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 diagram illustrates the process of desert and how to formed as a rain shadow desert.

Overall, The formation of rain-shadow deserts have a several steps.Their complete process at a mountain. They can start from winds approach coast and process completed at the dry winds reach inland areas.

The first step of the formation of rain-shadow deserts is at a windward side and it start from the winds approach coast, it is upper from the sea and it can be converted to winds pushed upwards. After that they can be also converted into the moist air rises and cools, and it can be converted into clouds form, after some time the rain falls.

Otherhand, few steps are in leeward side it is start from the dry air continues over mountain and it can be converted into dry winds reach inland areas. The rain-shadow deserts are formed below the inland area.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You cover the main stages in the diagram and correctly describe the sequence from winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland areas. You also identify the windward and leeward sides and locate the desert inland, so the response addresses the process rather than going off topic. The overview, however, is unclear: “Their complete process at a mountain” does not explain the key contrast between moist air rising and producing rain on the windward side, and dry air continuing beyond the mountain. Some details are also imprecise, such as saying the desert is “below the inland area.” To strengthen the report, state the overall cause-and-effect pattern clearly, then describe each side of the mountain accurately.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and separate descriptions of the windward and leeward stages. The sequence is generally easy to follow, with markers such as “The first step,” “After that,” and “Otherhand.” However, progression is weakened by repetitive and sometimes inaccurate linking, especially the repeated “it can be converted into,” which makes the stages sound like transformations rather than a sequence of events. The overview also repeats information without clearly summarising the process. Use a clearer progression, for example, “As the moist air rises, it cools and forms clouds, leading to rainfall.” Ensure each paragraph adds a distinct part of the process and use references such as “this air” only when their meaning is clear.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “windward side,” “leeward side,” “moist air,” “dry winds,” and “rain-shadow desert,” which helps communicate the diagram’s subject. However, the range is limited and several phrases are awkward or imprecise, including “the process of desert,” “converted to,” and “the rain-shadow deserts are formed below the inland area.” Repeating “winds” and “process” also reduces variety. Choose verbs that describe the stages directly: winds are forced upwards, air cools, clouds form, and rain falls. More precise collocations would make the account clearer and more natural without requiring unusually advanced vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and longer sentences, and the reader can generally identify the intended sequence. However, grammatical control is inconsistent, particularly with articles, agreement, verb forms, and sentence boundaries. Examples include “how to formed,” “the formation … have a several steps,” and “it start from the winds approach coast.” The sentence beginning “Overall” also contains a capitalisation and punctuation problem, while “After that they can be also converted into…” is structurally awkward. Practise accurate present-simple descriptions of processes, such as “The winds approach the coast and are forced upwards.” Vary sentence patterns, but prioritise complete clauses and correct agreement before adding more complex structures.

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

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