Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-08

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 the cycle for the formation of a special type of desert named a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the formation of a rain-shadow desert consists of seven stages. The process begins with the movement of winds from the sea towards the coast and ends at the formation of a desert.

In the initial stage, winds move from sea to coast. The hot winds encounter the mountains in front of them and are driven in an upwards direction. The moist hot air rises and cools down. Next, at the windward side, the wind creates the establishment of clouds. Then, these clouds pave the way for the rain to fall on the slope of the mountains.

Furthermore, the dry air continues to move from the top of the mountain to the other side of the mountain. On the other side, dry air reaches the leeward side, which is opposite to the windward side. From there, winds reach the inland areas, which are thousands of kilometers from the coast. Finally, on reaching the inland areas, winds then result in the 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 clearly outlined the movement of air from the sea, the interaction with mountains, and the resulting climatic conditions on both the windward and leeward sides. The overview is clear and provides a logical summary of the process. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the contrast between the 'moist' windward side and the 'dry' leeward side more effectively, as this is the core mechanism of the rain-shadow effect. The description is accurate and covers all key features shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a logical progression of ideas. You use cohesive devices such as 'In the initial stage', 'Next', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the process. The paragraphing is appropriate, separating the initial stages from the final outcome. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that the connection between the cooling air and the resulting precipitation is more tightly integrated within the sentences.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, using terms like 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'moist hot air'. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive, particularly the frequent use of 'winds' and 'mountains'. To achieve a higher score, incorporate more precise scientific or descriptive terminology, such as 'precipitation', 'orographic lift', or 'arid conditions'. While your word choice is generally accurate and does not impede communication, it lacks the sophistication and variety required for the higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and errors are rare and do not hinder understanding. For example, 'The moist hot air rises and cools down' is a clear, simple sentence. You have attempted some complex structures, such as 'On reaching the inland areas, winds then result in the rain-shadow desert'. To improve, try to incorporate more varied complex sentence forms, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'the air is forced upwards') to better suit the formal, objective tone of a process description.

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