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)

This process chart depicts that how one type of desert which is known as rain-shadow desert, is formed from various steps.

Overall, it can be clearly seen that process begins from the seacoast to end at inland areas by passing the mountains of distance of thousands of kilometres.

To begin, In the first step, winds are being approached coast by sea. In second step, it is being pushed towards windward side of mountain. At this site, this moist air is being risen and cooled. Then, clouds are being formed by moist air. Clouds are being made for rain falls. After the rain, dry air is being passed over mountains towards the leeward side. In the last step, this dry air is being reached to the inland areas. On this area, Rain-shadow desert is being formed by the mixing of rain and dry air. In conclusion, Rain-shadow is being made by the winds which covered the distance of thousand km of mountains from coast to inland.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have covered the movement from the coast, the ascent over the mountains, the precipitation, and the final arrival of dry air in the inland areas. However, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks a sophisticated synthesis of the information. For instance, the statement 'Rain-shadow desert is being formed by the mixing of rain and dry air' is factually inaccurate based on the diagram, as the desert forms because the air is dry, not because of a 'mixing' process. To reach a higher band, ensure your summary reflects the scientific process depicted more accurately and avoid over-simplifying the stages.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized logically, following the chronological order of the process. You have used basic cohesive devices such as 'To begin', 'In the first step', 'Then', and 'In conclusion' to guide the reader. However, the paragraphing is insufficient; the entire body of the response is contained within a single paragraph, which hinders the flow. Additionally, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. To improve, try to vary your linking words and group related stages of the process into distinct paragraphs to enhance the overall structure and readability.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. You rely heavily on basic terms like 'step', 'made', and 'formed'. There is also a lack of technical terminology appropriate for describing a geographical process, such as 'prevailing winds', 'orographic lift', or 'leeward/windward slopes'. Some word choices are slightly unnatural, such as 'winds are being approached coast'. To improve, focus on using more precise geographical vocabulary and avoid repeating the same verbs throughout the text. Expanding your range of synonyms will help you achieve a higher score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response relies almost exclusively on the passive voice ('is being risen', 'is being passed', 'is being reached'), which makes the writing feel unnatural and repetitive. While the passive voice is often appropriate for process descriptions, its overuse here is grammatically awkward and sometimes incorrect (e.g., 'moist air is being risen' is not standard usage). There are also issues with article usage and prepositional phrases, such as 'on this area' instead of 'in this area'. To improve, incorporate a wider variety of sentence structures, including active voice, and focus on correct verb tense usage.

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

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