Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-22

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 diagram shows the formation of a special-kind of desert, called as rain-shadow desert. As observed from the diagram, there are eight steps, through which, the wind flows before this particular desert is being created.

An important point to note from the diagram is that the winds have to travel several thousand kilometers, from sea coast to inland where rain-shadow desert is formed.

The process begins with the winds, that approach to the coastal lines of the sea. After that, the winds are pushed upward towards the Windward side. Consequently, the moist air rises up the higher altitudes of the mountain, where it cools down owing to low temperature. As a result, cloud formation takes place. These clouds, then pour on the mountain. But the dry air still continues to move down the hills, called as the Leeward side. Finally, the dry air reaches the inland areas, creating this particular rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the diagram as a rain-shadow desert process and describe the main movement from the sea, over the mountains, and into inland areas. The sequence of rising moist air, cooling, cloud formation, and dry air continuing beyond the mountain is mostly clear. However, the overview is limited: the claim that there are “eight steps” does not match the seven numbered stages, and the key outcome of rain falling on the windward side is described imprecisely as clouds that “pour on the mountain.” The explanation of the dry air moving down the leeward side is also less precise than the diagram, which shows it continuing over the mountain before reaching inland areas. A more accurate overview and clearer reporting of precipitation would strengthen coverage.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is arranged in a sensible order, moving from an introduction and general observation to the stages of the process. Sequencing expressions such as “After that,” “Consequently,” “As a result,” and “Finally” help the reader follow the progression, and the paragraph breaks separate the overview from the detailed account. This gives the response a coherent overall structure. Some linking is slightly mechanical, however, and the repeated references to “the winds” and “this particular desert” make the flow less flexible. The transition from clouds forming to rain falling could also be made more explicit. Use a concise overview, then connect each stage with clear cause-and-effect relationships rather than relying mainly on a chain of sequencing phrases.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You use a suitable range of process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “higher altitudes,” “cloud formation,” and the labels “Windward” and “Leeward.” These choices make the topic understandable, and some less common language is attempted. A few expressions are inaccurate or unnatural for this diagram: “special-kind,” “called as,” “coastal lines,” and “clouds … pour on the mountain.” “The winds have to travel” also sounds less precise than a neutral description of the process. Aim for standard collocations and concise technical wording, such as “a type of desert,” “the coast,” and “rain falls on the windward side.” This would improve precision while retaining the adequate range already shown.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

There is a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including the relative clause in “where it cools down” and the cause-and-effect construction “Consequently … As a result.” Most of the process remains understandable, and the writer attempts to vary sentence structure. Some grammatical errors persist, particularly in clause construction and articles: “the winds, that approach” uses an unnecessary comma, “the winds are pushed upward towards the Windward side” is awkwardly formed, and “called as the Leeward side” is not a correct grammatical pattern. The phrase “before this particular desert is being created” also uses an unsuitable passive form for a general process. Practise accurate relative clauses and passive constructions, and check punctuation around subordinate clauses.

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