Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-11-09

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 6.0)

The diagram shows that how a type of desert which is known as rain-shadow desert formed.

overall, the desert formation consist of 7 stages beginning with the approach of wind coast and by ending on the dry winds that reach the inland areas.

Initially the winds approach the coast through the sea and then it pushes the wind upwards which makes the air moist and cool due to which the clouds are formed and throught that the rainfall starts over the top of the mountain and then where the clouds are formed that section is known as windware side and after the rain is done the dry air continues over the mountain on the other side which is known as Leeward side and in the last dry winds reach the desired inland areas forming a Rain-shadow desert which can be expanded to thousands of kilometres and by applying all these stages a rain-shadow desert is formed to us.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You cover the main sequence and give a clear overall account: the process begins as winds approach the coast and ends when dry winds reach inland areas, where the rain-shadow desert forms. You also include the key contrast between the rainy windward side and the dry leeward side. This is a strong, relevant response to the diagram. Some details are less fully or precisely reported, however: the diagram shows moist air rising and cooling before clouds form, whereas “it pushes the wind upwards” and “makes the air moist and cool” blur the stages. The final reference to the desert extending thousands of kilometres is also not clearly distinguished from the process itself. More precise reporting of each stage would strengthen the account further.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has an identifiable overview followed by a description of the stages, and the sequence is generally easy to follow. Connectors such as “Initially,” “then,” “after,” and “in the last” help show the order. However, nearly all the detailed information is packed into one very long sentence, so the relationships between stages become difficult to track. Some linking is also mechanical, particularly the repeated use of “and then,” while “through that” has an unclear reference. Divide the process into shorter sentences or paragraphs and use transitions that mark cause and result, such as “As a result” and “Consequently.” This would make the progression clearer without changing the relevant content.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a suitable range of process vocabulary, including “approach,” “rainfall,” “dry air,” “windward side,” “leeward side,” and “inland areas.” These terms help communicate the diagram’s main features, and the meaning is generally understandable. Some word choices and collocations are imprecise, though: “the desired inland areas” is not appropriate here, and “the rainfall starts” is less natural than “rain falls.” There are also spelling errors in “throught” and “windware,” and inconsistent capitalisation of “Leeward” and “Rain-shadow.” Aim for accurate spelling of the diagram’s labels and choose concise, natural process language. Avoid repeating “formed” when a more precise verb such as “develops” or “creates” would fit.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt to connect several stages using subordinate clauses and cause-and-effect structures, but control is uneven. The opening phrase “shows that how” incorrectly combines two structures; write either “shows how” or “shows that.” There are also errors in agreement and verb forms, as in “the desert formation consist” and “it pushes the wind,” where the subject and verb do not match the intended plural “winds.” The long sentence beginning “Initially” contains many clauses joined without clear punctuation, making the grammar harder to follow. Use a mix of shorter sentences and controlled complex structures, and check articles, agreement, and clause boundaries. For example, “The winds are pushed upwards” would accurately describe that stage.

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