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 move 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 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 they form 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 arid regions.

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 provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of events from the sea to the inland desert. However, the description of the 'leeward side' and the mountain interaction could be more precise. While you mention the distance, you could have integrated the comparative aspect of the windward versus leeward sides more effectively to highlight the contrast in moisture levels. Overall, the response covers the requirements well, but could benefit from more detailed analysis of the physical changes occurring at each stage.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. You use cohesive devices such as 'In the first stage', 'Following this', and 'In the subsequent stage' to guide the reader through the process. The progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial stages from the later ones. To reach a higher band, ensure that the transition between the mountain phase and the final arid region is more fluid, perhaps by using more sophisticated linking phrases rather than simple sequential markers.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'precipitation', 'arid regions', and 'transformation'. However, some word choices are slightly repetitive or basic, such as 'form' and 'stage'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise scientific or descriptive vocabulary related to geography and meteorology. For instance, instead of 'form clouds', you could use 'condense into clouds'. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, but lacks the flexibility and sophistication required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and errors are rare and do not impede communication. You have used passive voice effectively in places, such as 'the leeward side is formed'. To achieve a higher score, you should aim for a greater variety of complex structures, such as using more subordinate clauses or participle phrases to describe the process. For example, instead of 'Dry air continues over the mountain', you could write 'Having passed over the mountain, the now-dry air continues inland'.

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