Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-06

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 rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, what stands out from the image is that the process involves seven main stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas and creating a rain-shadow desert.

Looking at the details, beginning with winds approach the coast from the sea and are pushed upwards by the mountains. Moreover, as the moist air rises along the windward side, it cools and clouds form. Subsequently, rain falls on this side of the mountain.

Delving deeper into the details, after losing much of its moisture, the dry air continues over the mountain and descends on the leeward side. Finally, the dry winds travel further inland, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert. This process occurs over thousands of kilometers. The windward side receive rainfall, while the leeward side remains much drier. Therefore, the lack of moisture in the inland areas leads to the formation of rain-shadow desert

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of events from the coast to the inland area. The comparison between the windward and leeward sides is well-integrated. To reach a higher band, ensure that you avoid minor grammatical slips that slightly affect the clarity of the process description, such as the subject-verb agreement error in 'The windward side receive rainfall'. Overall, the task is addressed well with a logical flow of information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. You have used a variety of cohesive devices such as 'subsequently', 'after', and 'moreover' to link ideas effectively. The progression of the process is easy to follow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial stages from the later developments. The referencing is generally clear, and the flow of information is smooth throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'inland areas'. The vocabulary is appropriate for the task and demonstrates a good level of precision. While the range is adequate, incorporating more sophisticated collocations or topic-specific terminology could elevate the score further. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You have demonstrated a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the majority of your sentences are clear, there are a few grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'beginning with winds approach' (should be 'beginning with winds approaching') and 'The windward side receive' (should be 'receives'). These errors are minor and do not impede the reader's understanding. To improve, focus on ensuring consistent subject-verb agreement and correct verb forms after introductory phrases.

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

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