Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-17

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 depicts the sequential stages involved inthe formation of rain-shadow deserts .

Overall, the formation of rain-shadow deserts comprises a series of linear stages, commencing with the approach of winds to the coast

The process begin when wind approach the coast .After encoutring the mountains as an obstacle, winds are pushed upwards and moist air starts rising and cooling simultaniously.Consequently ,clouds begin to form gradually .once formed , rain falls at the peak of the mointain.

Subsequently,dry air continues over the mountains going over thousands of kilometers to finally reach the desert . Therfore,dry winds make it to the inland areas , which constitute the rain-shadow desert

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the process and give a basic overview, then report the main sequence from winds approaching the coast to rain falling and dry air reaching inland. These details broadly match the diagram. However, the account is only partial: it does not clearly explain that moist air rises on the windward side, loses moisture as rain, and then continues across the mountain on the leeward side, creating the desert inland. The final sentence also blurs the distinction between dry winds reaching inland and the desert itself. The response is 108 words, below the required 150, which limits how fully you can describe the stages. Add the missing geographical relationships and explain the cause-and-effect sequence more fully.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The stages are presented in a generally logical order, and the overview is separated from the process description, helping the reader follow the basic progression. Linking expressions such as “Consequently” and “Subsequently” also signal sequence and result. However, the response is arranged in only a few dense blocks, and some transitions feel mechanical or unclear. For example, “Subsequently, dry air continues over the mountains going over thousands of kilometers to finally reach the desert” combines several steps without clearly distinguishing the leeward side, inland area, and rain-shadow desert. Use clearer sentence boundaries and references, and organise the description into a fuller introduction, overview, and stage-by-stage account.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “clouds,” “rain falls,” and “dry winds,” and the term “rain-shadow desert” is appropriate to the task. There are also attempts at more formal wording, such as “sequential stages” and “constitute.” However, spelling errors and imprecise or awkward choices reduce control: “encoutring,” “simultaniously,” “mointain,” and “Therfore” are noticeable, while “make it to the inland areas” is informal for an academic process description. Some wording is also repetitive, particularly “winds” and “desert.” Check spelling carefully and choose precise process verbs such as “cross,” “reach,” and “form” to describe the stages.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex structures, including the opening participial phrase “After encountering the mountains as an obstacle” and the result clause introduced by “which.” The sequence is usually understandable, but several grammatical errors remain. For example, “The process begin” needs subject–verb agreement, and “when wind approach” needs an article and a plural verb form. The sentence beginning “Overall” is left without a final full stop, while spacing and punctuation around commas are inconsistent. Some sentences also run several actions together, making the relationships less clear. Practise accurate present-simple forms for general processes and use shorter, well-punctuated sentences alongside complex ones.

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