Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-30

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 picture illustrates the process of making rain-shadow desert fron one type of desert in the seven numerous ways.

Most considerable of all, there are objects such as sea, coast, high mountains and clouds which help in the formation of rain-shadow deserts. Furthermore, there is two sides: windward and leeward which is opposite from each other.

Looking towards the information, winds approach coast is in the first stage which is pushed upwards from the mountains in second stage. There is risi in moist air and it became more cool when it goes up. After moist air rises and cools that converted into clouds form.

Turning towards the data, the rain falls situation is comes after cloud form and leeward side is starting. The sixth stage demonstrate continuty of dry air over mountain and it move to downwards. Similarly, dry winds reach inland areas which is last stage of formation and it will turn rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You identify the main stages, including winds approaching the coast, rising and cooling air, rainfall, and dry winds reaching inland. However, the account is largely a sequence of individual labels rather than a clear summary of the process as a whole. The opening claim that there are “seven numerous ways” is unclear, and the overview mainly lists objects and mountain sides instead of explaining the key cause-and-effect pattern: moist air rises and rains on the windward side, leaving dry air to descend or continue inland and create a rain-shadow desert on the leeward side. Some details are also inaccurate or unclear, such as saying the leeward side is “starting” after rainfall. A concise overview and more precise explanation of the process would make the response more complete.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response follows the diagram’s general order, moving from winds approaching the coast through rainfall to dry winds reaching inland areas. This gives the reader a basic sense of progression, and phrases such as “in the first stage” and “the sixth stage” help signal sequence. However, the organisation is weakened by an overview that does not clearly summarise the process, followed by paragraphs introduced with mechanical phrases such as “Looking towards the information” and “Turning towards the data.” Connections between stages are sometimes unclear: “After moist air rises and cools that converted into clouds form” does not clearly show how the ideas relate. Use a clear overview, then group related stages and connect them with accurate cause-and-effect links.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use several relevant terms from the diagram, including “windward,” “leeward,” “moist air,” “dry air,” and “rain-shadow desert,” which helps keep the response on topic. There are also attempts to vary wording, such as “continuty” and “formation,” but several choices are inaccurate or unnatural and sometimes make the meaning difficult to follow. For example, “seven numerous ways” does not describe the stages, “Most considerable of all” is not a natural way to introduce the overview, and “rain falls situation” is an awkward phrase. Spelling errors such as “fron,” “risi,” and “continuty” also reduce clarity. Aim for precise process vocabulary and natural collocations, such as “seven stages,” “the most important feature,” and “precipitation occurs.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including a time clause in “when it goes up” and a sequence clause beginning “After moist air rises and cools.” However, control is inconsistent, and errors frequently affect clarity. Examples include “there is two sides,” where the verb does not agree with the plural subject, and “the rain falls situation is comes,” which combines incompatible verb forms. In “that converted into clouds form,” the clause lacks a clear subject and has an incorrect verb pattern. The response also shifts between present and future forms, as in “it will turn rain-shadow desert,” although the diagram describes a general process. Practise accurate present-simple descriptions and build sentences with clear subjects and verbs before adding longer clauses.

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

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