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 stages involved in the natural process of the formulation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process consists of seven main stages, starting with the winds approaching the coast from the sea and terminating in the dry winds reaching the inland areas and forming the rain shadow desert.

In the first stage, winds approach the coast from the sea and then are moving in an upward direction. As a result of this, moist air rises and cools to form clouds. Following this, the clouds undergo a transformation and grow into the precipitation over a period of time.

In the subsequent stage, the leeward side is formed as rain falls from the clouds onto the mountains. Dry air continues over the mountain. Once this phase is completed then winds reach the inland areas and in these areas it forms a rain shadow desert. In addition, the total distance from the coast to the rain shadow is estimated to be thousands of kilometers. Ultimately this lack of rainfall forms the rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of events from the sea to the inland area. However, the description of the process is somewhat mechanical and lacks a deeper analysis of the relationship between the stages, such as the specific impact of the mountain barrier on air moisture. While you mention the distance, you could have integrated this more naturally into the process description. Overall, the response covers all parts of the task well and provides a clear summary of the provided diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. You use cohesive devices such as 'In the first stage', 'Following this', and 'In the subsequent stage' to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly repetitive or mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. To reach a higher band, ensure that cohesive devices are used more flexibly rather than relying on a standard list-like structure for each step.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'formulation', 'precipitation', 'leeward side', and 'transformation'. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the context, it is somewhat limited in variety. There is a reliance on basic verbs such as 'approach', 'form', and 'reach'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary to describe the movement of air and the geographical features, such as 'ascend', 'condense', or 'arid'. The spelling is accurate throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some minor grammatical issues, such as 'are moving in an upward direction' (which would be better as 'move upwards') and 'it forms a rain shadow desert' (where 'it' lacks a clear singular antecedent). Despite these minor errors, the meaning is always clear, and the punctuation is generally correct. You have attempted some complex structures, but further variety in sentence construction would help demonstrate greater control and flexibility.

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

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