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 shows a step-by-step process how a specific type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Overall, it is clear that the process includes seven stages. The first stage includes winds approaching coast, while the final stage shows dry winds reaching inland areas.

Firstly, the winds approach the coast of the sea, at second stage these winds are pushed upward. In the third stage, the moist air rises and cools, moving in the windward direction of the mountain. These winds help in the formation of clouds.

Furthermore, the rain falls on the mountain from those clouds, which causes dry the air formation, that continue moving in the leeward direction of the mountain. Finally, the air reaches inland area, which results in a rain-shadow dessert formation. Overall, the winds have to travel for thousands of kilometres to complete the whole process.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the process as having seven stages and describe its broad direction, from winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland and the formation of a rain-shadow desert. However, some details are unclear or inaccurate: “moving in the windward direction” does not clearly explain that moist air rises over the mountain, and “which causes dry the air formation” obscures how rain leaves the air dry as it passes over the mountain. The final sentence also misuses the thousands-of-kilometres label, which indicates the diagram’s horizontal scale rather than the distance the winds must travel to complete the process. The response is 133 words, below the 150-word minimum; develop the stages more fully and report the scale accurately.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and a chronological account using “Firstly,” “Furthermore,” and “Finally.” This helps the reader follow the general sequence. However, progression is not consistently clear because several stages are compressed together: cloud formation, rainfall, and the air becoming dry are not explained as distinct steps. The phrase “at second stage” is also an awkward transition, while “Overall” is used again at the end even though the overview has already appeared. Improve cohesion by giving each group of stages a clear link and using references such as “this moist air” or “after crossing the mountain” precisely.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant topic vocabulary, including “moist air,” “windward,” “leeward,” and “rain-shadow desert,” which helps convey the process. However, some word choices and collocations are inaccurate or imprecise: “dry the air formation” is difficult to understand, “dessert” is a spelling error for “desert,” and “winds have to travel” incorrectly presents the scale label as a required journey. There is also repetition of “winds” and “stage.” Aim for precise process language, for example, describing air as “losing moisture” after rainfall and “continuing inland” beyond the mountain. Check spelling carefully, especially for key terms in the diagram.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mixture of simple and more complex sentences, and the sequence is generally understandable. However, errors in sentence construction and grammatical forms are noticeable. The opening has an extra space in “process how,” and “winds approaching coast” needs an article (“the coast”). In “at second stage,” the article is missing, while “which causes dry the air formation, that continue moving” has faulty clause structure and unclear agreement. The sentence beginning “Furthermore” also joins ideas awkwardly. Use complete, controlled clauses—for example, “After rain falls on the windward side, the air becomes drier and continues over the mountain”—and check articles, verb forms, and punctuation.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.