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)

This illustration depicts the creation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, this natural phenomenon occurs around a mountain that separates the sea and the inland area by thousands of kilometres. This whole process is about winds approaching the coastal area and moving towards the summit and eventually turning into drier winds forming the desert.

Firstly, this whole formation begins when the wind from the sea approaches the coastal area and travels towards the mountain. As the wind moves upward the temperature decreases; consequently, the air condenses and forms into clouds near the windward side. Moreover, these clouds eventually cause rainfall on the peak of the mountain.

Furthermore, the wind that does not turn into clouds comes toward the leeward side as arid air. This humid air lost all the moisture due to the rainfall and eventually moves downwards opposite of the sea. This dry air in the inland results in the creation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly outlined the movement of air from the sea, the condensation on the windward side, and the resulting arid conditions on the leeward side. The overview is concise and effectively summarizes the process. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the key labels provided in the diagram, such as 'prevailing winds' or 'mountain range', to demonstrate a more comprehensive engagement with the visual data. Overall, the information is accurate and well-selected.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore' helps to guide the reader through the stages of the process. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different phases of the formation. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary the linking phrases and ensure that the connection between the cooling air and the resulting precipitation is more fluidly integrated into the narrative flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, using terms like 'phenomenon', 'condensation', 'windward', and 'leeward'. These terms are used accurately and contribute to the clarity of the explanation. There is a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey the information with precision. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or synonyms to avoid repeating words like 'wind' and 'air' too frequently. Overall, the lexical control is solid and supports the task requirements well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'As the wind moves upward the temperature decreases; consequently, the air condenses'. Most sentences are error-free, and the grammar is generally accurate. There are minor issues, such as 'moves downwards opposite of the sea', which could be phrased more naturally as 'moves downwards on the side opposite the sea'. The punctuation is generally correct, and the grammatical control is sufficient to ensure that the meaning is never obscured. Continued practice with complex sentence variety will further strengthen this area.

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

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