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 given figure illustrates the process of how a rain-shadow desert is formed in seven stages.

Overall, this is a natural, multi-stage process that begins at the coast and continues over a mountain before ending in the formation of a rain-shadow desert inland. The mountain has a windward side, where rainfall occurs, and a leeward side, where dry air moves towards the inland area.

The process begins when winds approach the coast from the sea and are pushed upwards towards the mountain. As the moist air rises, it cools, and clouds begin to form. When the air reaches the top of the mountain, rainfall occurs on the windward side. After losing most of its moisture, the air continues over the mountain as dry air. It then moves down the leeward side and becomes warmer and drier. Finally, the dry winds reach the inland area, where a rain-shadow desert is formed. The desert is located thousands of kilometers inland from the coast.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student provides a clear and well-structured overview of the process of how rain-shadow deserts are formed. All key stages of the diagram are covered, from the moist air approaching the coast from the sea, moving up the windward side of the mountain where rainfall occurs, and finally descending the leeward side to form a desert inland. The main features are appropriately selected and reported without unnecessary detail. The introduction gives a concise summary of the process, and the body paragraphs logically trace the sequential stages illustrated in the visual prompt. No important information from the diagram is omitted, demonstrating a fully satisfactory fulfillment of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response exhibits clear logical organization and progression throughout. The writing is divided into logical paragraphs, beginning with a brief introductory statement, followed by an overall summary paragraph, and concluding with a detailed chronological description of the process. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages, such as 'The process begins', 'As the moist air rises', 'After losing most of its moisture', and 'Finally'. Referencing is clear, and the flow of information mirrors the sequential nature of the diagram smoothly, resulting in a cohesive piece of academic writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task describing a natural geographical process. Words and phrases such as 'multi-stage process', 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'moist air', and 'inland area' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is generally standard rather than highly sophisticated, it is precise enough to convey the scientific and geographical concepts without ambiguity. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors, allowing the reader to follow the explanation easily.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response displays a good variety of sentence structures, mixing simple sentences effectively with complex forms such as 'As the moist air rises, it cools, and clouds begin to form' and 'After losing most of its moisture, the air continues over the mountain as dry air.' Grammatical control is strong, with a high proportion of error-free sentences. Tenses are managed correctly throughout, and punctuation is accurate, ensuring that the relationships between the different clauses and stages of the process are clearly communicated without any hindrance to the reader.

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

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