Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-19

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.

Overall, the process involves moist air rising and cooling as it crosses a mountain, forming rain on the windward side, while dry air descends on the leeward side, gradually turning the inland area into a desert.

Firstly, hot winds carry drops of water from the sea in the form of humidity. These winds are then pushed upwards due to the presence of a mountain. As the moist winds rise, they gradually cool, which causes clouds to form on the windward side of the mountain. After that, rain falls on top of the mountain, and the water drains down gradually towards the desert inland on the leeward side of the mountain.

Additionally, as the water drains down towards the inland area, dry air continues to move over the mountain. When this air reaches the desert, it results in extremely dry conditions over time. Furthermore, as this dry air continues to affect the inland region, it gradually transforms the area into a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student provides a clear overview of the rain-shadow desert formation process and accurately selects and reports the main features shown in the diagram, such as the moist winds approaching the coast, rising and cooling over the mountains, producing rain on the windward side, and leaving dry air to descend on the leeward side into the inland desert. All stages of the process are sequenced logically from left to right, and comparisons or relationships between the windward and leeward sides are appropriately highlighted. The response covers all parts of the prompt well and is well-developed, earning a solid Band 7.0 for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression from the sea and coast, across the mountains, to the inland desert. Information is grouped logically into distinct paragraphs: an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs detailing the sequential stages of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Overall', 'Firstly', 'After that', 'Additionally', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to guide the reader through the explanation, although some transitions are slightly mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary for describing a geographical process, including terms like 'humidity', 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'dry air', and 'transform'. While the vocabulary is generally precise enough to convey the meaning, there are occasional minor inaccuracies in word choice or phrasing, such as 'carry drops of water... in the form of humidity' and 'water drains down gradually', which are slightly unnatural. However, the range is sufficient to allow some flexibility and precision, warranting a Band 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and participial phrases successfully (e.g., 'As the moist winds rise, they gradually cool, which causes clouds to form...'). There is good control of grammar and punctuation, and the majority of sentences are clear and grammatically sound. Minor slips do occur, such as the phrasing around water drainage, but these do not impede communication in any way. The control over complex structures supports a Band 7.0 rating.

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