Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-11-04

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 picture illustrates the formation of one kind of desert which is called a rain-shadow deserts.

Overall, it provides the information about how the wind from the sea pushes moist air towards the top of the mountain, then it creates cloud that falls as a rain in windward side, whereas leeward side only experience a dry air and creates a desert.

On the one hand, the winds that blows over the sea, when strikes the mountain, it pushes the wind towards the top of the mountain. It causes the moist air to rise, then it form clouds on the windward side of the mountain. The cloud then falls as a rain in the windward side.

On the other hand,only dry air continues to blow in the leeward side. When the dry wind blows down the mountain, it reaches the inland areas and no rainfall will happen in this region. Finally, due to the continuous blow of dry air, a desert is formed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

You cover the main stages and give a clear overview of the contrast between the rain-bearing windward side and the dry leeward side. The sequence from winds approaching the coast to rain, then dry air reaching inland, is broadly accurate, and the final desert formation is included. This gives the account a clear focus and addresses the process as a whole. To make the description more fully developed, explain the key transition more precisely: moist air rises and cools, which leads to cloud formation and rainfall; after crossing the mountain, the air is dry. The overview’s claim that the wind “pushes moist air towards the top” is understandable but could distinguish the wind’s upward movement from the air’s cooling.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response is organised into an introduction, an overview and two stages, with a logical progression from the sea-facing slope to the inland desert. The contrast signalled by “On the one hand” and “On the other hand” helps readers follow the two sides of the mountain, while “Finally” marks the outcome. This clear overall organisation supports the explanation. However, the two-part contrast is somewhat mechanical for a process diagram, and the first stage repeats the idea of wind being pushed upwards. A more direct sequence using links such as “as a result,” “once it crosses the peak,” and “therefore” would connect each cause and effect more smoothly and reduce repetition.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use relevant topic vocabulary, including “moist air,” “windward side,” “leeward side,” and “inland areas,” so the process is generally easy to understand. There is also some useful variation in describing movement, such as “rise,” “blows down,” and “continues to blow.” However, several word choices and collocations are imprecise or repetitive: “the cloud then falls as a rain” confuses the cloud with the precipitation, and “continuous blow of dry air” is not a natural expression. “Rain-shadow deserts” is also plural in the opening although the task describes one type. Aim for more precise process vocabulary, such as “precipitation,” “crosses the mountain range,” and “arid conditions,” while retaining clear, natural phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mixture of simple and complex sentences, including a contrast clause with “whereas” and a time clause beginning “When the dry wind blows down the mountain.” These structures help express sequence and contrast, but some errors in agreement, verb forms, articles and sentence construction remain. For example, “the winds that blows” should be “the winds that blow,” and “then it form clouds” should be “then it forms clouds.” In “the cloud then falls as a rain,” the article is also incorrect; use “rain” without “a.” The opening overview sentence is long and awkwardly joined, so separating the stages into clearer clauses would improve control. Check subject–verb agreement and article use when editing.

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