Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-11-03

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 that how a type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, it can be clearly seen that the process diagram consists of several stages, beginning with winds approach coast and then the winds is pushed upwards, followed by rain falls, while ends with dry winds reach inland arears. it is a natural process which inlcludes total seven stages.

Initially, the wind from above the sea approach coast, then the wind is pushed upwards, followed by moist air rises and cools when reach windward side. In the next stage clouds form, followed by rain falls above the mountains.

Subsequently, dy air cuntinues over mountain and reach Leeward side, then it slightly comes down from the top of the mountain. Finally, the dry winds reach inland areas to the rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the diagram as a natural process and report its main sequence, including winds moving inland, air rising and cooling, cloud formation, rainfall, and the eventual desert. This shows relevant understanding, but the overview is largely a list of stages rather than a clear summary of the key cause-and-effect pattern: moist air loses its water on the windward side, leaving dry air to descend and continue across the leeward side. The final stage is also imprecise in “reach inland areas to the rain-shadow desert.” The response is 126 words, below the 150-word minimum; the 11 words copied from the prompt are excluded. Develop the overview and explain the transition from rainfall to dry conditions more fully.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, an overview, and two paragraphs describing the stages. Sequencing expressions such as “Initially,” “In the next stage,” “Subsequently,” and “Finally” help the reader follow the process. However, the progression is sometimes mechanical, with repeated “followed by” constructions, and the overview repeats details that are then given again. Some links between stages are unclear, particularly “then it slightly comes down from the top of the mountain,” which does not clearly connect the dry air to the inland desert. Organise the stages into a more continuous explanation, using cause-and-effect links as well as time markers, and make each paragraph contribute distinct information.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “windward side,” “clouds,” “rain,” “dry winds,” and “rain-shadow desert,” so the topic is generally clear. However, the range is limited and several phrases are imprecise or awkward, such as “winds approach coast,” “reach Leeward side,” and “to the rain-shadow desert.” Spelling errors—including “arears,” “inlcludes,” “dy,” and “cuntinues”—also make the writing less controlled. Aim for accurate collocations and consistent use of the diagram’s terms; for example, describe air as “crossing the mountain” and winds as “reaching inland areas.” Proofreading spelling and choosing more precise process verbs would make the account clearer and more natural.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, but control is uneven, and errors occur frequently enough to affect clarity. The opening phrase “illustrates that how” uses an incorrect clause pattern, while “winds approach coast” and “the winds is pushed upwards” show missing articles and subject–verb agreement problems. In “followed by moist air rises and cools when reach windward side,” the verb forms and clause structure are faulty. The overview also shifts into a lower-case sentence after a full stop. Practise forming complete clauses with consistent present-simple verbs for process descriptions, and check agreement, articles, and punctuation. Shorter, accurate sentences would help you express the sequence before attempting more complex links.

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

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