Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-20

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 diagram illustrates all the steps involved in the forming of rain-shadow deserts. Their are 7 main steps involved in this procedure.

Overall, its all about the wind which travels to the top of the mountain, where moist wind converts into clouds and the remaining dry air travel downwards from the mountain towards inland areas forming a desert.

Initially, the wind approaches the coast from where it is pushed upwards due to the slope of the mountain. Afterwards, the wind travels in upward direction of the mountain and after covering some distance the moist air rises high and cools down. On the other hand, the dry air remain relatively lower. In the next step, the cool moist air converts to clouds at an area known as windward side. Next, these clouds are pushed further up towards the peak where they become more heavy and rain falls.

At the peak, when rain falls the dry air is pushed down from the mountain. This air passes through leeward side and moves further below. Finally, it reaches the inland areas which cause the formation of deserts known as rain-shadow deserts in these areas. This whole process takes place in a area covering thousands of kilometres.

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 initial wind movement to the final inland desert creation. You have successfully identified the main features and provided a clear overview. However, the description of the process is slightly repetitive in places, such as the mention of 'dry air' and 'wind' movement. To reach a higher band, ensure that the distinction between the windward and leeward sides is more precisely linked to the specific meteorological changes described in the diagram. Overall, the information is accurate and the summary is well-structured, meeting the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a summary paragraph, and a chronological description of the process. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Afterwards', 'On the other hand', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed steps. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. Improving the variety of linking phrases would enhance the overall cohesion of the response, but the current structure is clear and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'moist wind', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'inland areas'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies and repetitive word choices, such as 'forming' and 'formation' used in close proximity, and the phrase 'its all about' is too informal for an Academic Task 1 report. To improve, try to incorporate more precise scientific or descriptive terminology related to geographical processes. While the current vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for higher band scores.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'Their are 7 main steps' (should be 'There are'), 'dry air remain' (should be 'remains'), and 'in a area' (should be 'in an area'). These errors are frequent enough to be noticeable but do not impede communication. You have attempted to use complex sentences, but the control over subject-verb agreement and articles needs improvement. Focusing on proofreading for these basic errors will help you achieve a higher score, as the current level of accuracy is consistent with a band 6 performance.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.