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 illustrates the formation process of a rain-shadow desert.

Initially, moist winds approach the coast from the sea. As these winds encounter a mountain range, they are forced to rise in an upward direction. During this ascent, the air cools and condenses, forming clouds on the windward side of the mountains. Consequently, precipitation occurs at the highest points, with rain falling onto the surface.

After releasing its moisture, the now dry air continues over the mountain peak towards the leeward side. As it descends the downslope, the air warms up and becomes drier again. Finally, these dry winds reach the inland areas, creating an arid environment known as a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process involves several distinct stages, beginning with moist air rising on the windward side and ending with dry winds affecting the inland region on the leeward side.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the process, from the moist air rising to the formation of the rain-shadow desert. However, the response is 141 words long, failing to meet the 150-word minimum requirement. This under-length significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the description. While the main features are identified, the lack of detail regarding the specific conditions or the contrast between the windward and leeward sides prevents a higher score. To improve, you should expand on the descriptions of the air's state at each stage and ensure you meet the minimum word count to allow for a more comprehensive summary of the provided diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the initial stage to the final outcome. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different stages of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Consequently', 'After', and 'Finally' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the sequence of events. The overall flow is smooth and easy to follow. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate a wider variety of cohesive devices and ensure that the transition between the description of the windward side and the leeward side is even more explicitly linked to the overall process.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is accurate and appropriate for a process description, including terms like 'moist winds', 'condenses', 'precipitation', 'windward', 'leeward', and 'arid environment'. The range is sufficient for the task, though it remains somewhat basic. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling. To improve, you should aim to incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to meteorological processes or geographical features to demonstrate a wider range of lexical resources, which would help elevate the response to a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good command of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly. Examples of complex structures include 'As these winds encounter a mountain range, they are forced to rise...' and 'After releasing its moisture, the now dry air continues...'. The control over verb tenses is consistent and appropriate for describing a scientific process. To improve, you could experiment with more varied sentence patterns, such as passive voice constructions or more complex subordinate clauses, to showcase greater grammatical flexibility.

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

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