Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-06

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 the eight-step process through which a rain-shadow desert, a type of desert, is formed.

Overall, the formation of a rain-shadow desert begins when moist winds from the sea reach the windward side of a mountain. As the air rises, it cools and produces rainfall, while the dry air that descends on the leeward side eventually forms a rain-shadow desert.

The first stage of the process occurs when winds from the sea approach the coast and are forced upwards by the mountains. As the moist air rises, it cools on the windward side, leading to the formation of clouds. Eventually, the clouds produce rainfall when they reach the top of the mountains.

Afterwards, the remaining dry air passes over the mountain and descends on the leeward side. It then continues to move inland, where little or no rainfall occurs. As a result, a rain-shadow desert is gradually formed thousands of kilometers away from the coast.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of events logically from the moist sea winds to the final arid conditions on the leeward side. The information is accurate and covers all stages depicted in the diagram. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more specific descriptive details, such as mentioning the elevation of the mountain or the contrast in vegetation or moisture levels between the two sides, which would further demonstrate your ability to select and report key features effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, a summary overview, and a logical progression of steps. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial conditions from the subsequent stages of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'As the air rises', 'Afterwards', and 'As a result' are used effectively to guide the reader through the sequence. The flow of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the windward and leeward sides is clearly established. The structure is coherent throughout, making the information easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'windward', 'leeward', 'moist', and 'arid'. The language is precise and appropriate for a scientific or technical description. While the vocabulary is accurate, it is somewhat functional. To achieve a higher score, you could integrate more sophisticated collocations or varied terminology to describe the atmospheric changes, such as 'precipitate', 'moisture-laden', or 'orographic lift'. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task and demonstrates good control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writing displays a good command of complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('As the air rises, it cools...') and passive voice constructions ('is formed', 'are forced'). The grammar is highly accurate, with no significant errors that impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The majority of your sentences are error-free, which is a hallmark of a high-scoring response. You have demonstrated a flexible control over your grammatical choices, effectively combining simple and complex forms to explain the process clearly.

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

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