Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 process by which rain shadow deserts are created through grographical and meteolocal interaction.

overall, the information of a rain-shadow desert is a sequential process heavily infulenced by mountain topography. it is characterized by moist condition on the side facing the sea, contrasting sharply with dry, arid condition on inland side.

the process begins over the sea, where winds approach the coast and are subsequently pushed upward as they encounter a mountail range. as the moist air raises along the windward side of the mountains, it cools down. this cooling effect causes clouds to form, ultimately leading to precipitation, woth rain falling predominantly on this coastal slope.

once the moisture is depletd, the sequence transition to the other side of the mountain. the remaing dry air continues to move over the peak. as the dry winds carry no moisture, they create an arid environment, culminating in the formation of a rain-shadow desert far from the coast

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 impact of the mountain range, and the resulting contrast between the windward and leeward sides. The overview is effective, and the key stages are logically presented. To reach a higher band, ensure that you consistently use formal, academic language and avoid minor spelling errors that can distract from the clarity of the technical explanation. Overall, you have addressed all parts of the prompt well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is well-organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that follow the chronological sequence of the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'subsequently', 'as', 'once', and 'ultimately' helps guide the reader through the stages of the diagram. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different phases of the process. The flow of information is logical and easy to follow, demonstrating a clear progression throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, using terms like 'topography', 'windward', 'precipitation', and 'arid'. However, there are several spelling errors, such as 'grographical', 'meteolocal', 'infulenced', 'mountail', 'woth', and 'depletd'. These errors are frequent enough to prevent a higher score in this criterion. While the vocabulary is appropriate for the task, more attention to proofreading is necessary to ensure that the lexical range is presented accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'as the moist air raises along the windward side of the mountains, it cools down.' There are some grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'the information of a rain-shadow desert' (should be 'formation') and 'moist air raises' (should be 'rises'). Despite these errors, the meaning is never obscured, and the sentence structures are generally controlled. To improve, focus on the distinction between transitive and intransitive verbs and ensure consistent subject-verb agreement.

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

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