Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-12

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 given figure depicts the process of formation of the rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process consists of seven basic steps, ranging from moist coastal winds approaching the shoreline to dry wind erosion in the desert.

Initially, the moist air approaches the coast from the sea, and the force of the wind moves the moist air upward. The moist air reaches the mountain due to the force of the blowing wind. In the third step, the moist air cools down as it moves upward. As the air cools down, the condensation process occurs and clouds are formed. Consequently, rain falls from the clouds on the mountain.

In the next step, the dry wind moves over the mountain towards the inland area. As most of the moist is consumed in the condensation and rain process. Consequently, the wind becomes dry, and that wind descends on the leeward side of the mountain towards the inland area. Finally, due to the lack of rainfall, the rain-shadow is formed.

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 sequence from moist air movement to the creation of the rain-shadow. However, the report could be improved by making more explicit comparisons between the windward and leeward sides of the mountain, rather than just describing the steps sequentially. While you mention the 'leeward side', highlighting the contrast in precipitation levels between the two sides would have provided a more comprehensive summary of the diagram's information. Overall, the task is addressed well, and the key stages are accurately reported.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction and a step-by-step progression that follows the diagram effectively. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'In the third step', 'Consequently', and 'Finally' helps guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used, although the second paragraph is quite long and could have been split to improve readability. The referencing is generally clear, though the transition between the condensation process and the movement of dry air could be slightly smoother to avoid repetitive sentence structures.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'moist coastal winds', 'condensation', 'leeward side', and 'wind erosion'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'most of the moist is consumed', where 'moisture' would be the correct noun form. Additionally, the phrase 'force of the blowing wind' is slightly repetitive. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise scientific collocations or varied synonyms to describe the movement of air and the atmospheric changes occurring throughout the process.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free and easy to follow. There are a few minor grammatical slips, such as the sentence fragment 'As most of the moist is consumed in the condensation and rain process', which lacks a main clause. Punctuation is generally accurate, and the meaning is never obscured by errors. To improve, focus on ensuring that all subordinate clauses are attached to a main clause to maintain grammatical completeness.

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