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 label diagram depicts a rain-shadow desert, a subtype of desert.

Overall, the process is completed in seven steps, turning coastal wind into dry wind; meanwhile, wind pushes moist air to the upper levels where rain is formed. On the other hand, dry air becomes dry winds when approches to land hence rainshadow forms.

Initially, winds reach the mountain bed, where they force wet air upward; meanwhile, clouds are formed. When these clouds get thicker, rain falls.

On the other side of the mountain, air moisture disappears, eventually drying the air. This dry air maintains its moisture but tends downward down the mountain. Finally,dry air current reaches to bottom of mountainwher air flow become paralele to ground. The rain shadow is formed beneath the dry air that reaches the inland.

This process explain how rain-shadow desert are formed in desert from wet air to dry air.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the diagram as a rain-shadow process and give a broad overview of the change from moist coastal air to dry inland air. You also report several key stages, including air rising, cloud formation and rainfall. However, some important details are unclear or inaccurate: the winds approach from the sea and are forced upwards by the mountains, while the dry air crosses the mountain and reaches inland; it does not simply descend to the mountain’s bottom. The final sentence is also vague about how the desert forms. The response is four words below the required minimum, and the limited development leaves parts of the process only partially explained. Include the full sequence and clarify the windward-to-leeward movement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable overall structure: an introduction and overview are followed by stages of the process and a concluding statement. Sequencing expressions such as “Initially” and “Finally” help the reader follow the general order. However, some links are mechanical or confusing. “On the other hand” suggests a contrast that is not present, and “meanwhile” is used where a direct sequence would be clearer. The reference in “This dry air maintains its moisture” is difficult to reconcile with the preceding claim that moisture disappears. Paragraphing is limited, and the final sentence repeats the main idea rather than adding a clear concluding detail. Use straightforward stage links and ensure each sentence connects logically to the previous one.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use some relevant process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “clouds,” “rain falls,” “inland” and “rain-shadow.” This gives the response a basic range suited to the diagram. However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or awkward, such as “mountain bed,” “dry air current,” and “rain shadow is formed beneath the dry air.” There are also noticeable spelling and word-form errors, including “approches,” “paralele” and “air flow.” These sometimes make the description harder to understand. Aim for precise geographical terms and check spelling carefully; for example, describe air as crossing the mountain and reaching the inland area, rather than inventing a location beneath it.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including clauses with “where,” “when” and “that,” and the overall meaning is usually recoverable. However, errors occur in sentence structure, agreement, verb forms and punctuation. For example, “This process explain” needs subject–verb agreement, while “desert are formed” needs a plural subject or a singular verb. “Finally,dry air current reaches to bottom” has missing spacing and articles, and “when air flow become” contains an agreement error. Some longer sentences, particularly the overview, combine several ideas in ways that make the relationships unclear. Build accuracy with shorter, controlled sentences first, then add subordinate clauses and check agreement, articles and punctuation.

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

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