Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-03

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 the process of formation of a rain-shadow desert. Overall, the process consists of seven stages beginning with the winds approaching the coast and ending with the dry winds reaching inland areas. The winds rise to transform into moist air and then causes cloud formation, rainfalls, and drying of air.

First, the winds from the sea approaches the coast. Next, it is pushed upwards on the windward side on the west of the mountain, where the moist air rises and cools. Following this, the cooled air then contributes in formation of the clouds, which later reach the mountain peak and rainfall occurs. In the sixth stage, the air now becomes dry and continues over the leeward side of the mountain. Finally, the dry winds move further down the leeward side on the east of the mountain to reach the inland area. This marks the last stage of the formation of a rain-shadow desert, which is thousands of kilometers away from the coast.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of events logically. However, the description is somewhat mechanical, relying heavily on a step-by-step listing of the stages rather than synthesizing the information to highlight the most significant features or comparisons. To reach a higher band, focus on grouping related stages (e.g., the moisture-gathering phase versus the rain-shadow effect) to provide a more analytical summary rather than a chronological narrative. The inclusion of the 'thousands of kilometers' detail is a good attempt to interpret the diagram, but ensure all descriptions remain strictly tied to the provided visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction and a body paragraph that follows the process chronologically. You have used a range of cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Next', 'Following this', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the stages. While the paragraphing is functional, the essay could benefit from a more distinct separation between the initial moisture-gathering phase and the subsequent rain-shadow effect to improve the overall flow. Referencing is generally clear, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'moist air'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, though some phrasing is slightly repetitive or simplistic, such as 'contributes in formation of'. The word choice is generally accurate and appropriate for a technical description of a natural process. To improve, try to incorporate more precise verbs and nouns related to meteorological processes to demonstrate a more sophisticated control of language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the grammar does not impede communication. There are minor issues with article usage and prepositional phrases, such as 'process of formation of a rain-shadow' (should be 'the process of the formation of a rain-shadow') and 'contributes in formation' (should be 'contributes to the formation'). While you have used some complex structures, increasing the variety of sentence types and ensuring consistent subject-verb agreement would help elevate the score.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.