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 the sea to the coast. The warm winds encounter the mountains in front of them and are forced in an upwards direction. The moist air rises and cools down. Next, at the windward side, the wind creates the establishment of clouds. Then, these clouds result in the rain falling 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 wind 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, this dry air eventually results in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the process, covering the movement of air, the cooling effect, cloud formation, precipitation, and the final creation of the rain-shadow desert. The overview is clear and highlights the key stages effectively. The information is accurately reported, and the comparison between the windward and leeward sides is well-handled. The response is well-structured and covers all parts of the task without any significant omissions. To reach a higher band, the student could focus on more precise technical terminology to describe the meteorological phenomena, such as 'orographic lift' or 'adiabatic cooling', which would demonstrate a deeper understanding of the process shown in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological progression of the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In the initial stage', 'Next', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally' is effective and helps guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different phases of the formation. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions could be more sophisticated to avoid a slightly mechanical feel. Overall, the information is presented in a coherent manner with a clear progression throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with clear and accurate descriptions of the process. The student uses relevant terms like 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'moist air'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on simpler phrasing, such as 'the formation of a desert' or 'winds move'. To improve, the student should incorporate more precise academic vocabulary to describe the movement and transformation of air masses. While the current vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the sophistication and variety required for a higher band score.

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 the punctuation is generally accurate. There are no major grammatical errors that impede communication. The student uses a variety of structures, such as 'The moist air rises and cools down' and 'On the other side, dry wind reaches the leeward side, which is opposite to the windward side'. To achieve a higher score, the student could experiment with more complex sentence forms, such as using passive voice or participial phrases to describe the process more concisely and formally.

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

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