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 how a type of desert called a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, the process consists of seven stages, beginning with moist winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas. Rainfall occurs on the windward side of the mountains, while the leeward side remains dry, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert in the end.

Firstly, winds approach the coast from the sea and are pushed upwards on the windward side of the mountains. As a result, the moist air rises and cools, causing clouds to form. Rain then falls from these clouds on the windward side of the mountains. After this, the air becomes dry and continues to move over the mountain towards the leeward side.

As the dry air descends the mountain, it continues towards inland areas. Finally, the dry winds reach the inland region, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear and accurate overview of the rain-shadow desert formation process. The response covers all key stages shown in the diagram, beginning with moist winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching the inland region, as seen in sentences like "winds approach the coast from the sea and are pushed upwards on the windward side". The main features are appropriately selected and reported, and the comparison between the wet windward side and the dry leeward side is well articulated. The information is fully developed without any significant omissions, fulfilling the requirements for Band 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The text demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Ideas are logically sequenced from the initial coastal stage to the final desert formation. Cohesive devices such as "Overall", "Firstly", "As a result", "After this", and "Finally" are used effectively to guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, separating the introduction, overview, body details, and conclusion distinctly. Referencing is clear and accurate, as demonstrated by phrases like "Rain then falls from these clouds". The management of cohesion is strong, aligning well with the Band 7.0 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for this task, successfully incorporating specific geographical and meteorological terms such as "moist winds", "windward side", "leeward side", and "descends". While the vocabulary is generally precise and fits the academic context well—for instance, using "approaching the coast" and "inland areas"—it lacks the wider flexibility and mastery of less common lexical items characteristic of higher bands. Word choice and spelling are accurate throughout, and communication is never impeded. This performance sits comfortably within Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over grammatical structures. The student successfully employs complex constructions with subordinate clauses, such as "As the dry air descends the mountain, it continues towards inland areas" and "winds approach the coast from the sea and are pushed upwards". Punctuation is accurate, and the sentences are grammatically sound with no noticeable errors that impede communication. While the range of complex structures is somewhat standard for process descriptions rather than exceptionally wide, the high accuracy places this submission at a solid Band 7.0.

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

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