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 diagram delineates the formation process of one type of desert which is known as rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the diagram shows multiple steps of the formation process of the rain-shadow desert starting with wind approaching the cost and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas. This beginning and end of the process stretches up to thousands of kilometers and the mountain is in between the sea and inland.

In the very first phase of the event, approaching wind gets pushed uphill and with it rises moist air. While going uphill moist loses temperature and forms clouds. These ascending clouds then gets darker and form clouds that make it rain. In the mountain peak or the nearby areas, eventually it rains and this side of the mountain is called windward side. Anyways, the air flow never stops and it crosses over the mountain. As on the windward side it rained and there were no more moist, only dry air continues over the mountain to the leeward side. Finally dry winds reach inland areas.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You cover the main sequence and provide an overview: winds approach from the sea, rise over the mountains, produce rain on the windward side, and continue as dry air towards the inland desert. The location of the mountains between the sea and inland is also noted. This gives the response a clear account of the process, although some stages are less fully or precisely described. For example, the diagram shows clouds forming after moist air rises and cools; the claim that clouds “get darker” is not shown. The explanation that rain leaves “no more moist” air is also imprecise: the diagram indicates that dry air continues over the mountain. Focus on reporting only visible stages and make the causal links more exact to strengthen coverage.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is arranged in a sensible sequence, with an introduction, an overview, and a paragraph describing the stages. Linking expressions such as “Overall,” “In the very first phase,” and “Finally” help the reader follow the process. The progression is generally clear, but some connections are awkward or repetitive: “forms clouds” is followed by “form clouds,” and “Anyways” interrupts the formal explanation rather than linking the next stage smoothly. References such as “this beginning and end” are also not entirely clear. Use more precise transitions to show cause and sequence—for example, explain that cooling leads to cloud formation and rainfall, after which the air crosses the mountain. This would make the cohesion less mechanical and the progression more polished.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a suitable range of process vocabulary, including “formation process,” “approaching,” “ascending,” “windward side,” “leeward side,” and “inland areas.” These terms help describe the diagram, and the meaning is generally clear. However, some choices are inaccurate or unnatural for a formal process description. “Cost” appears where “coast” is intended, “Anyways” is too conversational, and “there were no more moist” is an awkward expression. “Delineates” is ambitious but less natural here than a straightforward verb such as “illustrates.” Aim for precise collocations and avoid adding details such as clouds becoming darker when the diagram does not show this. More consistent, accurate word choice would improve the control of your vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including time and cause relationships such as “While going uphill…” and “As on the windward side it rained…”. The overall meaning remains understandable, but some grammatical errors recur. For example, “moist loses temperature” lacks a clear subject and uses an incorrect construction; “These ascending clouds then gets darker” has subject–verb disagreement; and “there were no more moist” has an incorrect form. Articles and number also need attention in “one type of desert which is known as rain-shadow desert.” Review agreement, noun forms, and sentence construction, and check each clause for a clear subject and verb. Greater accuracy in these areas would make your complex sentences more controlled.

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