Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-27

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 process diagram illustrates one type of desert, such as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Overall, there are seven steps in this diagram and it is a cyclical process. AT the begin, winds approach coast then moved at the peak of the mountains, after that dry winds reach inland areas.

Looking at the process in detail, winds approach coast is on the upside of the sea, then winds pushing towards the mountains, At the third stage, moist air rises and cools in the center of the mountains just near the windward side. Followed by, this can shaped into clouds form and at the peak of the mountain rain is starting.

Futhermore, After rain falls, dry air countinues over mountain just near the leeward side. At the end of the stage, dry winds reach inland areas. In addition, the distance from sea coast to island rain-shadow desert is thousands of kilometres.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the diagram as a process and report its main sequence: coastal winds rise over the mountains, moisture forms clouds and rain, and dry air continues inland to the desert. The overview also notes seven stages, and the final reference to thousands of kilometres reflects the diagram’s scale. However, the overview calls the process “cyclical,” although the diagram shows a one-way sequence, and “moved at the peak” does not clearly describe the upward movement. Some stages are less fully explained: for example, the relationship between rising, cooling air and rainfall could be stated more precisely, and the desert’s position beyond the leeward side could be made explicit. Accurate coverage of these details would make the summary more complete and clear.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and two paragraphs describing the stages. The sequence is generally easy to follow, with markers such as “At the third stage,” “After rain falls,” and “At the end.” However, some linking is mechanical or awkward, as in “Followed by” and “In addition,” and the overview’s “cyclical process” conflicts with the linear order described elsewhere. Capitalisation after commas and full stops is inconsistent (“AT,” “At”), which also interrupts the flow. Grouping the stages more smoothly and using transitions that show cause and sequence—such as “as a result” or “subsequently”—would improve cohesion and make the progression more natural.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “clouds,” “rain falls,” “leeward side,” and “inland areas,” so the reader can identify the main features. However, several word choices and forms are inaccurate or unnatural: “winds pushing towards the mountains,” “this can shaped into clouds form,” and “island” for “inland” make parts of the description less precise. There are also spelling errors in “Futhermore” and “countinues.” Aim for accurate collocations and consistent terminology, for example, “winds are forced upwards,” “clouds form,” and “the inland rain-shadow desert.” This would make the vocabulary more precise and reliable for describing a process.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including a sequence of stages and a clause beginning “After rain falls.” The overall meaning is usually recoverable, but some grammatical errors affect clarity. For example, the opening needs a subject and a clearer construction (“illustrates how … is formed”), while “winds approach coast” and “winds pushing towards the mountains” have problems with articles and verb forms. “This can shaped” is also an incorrect modal construction, and “rain is starting” shifts awkwardly into the present progressive. Punctuation and capitalisation are inconsistent, particularly in “At the third stage … Followed by” and “Futhermore, After rain falls.” Use complete clauses and check verb forms, articles, and sentence boundaries.

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