Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-13

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 visualisation below demonstrates the progressive formation of a unique type of desert known as a rain shadow, which runs along the length of a mountain range that is thousands of kilometres long.

Overall, it is a linear process comprising seven ongoing steps, commencing from the rise of winds over the ocean, forming clouds, and terminating upon reaching inland territories with the formation of a rain shadow desert.

The process begins with winds moving along the ocean coast, which are then forced in an upward direction, causing the rising and cooling of humid air. As a result, clouds are established, and the process of condensation occurs in the fourth step, followed by the precipitation process. It is noted that these steps occur along the windward side.

Moving ahead, after the rainfall has finished, the air, left with no moisture, moves over the mountain to the leeward side. In the final stage, the wind, now containing no water as rainfall has previously occurred, heads towards its destination, which is the inland regions, thus forming a rain shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully addresses the main requirements of Academic Task 1 by providing an overview of the diagram illustrating the formation of a rain-shadow desert. The student correctly identifies the linear nature of the process and highlights key stages such as the rise of winds, condensation, precipitation on the windward side, and the subsequent dry air moving to the leeward side to form the desert. However, the report misses some specific labelling details from the source diagram, such as the exact terminology of 'windward' and 'leeward' being introduced late, and the progression could be slightly more analytical in comparing the differences between the two sides of the mountain range. Nonetheless, all key features are covered well, earning a solid band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The text demonstrates a clear overall progression and logical arrangement of ideas, moving sequentially from the start of the process to the final stage. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and body details. Cohesive devices such as 'The process begins with', 'Moving ahead', and 'In the final stage' guide the reader smoothly through the explanation. Referencing is generally clear, though some transitional phrases feel slightly mechanical or formulaic, such as 'Moving ahead, after the rainfall has finished'. Overall, the logical flow is well maintained, satisfying the criteria for a band 7.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a scientific process, including terms like 'visualisation', 'condensation', 'precipitation', and 'moisture'. There are successful attempts at less common lexical items such as 'commencing', 'progressive formation', and 'territories'. However, there are minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'clouds are established' instead of 'clouds form' or 'clouds develop', and 'the wind, now containing no water as rainfall has previously occurred'. Despite these slight awkwardnesses, the vocabulary is sufficient for precision and does not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over relative clauses and participial phrases, such as 'winds moving along the ocean coast, which are then forced in an upward direction' and 'the air, left with no moisture, moves over the mountain'. Punctuation is generally accurate, and sentence structures are varied. There are some minor grammatical slips or slightly cumbersome phrasing, such as 'the process of condensation occurs in the fourth step', but the majority of sentences are error-free and communication is never impeded. The grammar comfortably aligns with a band 7.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.