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 diagram illustrates how a type of desert known as a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, the process consists of seven stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with the formation of a rain-shadow desert in inland areas. The windward and leeward sides of the mountains play an important role in this process, as moist air produces rain on the windward side before dry air reaches the inland areas.

First, winds from the sea approach the coast and are pushed upwards along the windward side of the mountains. As the moist air rises, it cools and clouds form. The clouds then produce rainfall on the mountain.

After the rain falls, the air becomes dry and continues over the mountain towards the leeward side. It then moves down the other side of the mountain as dry wind. Finally, these dry winds reach the inland areas, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively covers the requirements of the task by summarizing the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have successfully identified the key stages, from the initial moisture-laden winds to the final arid conditions on the leeward side. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the process. To reach a higher band, you could provide more detail regarding the specific atmospheric changes or the physical interaction between the air and the mountain slope, as the current description is somewhat brief. However, all parts of the prompt are addressed, and the main features are clearly highlighted.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression from the beginning of the process to the end. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction, the overview, and the sequential steps of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'After', and 'Finally' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the stages. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow. To improve further, you could incorporate a wider variety of linking phrases or transition signals to connect the sentences more fluidly, rather than relying on simple temporal markers.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately, including terms like 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'arid'. The language is precise and appropriate for a scientific process description. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it lacks a degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would elevate the response to a higher band. To improve, try to incorporate more descriptive or technical terminology related to meteorological processes, such as 'precipitation', 'condensation', or 'desiccated'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'As the moist air rises, it cools and clouds form.' The punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free. To achieve a higher score, you could experiment with more complex sentence structures, such as using passive voice to describe the process (e.g., 'The air is forced upwards...') or incorporating more varied subordinate clauses to demonstrate greater flexibility.

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

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