Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-11

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 demonstrates the various stages of the formation of a special type of desert generally known as the rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process comprises seven different stages, beginning with the wind from the sea approaching the coastal areas and its movement across thousands of kilometers towards the inland areas and how it undergoes several variations before reaching there to produce the rain-shadow desert.

The first stage depicts that the air from above the sea reaches the coast and lifts towards the windward side of the mountain. In the next stage, it absorbs the moisture from its surroundings and rises further. After reaching a specific height, it forms clouds, followed by the step in which rainfall occurs at the top of the mountain. Afterwards, the air becomes dry and starts the downward flow to the leeward side and continues travelling until it arrives at the inland area, where it forms a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. However, the description is somewhat superficial. While it identifies the movement of air and the occurrence of rainfall, it fails to highlight key technical details present in such diagrams, such as the specific temperature changes or the distinction between the windward and leeward sides in terms of vegetation or moisture levels. The overview is present but could be more analytical by focusing on the contrast between the two sides of the mountain. The response is just over the minimum length, which limits the depth of the analysis provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, moving chronologically through the stages of the process. Paragraphing is used to separate the introduction/overview from the body of the process description. Cohesive devices such as 'In the next stage', 'After reaching', and 'Afterwards' are used effectively to guide the reader through the sequence. However, the connection between the overview and the body could be smoother, and the overall flow is somewhat mechanical. The progression is clear, but the lack of more sophisticated linking phrases keeps it at a mid-range level.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using terms like 'coastal areas', 'moisture', 'windward side', and 'leeward side' correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases like 'various stages', 'different stages', and 'specific height' are functional but lack the precision and variety expected at higher bands. There is little attempt to use less common or more academic vocabulary to describe the meteorological process, which restricts the score. The language is accurate, but it does not demonstrate a wide or flexible range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is generally correct. There are no major errors that impede communication. However, the range of structures is somewhat limited; the writing relies heavily on 'The [noun] [verb]...' patterns. To achieve a higher band, the student should incorporate more varied complex structures, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'moisture is absorbed by the air') or participle clauses to improve the sophistication of the sentence flow.

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

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