Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-04

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 on the east of the mountain. Finally, the dry winds

move further down the leeward side 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 clearly outlined the sequence from the initial sea winds to the final dry conditions inland. The overview is accurate and captures the essence of the diagram. To reach a higher band, you could improve the 'comparison' aspect by explicitly contrasting the conditions on the windward side (moist, rainfall) with those on the leeward side (dry, desert formation). While the stages are described, a more analytical approach that highlights the causal relationship between the mountain barrier and the change in air moisture would strengthen the response further.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, following the chronological order of the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Next', 'Following this', and 'Finally' creates a clear progression of information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction/overview from the detailed process. However, the transition between the overview and the body paragraph could be smoother. The referencing is generally clear, though some sentences feel slightly mechanical due to the repetitive use of sequence markers. Integrating the sentences more fluidly would enhance the overall flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, such as 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'moist air', and 'inland areas'. These terms are accurate and appropriate for the task. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To improve, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or varied verbs to describe the movement of air and the transformation of weather conditions, rather than relying on simpler verbs like 'move' or 'contributes in'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and the meaning is always clear. There are minor errors, such as 'the winds... causes' (subject-verb agreement) and 'contributes in formation' (preposition usage: 'contributes to the formation'). Despite these occasional slips, the control of grammar is generally good, and the errors do not cause any difficulty for the reader. To aim for a higher band, ensure consistent subject-verb agreement and refine the use of articles and prepositions in more complex sentence constructions.

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

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