approaching from the coastal area was forced to ascend upwards along with steep slop of the mountain. After that, cool moist air risesand when it reaches at the top of the mountain temperature drops and condensed moist air formed into clouds.

Subsequently,after the temperature drop at the top of the mountain, rain starts falling from these clouds on the windward side of the mountain. Whereas, dry air continues descending over mountain on the leeward side of the mountain.

Lastly, when these dry air continues moving towards inland area. While it carries sand and dust particles with them. These dry winds when reach inland areas makes the

rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You cover the main stages in the diagram, including winds approaching the coast, rising and cooling on the windward side, rain falling, and dry air moving inland to create the desert. The sequence is generally accurate, and the opening gives the reader a clear sense of the process. However, the overview is unclear: “four main features” does not summarise the key cause-and-effect pattern, and “accumulate rain-shahdow” is not a meaningful description of the outcome. Some details are also less fully explained, particularly how the air changes as it crosses the mountain. Focus the overview on moist coastal air losing its moisture on the windward side, leaving dry air to produce an inland rain-shadow desert.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction and overview are followed by stages in the process, with “Furthermore,” “Subsequently,” and “Lastly” signalling progression. This makes the overall sequence understandable. However, some linking is mechanical or awkward, and the final paragraph contains a fragment: “While it carries sand and dust particles with them.” The reference in “these dry air” is also unclear, while “from one side to other side” is imprecise. Use complete sentences and connect each stage directly to the next—for example, explain that after rain falls on the windward side, the remaining dry air descends and continues inland. A clearer overview paragraph would also improve the progression.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary such as “moist air,” “condensed,” “clouds,” “windward side,” and “leeward side,” which helps communicate the diagram’s subject. There are also attempts at more specific language, including “ascend” and “temperature drops.” However, spelling and word-choice errors are noticeable, including “rain-shahdow,” “Futhermore,” and “slop.” Some combinations are unnatural or imprecise, such as “accumulate rain-shadow” and “dry winds makes the rain-shadow desert.” Choose standard geographical terms and collocations, such as “form a rain-shadow desert” and “the air descends on the leeward side.” Proofreading spelling and avoiding unnecessary repetition of “mountain” would make the description clearer and more controlled.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex structures, including a time clause in “when the winds start approaching” and a contrast introduced by “Whereas.” However, some sentence patterns are faulty, and errors sometimes make relationships between stages harder to follow. For example, “when the winds start approaching from the coastal area was forced to ascend” shifts from plural “winds” to singular “was”; “cool moist air risesand” has a missing space and unclear clause structure; and “While it carries…” is a fragment. Articles and agreement also need attention in “these dry air” and “dry winds … makes.” Practise building complete sentences with consistent subjects and verbs, then check punctuation and agreement.

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

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