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 shows how a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, the process has several It starts when wind comes from the sea and finishes when a dry area is formed on the other side of a mountain.

First, wind blows from the sea towards the mountain. The warm and moist air moves up the mountain. As the air goes higher, it becomes cooler. Then, clouds are formed in the sky.

After that, rain falls on the windward side of the mountain. This makes this side wet and green. When the air reaches the top of the mountain, it becomes dry. The dry air then moves down the other side of the mountain.

Finally, the air becomes warmer as it goes down. There is very little rain on this side, so the area becomes very dry. This dry area is called a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the process, from the initial wind movement to the formation of the rain-shadow desert. However, the response is under the 150-word minimum, which impacts the overall score. While the key features are identified, the description lacks the depth and analytical detail required for a higher band. For instance, the explanation of the air cooling and warming processes is quite basic. To improve, you should expand on the technical aspects of the diagram, such as the specific temperature changes or the contrast between the windward and leeward sides, to ensure a more comprehensive summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, each focusing on a specific stage of the process. The progression from the sea to the mountain and finally to the desert is easy to follow. You use basic cohesive devices like 'First', 'After that', and 'Finally' to link your ideas. However, the cohesion is somewhat mechanical and repetitive. To reach a higher band, try to vary your linking phrases and use more sophisticated referencing to connect sentences more fluidly, rather than relying on simple sequence markers at the start of every paragraph.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite simple and repetitive. You use basic terms like 'wind', 'mountain', 'wet', and 'dry' throughout the text. While these words are accurate, they do not demonstrate the range of vocabulary expected for a higher band. To improve, incorporate more precise scientific or descriptive terminology related to geographical processes, such as 'moisture-laden', 'precipitation', 'leeward', or 'arid'. Expanding your range of collocations will help you convey information with greater precision and sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The grammar is generally accurate, and your sentences are easy to understand. You use a mix of simple and some complex structures, such as 'As the air goes higher, it becomes cooler.' However, the range of structures is limited. There is a noticeable error in the second paragraph: 'the process has several It starts when...', which is a punctuation and structural slip. To improve, focus on using a wider variety of complex sentence forms, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'moisture is released as precipitation'), which are highly appropriate for describing scientific processes.

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

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