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 provided process diagram illustrates the formation of rain-shadow deserts via seven distinctive linear actions.

It is readily apparent that, the whole procedure is complex, offwhiles and natural system that commenced with the wind approaching towards the coast from the sea and culminates in dry winds reaching inlands areas formatting rain shadow desert thousands of kilometers away from the sea.

At the initial part, the coastal area is approached by wind coming from the sea, following this, winds are being pushed upwards from the coast of the sea towards the mountain. Next stage is the rising and Cooling of the moisture air coming from the coast. Air which has been cooled down tends to become the thick clouds. Mentioned procedures are thoroughly following the windward side.

Subsequently, cloudburst happen on the top of the mountain. Up next dry air is flowing beside the leeward side of the mountain. Later this dry winds are reaching towards the inland areas. In the end allocating these seven actions leading towards the formation of Rain- Shadow desert above the inland areas.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the main sequence, from winds approaching the coast to dry air reaching inland and a rain-shadow desert forming, and you correctly distinguish the windward and leeward sides. However, the account does not fully explain the key cause-and-effect stages: for example, it says cooled air “tends to become the thick clouds” and that a “cloudburst” happens, rather than clearly reporting that clouds form and rain falls on the windward side. The overview also calls the process “complex” without summarising its central contrast: moist air rises and loses rain on the windward side, leaving dry air to continue inland. Some details are therefore unclear or imprecise, although the response remains focused on the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction and overview are followed by two paragraphs describing the stages in sequence. Transitions such as “At the initial part,” “Next stage,” and “Subsequently” help the reader follow the process. However, some linking is mechanical or awkward, and the final sentence beginning “In the end allocating” does not form a clear concluding statement. References such as “Mentioned procedures” are also vague, making it less clear which stages are being grouped together. To improve progression, use a concise overview, then organise the stages into clear cause-and-effect groups, with precise links such as “As a result” and “Consequently.”

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You attempt a range of process vocabulary, including “formation,” “culminates,” “moisture,” and “leeward,” and several terms are relevant to the diagram. However, inaccurate word choice and collocation sometimes make the description difficult to interpret. “Formatting rain shadow desert” is not a natural way to describe formation, while “cloudburst” suggests a sudden, heavy downpour not specified in the diagram. “Inlands areas” and “offwhiles” are also problematic, and capitalisation is inconsistent in “Cooling” and “Rain- Shadow.” Choose precise, conventional process language and check spelling and word forms. For instance, describe air as “moist,” and say that it “continues inland” after rain falls.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both longer sentences and sequencing clauses, but control is uneven, and several sentence structures are faulty. The opening overview contains an unnecessary comma after “apparent” and an unclear clause: “the whole procedure is complex, offwhiles and natural system.” The sentence “Air which has been cooled down tends to become the thick clouds” has problems with article use and agreement, while “In the end allocating these seven actions” is a fragment rather than a complete sentence. There are also awkward passive constructions, such as “winds are being pushed upwards.” Use straightforward complete sentences to establish accurate control, then add subordinate clauses where useful—for example, “As the moist air rises, it cools and clouds form.”

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