Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-07-31

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 6.5)

The diagram illustrates how rain-shadow deserts are formed.

Overall, the process involves 7 steps, starting on the sea and travelling thousands of kilimeters on mountains and ending on the inland where the rain-shadow deserts are formed.

This whole process starts on the sea, as the winds approach the coast it is then pushed upward towards mountain top. As the wind climbs, moist air rises and cools. This side of mountain is called Windward side. Furthermore, clouds are formed near the mountains peak and as they travel to the top of the mountain the clouds start raining.

After the rain at the peak, dry air continues over the mountain towars the bottom, and this side of mountain is called Leeward side. Finally, dry winds travel towards the bottom and reach inland areas and form rain-shadow desert. In this whole process the winds travel thousdands of kilometers from starting from the sea to inlands.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all key stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process, from the sea to the inland area. You have correctly identified the windward and leeward sides and the role of moisture and cooling. However, the overview is slightly repetitive, and the description of the process could be more analytical by focusing on the relationship between altitude and precipitation. While you mention the '7 steps', the diagram is better described as a continuous cycle or flow. To reach a higher band, ensure that the main features are highlighted more clearly in the introduction and that the progression of the process is described with more precision regarding the physical changes in the air mass.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, a body paragraph, and a concluding summary. You use some cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'After', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the stages. However, the paragraphing is somewhat unbalanced, as the second paragraph is quite long and contains multiple distinct stages. The flow between sentences is generally clear, but some transitions feel a bit mechanical. To improve, try to vary your linking words and ensure that each paragraph has a clear thematic focus, perhaps separating the windward process from the leeward process to improve the overall structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

Your vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the process clearly. You use relevant technical terms such as 'moist air', 'windward side', and 'leeward side'. However, there are some spelling errors ('kilimeters', 'towars', 'thousdands') and minor word choice issues. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited and relies on basic descriptors. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to geography or meteorology, such as 'condensation', 'precipitation', 'arid', or 'topography', and ensure careful proofreading to eliminate simple spelling mistakes that detract from the professional tone of your report.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'starting on the sea and travelling... on mountains' (preposition usage) and 'as the winds approach... it is then pushed' (subject-verb agreement). There are also some punctuation errors and missing articles. While these errors do not prevent the reader from understanding the process, they occur frequently enough to limit the score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions to improve the accuracy of your complex sentences.

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