Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-11-14

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 picture visualizes the process of formation of a type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert. The formation consists of seven step process which occurs over the mountain.

Overall, the breeze from the sea travels thousands of kilometres to form rain-shadow desert.

According to the picture, the first step in formation of this desert is the winds that approaches the coast from the sea side, that is from the bottom of the mountain. Then after, the winds move upwards towards the mountain top. When the moist air rises and cools in the windward side, that is the mid of the mountain slope, clouds form. After the formation of clouds, rainfall occurs on the top of the snow-capped mountains.

After the rainfall at the top of the mountains, the dry air flows over the mountain in the leeward side. The dry winds continue to flow downwards, in the inland areas, that is at the bottom of the mountain of the other side. Then, the rain-shadow desert forms in the inland area.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You cover the main sequence from winds approaching the coast through rainfall to dry air reaching inland, and you identify the rain-shadow desert as the outcome. The overview also notes the long distance involved, which is shown by the diagram’s scale. However, some details are inaccurate or unclear: the winds do not approach from the “bottom of the mountain,” and the diagram does not identify snow-capped mountains or say that rain falls specifically at the top. The overview could more clearly explain the key cause-and-effect pattern: moist air rises and rains on the windward side, leaving dry air to descend on the leeward side. This gives a relevant account of the process, but some features are less fully and precisely reported than others.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is arranged in a clear sequence, with an introduction, an overview and two paragraphs describing the stages. Time and sequence markers such as “first,” “After the formation of clouds” and “After the rainfall” help the reader follow the process. The progression is generally coherent, although some linking is mechanical, particularly the repeated use of “After,” and “Then after” is awkward. The phrase “that is” is also used repeatedly to add explanations that do not always clarify the location. To strengthen cohesion, group related stages more smoothly and use references such as “this air” or “on the opposite slope” where the meaning is clear. The overall organisation is effective, but connections between details are not consistently natural.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a relevant range of process vocabulary, including “formation,” “moist air,” “windward side,” “leeward side” and “inland areas,” so the stages are generally understandable. There are also attempts at more specific description, such as “rain-shadow desert.” However, some word choices and collocations are imprecise: “breeze” is less suitable than “wind” for the diagram, and “the mid of the mountain slope” is not a natural expression. “Snow-capped” adds a detail not shown in the visual. Repetition of “mountain” and “winds” also limits flexibility. Aim for precise geographical terms and natural collocations, while avoiding details that the diagram does not support.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and complex sentences, including a time clause in “When the moist air rises and cools…” and a sequence of linked stages. The meaning is usually clear, but some grammatical errors remain. For example, “The formation consists of seven step process” needs an article and plural form (“a seven-step process”), while “the winds that approaches” has subject–verb disagreement. “The first step … is the winds” also creates an awkward singular–plural construction. There are some long sentences whose clauses would be easier to control if separated or punctuated more carefully. Review articles, agreement and sentence construction, then check each sentence for a clear subject and verb. More consistently accurate complex sentences would improve control.

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