Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-05

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 pictorial graph illustrates the process of rain-shadow deserts production. Overall, the process consists of 7 steps; the starting point is wind approaching from the sea, and the end point is dry wind reaching the inland areas. Moreover, the interesting part is that both of these steps occur thousands of kilometres away from each other.

The first four steps can be categorised as cloud formation steps. It starts with wind approaching from the coast and being forced in an upward direction of the mountain. After reaching some altitude, the moist wind rises and cools on the windward side, resulting in cloud formation near the top of the mountain.

In the remaining steps, once the clouds are formed, rainfall occurs, removing the moisture from the wind, and causing the dry wind to continue to flow over the leeward side of the mountain. Finally, the dry wind follows downwards and reaches the inland areas, forming rain-shadow deserts.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the process effectively. You have clearly identified the progression from moist air movement to cloud formation and the subsequent rain-shadow effect. The overview is clear and highlights the key features of the diagram. However, the response could be improved by providing more specific detail regarding the geographical features mentioned in the diagram, such as the specific names of the sides (windward vs leeward) or the altitude changes. While the summary is accurate, it remains somewhat superficial in its description of the physical mechanisms involved in the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction and a progression that follows the steps of the diagram. The use of paragraphing is appropriate, separating the initial overview from the detailed process. Cohesive devices such as 'The first four steps', 'In the remaining steps', and 'Finally' are used effectively to guide the reader through the sequence. However, the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs could be smoother, and some of the linking phrases feel slightly mechanical. Overall, the information is presented in a coherent manner that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'approaching', 'altitude', 'moisture', and 'leeward'. The terminology is generally accurate and fits the context well. There are no significant spelling errors. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more precise scientific collocations related to meteorology, such as 'saturated air', 'precipitation', or 'orographic lift'. The current vocabulary is sufficient for the task but lacks the sophistication and variety required for the highest band scores.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free and clear. There are minor issues, such as 'rain-shadow deserts production' which is slightly awkward; 'the formation of rain-shadow deserts' would be more natural. Additionally, 'forced in an upward direction of the mountain' could be improved to 'forced upward over the mountain'. Despite these minor inaccuracies, the grammar does not impede communication, and the control is generally consistent throughout the text.

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

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