Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-24

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 process of one type of desert is formed known as a rain-shadow.

Overall, the process consists of seven stages. It is also noticeable that it begins with coast is approached by winds, and ends with dry winds is reached in inland areas.

Looking at flow chart in more detail, first and foremost, the coast is approached winds from the sea. After that, the winds is pushed upwards above the coast. Next, the moist air is rose as well as coold beside the windward. After completing this step, the air is converted by clouds form. Afterwards, the rains is fell into the earth.

In addtion, the dry air is fell continuosly by the mountain. At the final stage, the dry winds is reach in inland areas, which is called by rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the diagram as a process and give a broad overview that it has seven stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending inland. You also include several key stages, such as air rising and cooling, cloud formation, rainfall, and dry winds moving inland. However, some details are unclear or inaccurate: “the air is converted by clouds form” does not clearly report that clouds form, and “dry air is fell continuously by the mountain” misrepresents the air continuing over the mountain. The windward and leeward sides and the rain-shadow desert’s inland location could be explained more precisely. The response is also below the required 150 words, limiting the detail provided. Develop the overview and describe the full sequence more clearly.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and a paragraph describing the stages. Sequencing expressions such as “After that,” “Next,” and “At the final stage” help the reader follow the process, and the stages are generally presented in the correct order. This coherent overall arrangement is a strength. However, some links are mechanical, and the final paragraph begins with “In addition,” even though it continues the same sequence rather than adding a separate point. Several sentences are difficult to follow because their internal wording is unclear, particularly “After completing this step, the air is converted by clouds form.” Use simpler, more direct links between stages and make each sentence express one clear step. This would make the progression smoother and more precise.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “windward,” “dry winds,” and “inland areas,” showing some awareness of the diagram’s subject. Sequencing language also helps describe the stages. However, the range is limited, and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate enough to make the meaning unclear. For example, “the air is converted by clouds form” does not express cloud formation naturally, while “the rains is fell” is not an appropriate phrase for precipitation. There are also spelling errors such as “addtion,” “continuosly,” and “coold.” Choose precise process verbs such as “rise,” “cool,” “form,” “fall,” and “continue,” and check spelling. This will make the description clearer without requiring unnecessarily complex vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple sentences and longer structures, including “It is also noticeable that…” and “which is called…,” but control is inconsistent. Errors occur in basic verb forms and agreement: “the winds is pushed,” “the moist air is rose,” “the rains is fell,” and “the dry winds is reach.” Passive constructions are often used where they do not fit, and some sentence patterns obscure the intended sequence. For example, “the coast is approached winds from the sea” needs a clear subject and verb, such as “Winds approach the coast from the sea.” Focus first on accurate subject–verb agreement and active process verbs; use passive forms only when appropriate. A wider range of structures will be more effective once these basic patterns are reliable.

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