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 picture below displays how a type of desert also known as rainshow desert is formed.

overall, the diagram represent different stages of how cold wind from the sea approaches the coast, moves upward the mountains forms clouds and rainfalls and continues on the Leeward side of the hill turns to dry air and flows inland to cause of rain-shadow desert.

Firstly, the wind approaches from the ocean forges upward with a strong force carrying water particles with it which eventually form clouds and then rainfall on the winward side of the mountain.

secondly, even during the rainfall, the wind still continues upward with the same force and magnitude to the leeward side of the mountain but time moisture evaporated leaving only dry air, which then flows inland towards covering large distances even to thousands of kilometre to reach the desert and this happens it causes what scientist call rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process, identifying the wind movement, the windward side, and the leeward side. However, the description is somewhat basic and lacks a clear, professional overview of the process as a whole. While the main features are reported, the explanation of the transition from moist air to dry air is slightly repetitive and could be more precise. The response meets the requirements of the task by summarizing the provided diagram, but it would benefit from a more analytical approach to the relationship between the mountain height and the resulting climate conditions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the process. The use of transition words like 'Firstly' and 'secondly' provides a basic structure. However, the cohesion is sometimes mechanical, and the flow between sentences is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing, such as 'and this happens it causes what scientist call'. The referencing is generally clear, but the overall progression could be smoother. The use of cohesive devices is adequate but lacks the flexibility required for a higher band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is sufficient to describe the process, using terms like 'leeward', 'windward', 'moisture', and 'evaporated'. However, there are some inaccuracies and awkward collocations, such as 'forges upward with a strong force' and 'time moisture evaporated'. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, and the student relies on simpler descriptive language. To improve, the student should focus on using more precise scientific terminology and improving collocations related to geographical processes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors. Issues include subject-verb agreement ('the diagram represent'), missing articles ('to cause of rain-shadow desert'), and punctuation errors. Some sentences are run-on or lack necessary prepositions, which occasionally makes the meaning slightly unclear. While the student attempts to use complex structures, the control over these is inconsistent, leading to errors that, while not completely impeding communication, are noticeable throughout the text.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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