Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-16

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 illustration below demonstrates the formation process of a type of desert called rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the path begins with winds approaching mountain from coast leads , whereas at the end the dry winds reach inland area leads to generation of rain-shadow desert.

Firstly, the winds flows through coast towards mountains further the winds pushed upwards . Through this the moisture raises along with cooling down the air in which , it results in creation of clouds thus the rain fall occurs. Following this the dry air moves down the opposite side

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the process as the formation of a rain-shadow desert and include several relevant stages: winds approach from the coast, rise over the mountains, cool, form clouds and produce rain, before dry air moves down the opposite side. However, the response is incomplete: it stops before explaining that dry winds continue inland and reach the area where the desert forms. The overview also describes the outcome only vaguely as “generation” of a desert. The required minimum length is not met, which contributes to the limited coverage and underdevelopment of the process. To improve, complete the sequence and clearly summarise the contrast between rain on the windward side and dry conditions inland on the leeward side.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

There is a basic sequence, signalled by “Overall,” “Firstly,” and “Following this,” and the reader can follow the main movement from the coast towards the mountains. The opening overview also attempts to summarise the process. However, the response ends abruptly after “the dry air moves down the opposite side,” so the progression is not brought to a clear conclusion. Some links are awkward or unclear, particularly “whereas at the end” and “Through this,” and the long first-stage sentence joins several steps without clear punctuation. Use separate sentences or paragraphs for the overview and the stages, and connect each stage with precise sequencing language so the process reads as a complete, orderly account.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The response uses relevant topic vocabulary, including “moisture,” “clouds,” “rain fall,” and “dry air,” and it correctly names the rain-shadow desert. This gives enough vocabulary to communicate the basic process. However, the range is limited, and several choices are imprecise or unnatural, such as “generation of rain-shadow desert” and “winds flows through coast.” Repetition of “winds” and “air” also limits flexibility. Choose more precise process language and natural collocations, for example, “the desert forms” and “winds blow from the coast towards the mountains.” Check word forms and spelling as well: “rainfall” is normally one word when used as a noun.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both an overview sentence and longer sentences that connect stages, but the range is limited and complex constructions are often faulty. For example, “the path begins with winds approaching mountain from coast leads” has an unclear clause structure, while “the winds flows” has subject–verb disagreement. Articles and plurals are also missing in “approaching mountain” and “inland area.” The sentence beginning “Through this” contains an incomplete, confusing construction, and punctuation around “in which” disrupts the meaning. These errors sometimes make the relationships between stages difficult to follow. Practise building accurate simple sentences first, then combine them with controlled clauses such as “As the moist air rises, it cools and forms clouds.”

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