Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-21

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)

This diagram depicts the process how rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, rain-shadow desert is formed on the leeward side of the mountains which receives lesser rainfall.

In contrast, windward side gains more rain due to more moist air and wind which it gets from sea.

Initially, winds are approached from the sea as its coast and are pushed upwards which is moist and cold. Afterwards, clouds are formed due to this cool air and once it has reached a certain height windward side of the mountain has rainfall relatively has wet conditions.

After crossing the mountains peak the wind goes downward towards leeward side & air is now dry with lesser humidity as compared to windward side. As it reaches the bottom of the mountain touching inland areas rain is scarce and results in formation of rain-shadow desert.

Thus, the main difference between both side of the mountain is that windward side is moist & receives good amount rainfall whereas, leeward side is more drier in nature.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

You identify the central process accurately: moist air arrives from the sea, rises over the mountains, produces rain on the windward side, and leaves dry conditions inland on the leeward side. Your overview clearly contrasts the wetter and drier slopes, and the sequence is generally reported in a relevant way. This gives the reader a sound account of how the desert forms. Some details are less precise: the diagram shows the air rising and cooling, but describing it as already “moist and cold” blurs the order of events. You could also make the final stage clearer by noting that dry winds continue over the mountain and reach inland areas, where the rain-shadow desert lies. More exact reporting of these stages would strengthen an otherwise clear summary.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is organised into an introduction, an overview, and two paragraphs describing the process, so the reader can follow the broad progression from sea to inland desert. Sequencing expressions such as “Initially,” “Afterwards,” and “After crossing” help connect the stages. The overview also provides a useful comparison between the two mountain sides. However, some links are awkward or unclear, particularly “as its coast” and “once it has reached a certain height windward side of the mountain has rainfall relatively has wet conditions.” The final paragraph repeats the windward/leeward contrast already stated in the overview, rather than adding a distinct concluding detail. To move further, use clearer references and transitions that guide the reader without repeating information.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “leeward side,” “windward side,” “moist air,” “humidity,” and “rain-shadow desert,” which helps communicate the diagram’s main features. There is also some attempt to vary wording, for example “rain is scarce” and “receives good amount rainfall.” However, several choices are imprecise or unnatural: “lesser rainfall,” “more drier,” and “winds are approached” do not express the intended meaning idiomatically. “Good amount rainfall” also needs a more natural collocation. These errors do not prevent understanding, but they limit precision and flexibility. Aim to use standard process collocations consistently, such as “winds blow in from the sea,” “air rises and cools,” and “receives heavier rainfall.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including clauses with “which,” “as,” and “once,” and the overall meaning is usually recoverable. However, control is uneven, with errors in verb forms, articles, agreement, and sentence construction. For example, “winds are approached” uses an unsuitable passive form, while “rain-shadow desert is formed” needs an article. The sentence beginning “once it has reached a certain height” has unclear reference and an incomplete, awkwardly joined structure. In “the main difference between both side,” the plural form is needed, and the comma before “whereas” is incorrectly placed. Practise building accurate process sentences in the present simple, and check that each pronoun has a clear referent and each clause is grammatically complete.

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