Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-10

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 illustration depicts the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the whole desert creation process revolves around a mountain that separates the sea and the inland area by thousands of kilometres. This natural phenomenon starts with the winds approaching the coastal area and passing through several stages and eventually changing to dry winds.

The winds blow towards the coastal area of the sea flowing towards the peak of the mountain while turning moist due to low temperature. The next steps include the moist air condensing and forming into clouds near the windward side. These new clouds eventually travel to the tip of the mountain and on the fifth step the rain starts falling.

The last two steps include the dry air continuing from the leeward side of the mountain and reaching the inland area respectively. The final step is when the drier wind reaches the inland area creating a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the diagram, covering the process from the sea to the inland area. You have clearly outlined the stages of the rain-shadow effect. However, the description is somewhat mechanical, as it follows the steps of the diagram too rigidly rather than synthesizing the information into a more cohesive overview. To reach a higher band, ensure you highlight the contrast between the 'windward' side (moist/rainy) and the 'leeward' side (dry/desert) more explicitly, as this is the core of the 'rain-shadow' concept. The overview is present but could be more analytical regarding the climatic shift.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The progression of ideas follows the sequence of the diagram effectively. You use basic cohesive devices such as 'The next steps', 'These new clouds', and 'The last two steps' to guide the reader. While the structure is clear, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat repetitive and mechanical. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and use more sophisticated transitions to connect the stages of the process, which would help the flow feel more natural and less like a list of steps.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'natural phenomenon', 'condensing', 'windward', and 'leeward' correctly. This shows a good grasp of the subject-specific terminology required for this type of task. However, there are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'tip of the mountain' (peak or summit would be more precise) and 'turning moist' (becoming saturated or humid is more accurate). The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but it lacks the sophistication and precision that would characterize a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and easy to follow, and the grammar is generally accurate. There are a few minor errors, such as 'the sea flowing towards the peak' which is slightly awkward, and the phrasing 'reaching the inland area respectively' is used incorrectly here as 'respectively' requires two distinct sets of items. Despite these minor slips, your control of grammar is good, and the errors do not impede communication. To improve, focus on refining complex sentence structures to ensure they are used with complete accuracy.

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

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