Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-10

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 a how rain-shadow deserts are formed.

Overall, it is clear that a formation of rain-shadow desert involves several stages, begginning with moist air rises up towards a mountain range ending with the creation of dry desert are on the leeward side of the mountain.

At the first stage, warm and moist air from the ocean moves towards the land and reaches mountain range. As the air rises up, it becomes cooler, which causes condensation and leads to formation of clouds. Concequently, precipitation occurs on the windward side of the mountain, where it recieves rainfall.

In the next stages, after losing most of it's moisture, the air passes over the mountain and moves down the opposite side. During this process, the air becomes drier and warmer, resulting a lack of rainfall in this region. Eventually, a rain-shadow desert is formed on the leeward side of the mountain due to the dry conditions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly outlined the stages from the initial movement of moist air to the final creation of the desert on the leeward side. The overview is effective, providing a concise summary of the entire process. To reach a higher band, ensure that all terminology is used with precision; for example, the phrase 'dry desert are' contains a typo that slightly obscures the final summary. Overall, the response covers all parts of the task well and provides a logical progression of the information presented in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The use of cohesive devices such as 'At the first stage', 'In the next stages', and 'Eventually' helps guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of the formation. While the flow is generally smooth, some transitions could be more sophisticated to improve the overall cohesion. The referencing is clear, and the information is presented in a way that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'moist air', 'mountain range', 'condensation', 'precipitation', and 'leeward side'. However, there are some spelling errors, such as 'begginning' instead of 'beginning' and 'Concequently' instead of 'Consequently'. Additionally, there is a minor error in word choice where 'are' is used instead of 'area'. While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Focusing on accurate spelling and precise word choice will improve your score in this area.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'a how rain-shadow deserts are formed' (unnecessary 'a'), 'moist air rises' (should be 'moist air rising'), and 'it's' (should be 'its'). Despite these errors, the meaning remains clear throughout the text. To improve, work on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. The majority of your sentences are understandable, but more consistent control over complex structures is needed to achieve a higher band score.

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

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