Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-04

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 depicts the natural lifecycle of formation of rain-shadow desert outlining the various stages from winds arrival at the coast to the reaching of the dry winds across inland areas.

Overall, it is clear that this is a linear, multi-stage natural process driven by atmospheric conditions and topology.

The initial stage commences when wind is exposed to the coast from over the sea, causing it to form a moist wind and then it is pushed upward upon encountering a coastal mountain. Later, the moist air cools down after approaching at a certain height. Consequently, condensation occurs and it results in cloud formation and followed by rain-falls that hydrates the coastal area.

Conversely, once the air mass crosses the peak of the mountain range, it has lost most of its moisture. This dry air continues over the mountain top and descend down the leeward side. Afterwards, the dry winds reach inland areas and that is how over time, this lack of rainfall creates an environment known as a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly outlined the progression from the arrival of moist air at the coast to the eventual formation of the desert on the leeward side. The overview is concise and effectively captures the essence of the diagram. All key stages—moisture intake, orographic lift, condensation/precipitation, and the subsequent dry air descent—are covered. To reach a higher band, ensure that the comparison between the windward and leeward sides is even more explicit, perhaps by contrasting the moisture levels more directly in the final paragraph.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological flow of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'consequently', 'conversely', and 'afterwards' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is appropriate, separating the initial moist phase from the dry phase. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. To improve, ensure that referencing is always precise; for example, 'that is how' is slightly informal and could be replaced with a more formal cohesive link to improve the flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'atmospheric conditions', 'topology', 'condensation', and 'leeward side'. These terms demonstrate a good grasp of the subject matter. There are some minor awkward phrasings, such as 'wind is exposed to the coast' (which is slightly unnatural) and 'rain-falls' (which should be 'rainfall'). While the vocabulary is sufficient for the task, incorporating more precise collocations would elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical range is adequate to convey the information clearly without any significant impediment to meaning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response displays a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used some complex constructions effectively, such as 'once the air mass crosses the peak... it has lost most of its moisture.' However, there are a few grammatical slips, such as 'wind is exposed to the coast from over the sea' and 'it results in cloud formation and followed by rain-falls'. The use of 'and' in 'and that is how' is slightly repetitive. Despite these minor errors, the meaning remains clear throughout, and the grammatical control is generally strong enough to support the communication of the process.

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

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