Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-12

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 how a rain-shadow desert is formed through a series of natural processes.

Overall, the process begins when moist air from the sea moves towards a mountain. The air rises up the mountain and produces rain, while the opposit side receives very little rainfall and becomes a desert.

First, warm and moist air moves from the sea towards the mountain. As the air rises, it becomes cooler and clouds from. As a result, much of the moisture is removed from the air.

Next, the air pases over the mountain and moves down the leeward side. During this process, the air becomes warmer and drier. It then continues towards the lower land. Because there is very little moisture left in the air, almost no rain falls on this side of the mountain. Therefore, a dry area called a rain-shadow desert is formed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the key stages of the rain-shadow process. However, the response is 143 words long, failing to meet the 150-word minimum requirement. This under-length significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the description or provide a more detailed analysis of the process. While the main features are reported, the lack of length prevents the response from reaching a higher band, as it remains somewhat brief and lacks the depth expected for a full summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction and a step-by-step progression through the stages of the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial movement of air from the subsequent leeward side effects. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Next', 'As a result', and 'Therefore' are used to link ideas, although the range of these devices is somewhat limited. The flow of information is easy to follow, and the overall structure is coherent despite the brevity of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using subject-specific terms like 'moist air', 'leeward side', and 'rain-shadow desert' correctly. However, there are a few spelling errors, such as 'opposit' instead of 'opposite' and 'pases' instead of 'passes'. Additionally, the range of vocabulary is somewhat basic. To improve, you should aim to incorporate more precise academic collocations and ensure that spelling is accurate, as these minor errors detract from the overall quality of the writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Because there is very little moisture left in the air, almost no rain falls on this side of the mountain.' While the grammar is generally functional and communication is not impeded, there are minor errors, such as 'clouds from' (should be 'clouds form'). The control of grammar is generally good, but the limited length restricts the opportunity to demonstrate a wider range of complex structures. Punctuation is used correctly throughout.

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

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