Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-01

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 illustrates one type of desert, which known as a rain-shadow, and it converted into rain shadow desert.

Overall, in this diagram, there are seven stages. This process commence with wind approach cost and end with dry wind reach inland area.

To begin with, the process is start with wind approach coast which is coming through in the sea. In the next step, winds are pushed upwards side to the mountain. In the following step, air is converted into moistur and cool. As a result, it made clouds, which place called Windward side. After that, on the top of the mountain rain fall is started.

Furthermore, after falling rain, dry air is continued over the mountain which place called the leeward side. In the last step, dry winds are reached inland areas. Consequently, it is converted into rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response attempts to describe the process of rain-shadow desert formation but fails to meet the minimum word count requirement of 150 words. While the main stages are identified, the description is somewhat superficial and lacks the necessary detail to fully explain the scientific process depicted in the diagram. The overview is present but lacks clarity. Because the response is under the word count, it is penalised in this criterion as the development of the information is insufficient to provide a complete summary of the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is organised into short paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the sequence of events. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive (e.g., 'In the next step', 'In the following step', 'After that'). The logical progression is clear, but the transitions between sentences feel simplistic. The referencing is occasionally unclear, such as 'which place called Windward side', which lacks a proper grammatical link to the preceding clause. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother sentence transitions would enhance the overall flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is limited and repetitive, often relying on basic verbs like 'start', 'made', and 'reached'. There are several spelling errors, such as 'moistur' instead of 'moisture', and word choice issues, such as 'wind approach cost' instead of 'wind approaching the coast'. The range of vocabulary is insufficient to demonstrate the flexibility required for higher bands. To improve, you should focus on using more precise scientific terminology related to weather patterns and geography, and ensure accurate spelling of key terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response relies heavily on simple sentence structures. There are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with verb tenses and passive voice construction, such as 'which known as a rain-shadow' and 'the process is start with'. The use of articles is also inconsistent (e.g., 'coming through in the sea'). While the meaning is generally understandable, the high frequency of errors in basic sentence construction prevents the text from reaching a higher band. You should practice forming complex sentences using relative clauses and passive voice correctly.

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