Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-31

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 process diagram illustrates the sequence of steps involved in the formation of rain-shadow deserts.

Overall, this is a natural linear process that consists of seven stages. It starts with winds approaching from the coast and ends with dry winds reaching inland areas and building a rain shadow desert.

In the initial stage of the process, winds carrying moisture approach the coast over the sea; after that, winds are pushed upwards next to the mountain. The mountains have two sides: one is the windward side and the other is the leeward slope of a mountain range. Before the clouds form, moist air increases and cools over the windward area. And then the rain falls down from clouds. In contrast, from the top of the hill, dry air nonstop blows over the mountains and descends the leeward slope. Subsequently, the dry winds reach inland areas and finally construct rain-shadow deserts. If compared, this formation of rain-shadow desert and coast area is located thousands of kilometers apart.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the process. You have clearly outlined the stages from the moisture-laden winds at the coast to the formation of the rain-shadow desert. The overview is effective, and the comparison between the windward and leeward sides is well-handled. However, the final sentence regarding the distance of thousands of kilometers is not supported by the provided diagram, which is a minor issue in terms of accuracy. To reach a higher band, ensure all information reported is strictly derived from the visual data provided rather than external assumptions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraph. The progression of ideas is easy to follow, and you have used cohesive devices such as 'In the initial stage', 'after that', and 'In contrast' to link the steps of the process. Paragraphing is appropriate for a short report. To improve, try to vary your cohesive devices further to avoid slightly mechanical transitions, and ensure that the connection between the sentences flows more naturally rather than feeling like a list of steps.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'moisture', 'windward', 'leeward', and 'inland'. The vocabulary is generally accurate and appropriate for the task. There are some minor issues with collocation, such as 'dry air nonstop blows', which sounds unnatural. Using more precise adverbs or verb phrases would enhance the sophistication of your writing. Overall, the vocabulary is adequate to convey the meaning clearly, but lacks the flexibility and precision required for the higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While most sentences are clear, there are some grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'If compared, this formation of rain-shadow desert and coast area is located', which is slightly awkward in its construction. Additionally, 'the rain falls down from clouds' is a bit simplistic. You have good control over basic grammar, but to achieve a higher score, you should aim to incorporate a wider variety of complex structures with greater accuracy and fewer minor errors.

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

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