Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-27

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 a rain-shadow desert if formed, showing the movement of moist air from coast over a mountain range and the subsequent development of dry conditions inland.

Overall, the process involves seven stages, moist air from the sea is pushed upwards towards windward side forming clouds and rainfall. As the air crosses the mountain the air become increasingly dry and passes towards inland in leeward side.

Initially, the moist wind from coast of the sea approaches towards upward where moist air rises and cools in windward side. At the top of the mountain clouds are formed and above, at the peak rainfall occurs.

However, after crossing the mountain peak, the air descends on the leeward side and becomes dry. This dry air continues to move over the mountain range before reaching the inland area. Consequently, the inland region receives very little rainfall and develops into a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have successfully identified the main features of the process, covering the movement of air from the coast, the windward side, the peak, and the leeward side. The overview is clear and sets the stage for the description. To reach a higher band, ensure you explicitly mention the specific labels or stages if they are provided in the diagram, and try to synthesize the information more fluidly rather than listing the steps sequentially. You have clearly explained the cause-and-effect relationship between the mountain range and the formation of the desert, which is the core requirement of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, moving from the general process to the specific stages of the windward and leeward sides. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction, the initial stages, and the final outcome. You use cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'However', and 'Consequently' to guide the reader. To improve, ensure that referencing is precise; for example, in the second paragraph, 'the air' is used repeatedly, which can feel slightly repetitive. Using synonyms or relative clauses would improve the flow between sentences.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'windward', 'leeward', 'moist air', and 'rain-shadow'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'approaches towards upward' and 'passes towards inland'. These do not impede communication, but they do limit the precision of your writing. To achieve a higher score, focus on using more natural collocations and avoiding redundant prepositions. Your vocabulary is sufficient to describe the process clearly, but lacks the sophistication of a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'if formed' instead of 'is formed', 'air become' instead of 'air becomes', and 'coast of the sea' which is slightly unnatural. While these errors are noticeable, they do not prevent the reader from understanding the process. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Increasing the variety of complex structures, such as using passive voice more consistently for process descriptions, would also be beneficial.

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

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