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 process for the formation of a special type of desert known as 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 with 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 rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly outlined the progression from the initial wind movement to the final desert formation. The overview is concise and effectively captures the essence of the diagram. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the specific geographical features shown, such as the 'windward' and 'leeward' sides, more dynamically. While you have covered the stages well, adding a bit more detail regarding the temperature or moisture changes at each specific elevation would further enhance the development of your response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a summary paragraph, and two body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. You have used a variety of cohesive devices such as 'In the initial stage', 'Next', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the stages. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. To improve, ensure that the transition between the windward and leeward sides is more seamless, perhaps by using more sophisticated linking phrases to connect the two distinct sides of the mountain.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'windward', 'leeward', 'moist air', and 'inland areas'. The language is generally accurate and appropriate for a technical description. However, there is some repetition of basic verbs like 'move' and 'reach'. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary to describe the movement of air and the physical changes occurring, such as 'ascend', 'precipitate', or 'arid'. The current vocabulary is adequate but lacks the sophistication required for the highest bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good control of sentence structures, utilizing both simple and complex sentences effectively. Most of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally correct. There are no major grammatical errors that impede communication. To improve, you could experiment with more complex sentence structures, such as using participle clauses (e.g., 'Rising over the mountain, the air cools down...') to vary your sentence rhythm and demonstrate a higher level of grammatical flexibility. Overall, the accuracy is quite strong throughout the text.

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