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 the steps of formation of rain-shadow desert which includes different processes from winds force to climb mountain and result in a rainfall on the windward side, creating a rain-shadow desert in inland areas.

In the first step winds from sea reaches coast level and obstacles like mountains pushed it into upwards (Windward side). Most of the moist air rises and cools to form clouds due to lower temperature. When rain started falling from the mountain in which dry air continues moving on the mountain comes downward along Leeward side. Consequently, dry air stays at inland areas and eventually make rain-shadow desert in these areas. This process can extend to thousands of kilometres to completion.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the main sequence: winds arrive from the sea, rise over the mountains, cool and form clouds, rain falls on the windward side, and dry air reaches inland to create a desert. This is relevant and gives the reader the basic process. However, the account is brief and some stages are compressed or unclear, particularly how the air becomes dry after precipitation and then continues over the mountain to the leeward side. The overview is also embedded in the opening sentence rather than clearly summarising the overall contrast between the wet windward slope and dry inland area. The response is 117 words, below the required 150, which limits the detail available. Develop the stages more fully and report the diagram’s key spatial relationships.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The information follows the diagram’s sequence, and the use of “In the first step” and “Consequently” helps signal progression. The opening sentence also introduces the process before the stages are described. However, the response is presented as one compact block, and several transitions make the sequence difficult to follow: “When rain started falling from the mountain in which dry air continues moving on the mountain comes downward” combines precipitation, air movement and descent in an unclear way. The reference in “these areas” is understandable but could be more precise. Separate the overview from the detailed stages, and use clear links such as “After the rain falls” and “As a result” to make each change in the process explicit.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “cools,” “clouds,” “windward side,” “Leeward side” and “rain-shadow desert,” so the topic is generally clear. There are also attempts at more specific wording, such as “obstacles” and “completion,” but some choices are inaccurate or unnatural in context. “Winds force to climb mountain” does not clearly express the movement of air, while “rain started falling from the mountain” suggests the rain originates in the mountain rather than falling onto its windward side. “Dry air stays at inland areas” is also an awkward collocation. Choose precise process verbs such as “is forced upwards,” “precipitates” or “continues inland,” and use the diagram’s labels consistently.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response attempts both simple and complex sentences, including “Most of the moist air rises and cools to form clouds due to lower temperature” and a sentence beginning “When rain started falling…”. This shows some range, and the overall meaning can usually be followed. However, several grammatical errors affect clarity: “winds from sea reaches” has a subject–verb agreement error and needs an article, while “mountains pushed it into upwards” has an unclear passive construction. The long sentence beginning “When rain started falling” is not successfully structured, and “eventually make” does not agree with its subject. Use shorter, controlled sentences for each stage, check singular/plural agreement and articles, and ensure that subordinate clauses have a clear main clause.

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.