Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-14

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 by which a rain-shadow desert is formed as a result of the movement of moist air across a mountain range.

overall the process involves several main stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas.The key feature is that the windward side of the mountains receives rainfall, while the leeward side remains dry, creating a rain-shadow desert.

Initally, winds carrying moist air approach the coast from the sea. As they reach the mountains, the wind are pushed upwards along the windward side. As the moist air rises, it cools, causing cloudsbto form. Subsequenty, rainfall occurs on the windward side of mountains, resulting in most of the moisture being released there.

After this, the now dry air passes over the mountain range and moves down the leeward side. As it continues its jounrney, the air becomes increasingly dry. Finally, these dry winds reach the inland areas on te opposite side of the mountains. Because there is very little moisture left in the air, virtualy no rainfall occurs in this region. Consequently, a rain shadow desert develops over thousands of kilometres inland from the coast.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all parts of the task by outlining the main stages of rain-shadow desert formation and highlighting key comparisons, such as the contrast between the wet windward side and the dry leeward side. The overview effectively captures the progression from moist winds to dry inland conditions. Key features are well selected and reported, fulfilling the requirements for an Academic Task 1 response. The information is accurate according to the diagram provided, and the general trend of moisture depletion over the mountain range is clearly articulated without unnecessary detail.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The student uses appropriate cohesive devices to signal the stages of the process, such as 'Initally', 'Subsequenty', 'After this', and 'Finally'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently, with a logical separation between the introduction/overview and the body paragraphs detailing the stages. While referencing is generally clear, there are minor typos in some transitional markers, but these do not impede the overall flow and logical structure of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary for the task with some flexibility and precision, incorporating subject-specific terms such as 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'rain-shadow desert', and 'inland areas'. Less common lexical items are attempted with good effect, although there are a few spelling errors, such as 'Initally', 'Subsequenty', 'jounrney', and 'virtualy'. These minor mechanical inaccuracies do not prevent clear communication, but they restrict the lexical score to a solid Band 6.5 or 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

A mix of simple and complex sentence structures is used effectively throughout the text, including participial phrases and dependent clauses like 'As moist air rises, it cools' and 'Because there is very little moisture left in the air, virtually no rainfall occurs'. The majority of sentences are grammatically sound, and punctuation is generally well controlled. There are a few minor grammatical slips, such as 'the wind are pushed upwards' instead of 'the winds are pushed upwards', but these are infrequent and do not impede communication.

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

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