Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-28

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 illutrates the layout of how the one type of desert formation know as rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, it is clear that the process consists seven stages in which initiate with taking wind appeoach coast from the sea. However, the process shloud have to complete Thousand of kilometers and ended whit Dry winds reach inland areas to from Rain-shadow.

To commence, firstly taking winds from the sea and pass throughout the Winds pushed which they try go upwards of Mountains. Moreover, before reaching top of the mountains the most air rises and cools which passed to make clouds. Furthermore, top of the mountains clouds form make drank black color to begin Rain falls.

On the other hand, after completeting the Windward side it transform into Dry air continues over mountains which have to pass thousands of kilometers. Finally, down to the mountains leeward side all dry wind reach at bottom inland areas. A s a result, this process will be continue in evey weather to make Rain-shadow..

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the process as a sequence of stages and include its main movement from sea winds, over the mountains, to dry inland conditions. The overview also recognises the long horizontal distance and the final rain-shadow desert, so the response addresses the central task. However, some stages are described less clearly than others: for example, the account of moisture rising, cooling and producing clouds is difficult to follow, and the final outcome is called “Rain-shadow” rather than clearly identifying the desert. The diagram’s key contrast between rain on the windward side and dry conditions on the leeward side could be stated more explicitly. A more precise overview and clearer explanation of each stage would make the summary more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction and overview are followed by descriptions of the earlier and later stages. Sequencing expressions such as “To commence,” “Furthermore,” and “Finally” help the reader follow the process. However, some linking is mechanical or does not show the relationship between ideas accurately; “On the other hand” suggests a contrast where the process is continuing. Several sentences also combine stages in a way that makes the sequence unclear, particularly the passage about air rising, clouds forming and rain falling. Use fewer, more precise connectors and give each stage a clear place in the sequence. Clearer references to the windward and leeward sides would also improve the flow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “windward side,” “leeward side,” “dry air,” “clouds,” and “Rain falls,” which helps communicate the diagram’s subject. There are also attempts to vary the language with phrases such as “To commence” and “Moreover.” However, word choice and spelling are often inaccurate, and some combinations are unnatural, such as “taking wind,” “pass throughout,” and “make drank black color.” These choices sometimes make the process difficult to understand. Aim for accurate, natural collocations rather than adding formal-sounding transitions. For example, describe winds as approaching the coast, being forced upwards, and continuing inland as dry air; check spelling carefully, especially in key terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including clauses with “which” and time or sequence markers. This shows some range, but complex constructions are often not controlled, as in “the most air rises and cools which passed to make clouds.” There are also errors in verb forms and sentence structure, for example “the process consists seven stages in which initiate” and “this process will be continue.” Articles and prepositions are sometimes missing or misplaced, as in “reach at bottom inland areas.” These errors can make relationships between stages unclear. Build sentences around a clear subject and verb, and check agreement and verb forms—for instance, “the process consists of seven stages” and “the process continues.”

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