Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-19

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 illustrates the stages involved in formation of rain shadow desert in one type of desert.

Overall, the formation of rain shadow desert involves seven stages: wind approach coast and pushed upwards, moist air rises and cools, clouds from, rain falls, dry air continues over mountain, then dry air reach inland area.

First, the winds approach from sea to coast, then the winds pushed upwards towards the mountains where the moist air rises and cools, after that the clouds are formed in windward side of the mountains.

After the clouds formation the rain start falls on the mountains then the dry air continues over the mountain towards the leeward side where the dry winds reached inland areas and then the inland rain shadow are formed i the distance of thousands of kilometres away from the coast.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the process as a sequence and include its main stages, from winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland areas. The overview also captures the broad movement of air across the mountains. However, some details are unclear or inaccurate: “clouds are formed in windward side” omits the important point that the moist air rises and cools before clouds form, and the final claim that the desert is “in the distance of thousands of kilometres away” treats the diagram’s scale label as a specific distance. The response is also below the required 150 words. To strengthen coverage, explain the windward-to-leeward contrast more precisely and describe the desert’s inland location without inventing a measured distance.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and two paragraphs describing the stages. The sequence is generally easy to follow, and connectors such as “First,” “then,” and “after that” help show order. However, the overview repeats much of the process rather than highlighting its main pattern, and the final paragraph packs several stages into one long sentence. Repeated sequencing words make the links feel mechanical, while “After the clouds formation” is an awkward transition. Use clearer stage groupings—for example, air rising and rainfall, followed by dry air crossing inland—and vary the linking language. This would make the progression more controlled and reduce repetition.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “windward side,” “leeward side,” “moist air,” and “rain shadow,” so the reader can identify the main features. However, the range is limited and several phrases are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “clouds from,” “the rain start falls,” and “the inland rain shadow are formed.” The repeated use of “winds,” “dry air,” and “mountains” also makes the description less precise. Aim for accurate process collocations and forms, such as “clouds form,” “rain falls,” and “a rain-shadow desert develops inland.” More varied verbs for movement and change would improve precision while keeping the language appropriate for a process diagram.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple sentences and longer sequences joined with “then,” “where,” and “after,” but control is inconsistent. Errors occur in verb forms and agreement: “the winds pushed upwards” needs a passive form, “the rain start falls” has an incorrect verb construction, and “dry winds reached inland areas” shifts tense. Articles and sentence structure also need attention in “formed in windward side” and the long final sentence, which joins several stages without clear punctuation. These errors sometimes make the process harder to follow. Practise using consistent present simple or passive forms for processes, and divide the sequence into shorter, accurately punctuated sentences.

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

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