Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-11-10

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 given diagram illustrates the various stages involved in how a rain- shadow desert is formed.

Overall, it is clear that the process consists of seven main stages, beginning with winds approach coast and culminating in dry winds reach inland areas. Furthermore, the most noticeable feature is that the rain- shadow desert was transformed with the help of Sea and mountains ( windward side and leeward side).

Initially, the process begins with winds approach coast, under which the winds came from sea level coast. Subsequently, winds pushed upwards, followed by moist air rises and cools. At this stage, the winds converted into moisture and started to cool. Once that step is completed, it transformed into clouds above the windward side of the mountains.

In the following stage, the rain falls started into the land, after which dry air continues to flow over the mountains. Thereafter, below the leeward side the dry winds reach an inland areas. Ultimately, once the dry winds reaches int the inland areas the rain-shadow desert formed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You cover the main sequence and give an overview identifying seven stages, from winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland areas. The account also correctly locates cloud formation and rainfall on the windward side, and the desert inland beyond the leeward side. However, some important explanations are unclear or inaccurate: “the winds converted into moisture” does not explain that moist air rises and cools, while “the rain-shadow desert was transformed with the help of Sea and mountains” misrepresents the process. The overview would be stronger if it explained the key cause-and-effect pattern: air loses moisture as rain on the windward side, then dry air crosses the mountains and creates arid conditions inland. Some stages are reported more fully than others.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction and overview are followed by the earlier and later stages in separate paragraphs. Sequencing expressions such as “Initially,” “Subsequently,” and “In the following stage” help the reader follow the process. However, some links are mechanical or do not accurately express the relationship between stages. For example, “under which” is awkward after “winds approach coast,” and “Once that step is completed, it transformed into clouds” leaves the reference of “it” unclear. The final sentence also repeats the idea that dry winds reach inland areas. To improve, use fewer formulaic transitions and make each sentence’s subject explicit, so the sequence and cause-and-effect links are easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “windward side,” “leeward side,” “moist air,” and “dry winds,” which helps identify the diagram’s main features. There is also some variation in sequencing language. However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or unnatural, such as “the winds converted into moisture,” “the rain falls started into the land,” and “transformed with the help of Sea and mountains.” These choices make parts of the process difficult to interpret precisely. Repeated use of “winds” and “stage” also limits flexibility. Aim for accurate process verbs and collocations, such as air “rises,” “cools,” and “loses moisture,” and rainfall “falls on” the windward slope. Check spacing and hyphenation in “rain-shadow” as well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including clauses introduced by “after which” and “once,” and the overall meaning is usually recoverable. Some grammatical errors remain, particularly with verb forms and agreement. For example, “winds approach coast” needs a finite verb form such as “winds approach the coast,” while “the dry winds reaches” has a plural subject with a singular verb. In “the rain falls started,” the verb construction is faulty, and “the rain-shadow desert formed” needs an appropriate passive or auxiliary construction. Articles and number also need attention in “an inland areas.” Practise describing each stage with a consistent present-tense pattern, and check subject–verb agreement and articles when editing.

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