Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-22

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 how the formation of rain-shadow deserts works.

Overall, the process consists of seven main stages, beginning with winds approach coast and ending with dry winds reach inland areas.

At the first stage, Winds approach coast then pushed updwards . Afterwards moist air rises and cools it form clouds on windward side of mountain. Then Rain start falling on mountains.

Once this stage is completed, Dry air continues over mountain on leeward side. Following this, dry winds reach inland areas. Finally, this process is compeleted and the distance between coast area to inland is thousands of kilometers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the process as having seven stages and give its broad direction, from winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland areas. You also include the key sequence of rising, cooling air, cloud formation, rainfall, and dry air crossing the mountain. However, the account is very brief and leaves important relationships under-explained: for example, it does not clearly explain that the mountains force the moist air upwards or that the rain falls on the windward side, creating dry conditions beyond the leeward side. The final reference to thousands of kilometres reports the scale but does not explain the process. The response is 51 words below the required minimum, which contributes to its limited coverage. Develop the overview and describe each stage more fully using the diagram’s labels and positions.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a basic structure: an introduction, an overview, and a chronological description. Sequencing expressions such as “At the first stage,” “Afterwards,” and “Following this” help the reader follow the process. However, the progression is not consistently clear because several stages are compressed into long, loosely connected sentences, and “Once this stage is completed” does not specify which stage it refers to. The final sentence combines the completion of the process with the distance information, although these are separate points. Use one clear paragraph to summarise the overall process and another to explain the stages in order, with each transition linking a specific step to the next.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “clouds,” “rain,” “dry air,” and “leeward side,” so the main subject is generally understandable. However, the range is limited and some phrases are copied or used in an unnatural form, such as “the formation … works” and “winds approach coast.” There are also noticeable spelling errors, including “updwards” and “compeleted,” which reduce accuracy. Aim for more precise process language and accurate collocations, while avoiding repetition of the diagram labels as incomplete phrases. For example, describe winds as being forced upwards and air as becoming dry after rainfall. Proofreading spelling and using complete, natural phrases would make the account clearer.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response attempts a few connected and complex sentences, such as “Afterwards moist air rises and cools it form clouds,” and uses sequencing clauses to describe the stages. However, the range is limited, and errors occur frequently enough to make some relationships unclear. In “beginning with winds approach coast,” the verb form and article are incorrect; “then pushed” lacks a clear auxiliary, and “it form clouds” has faulty agreement and sentence structure. “Rain start falling” also has a subject–verb agreement error. Use passive forms where appropriate in process descriptions, such as “the winds are pushed upwards,” and check articles, verb forms, and agreement. Shorter, accurately controlled sentences would help communicate each stage.

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

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