Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-16

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 image illustrates the creation of a rain-shadow desert by the action of moist and dry air over a mountain.

Overall, the rain-shadow desert is a result of two major events that take place; one on the Windward side relating to the moist air and other on the Leeward side caused by the dry air.

Firstly, the wind at the sea level blows to the coast, from where it is pushed upwards towards the Windward side of the mountain. The mountain itself is huge, with its width expanding to thousands of kilometres. However, on the Windward side of the mountain, the moist air rises uphill and cools down leading to the formation of clouds. When the clouds achieve their maximum density, they pour down as rain, at the peak of the mountain. The mountain absorbs all the moisture, producing dry air.

Moreover, the dry air then blows downhill, as a result of its low density, on the Leeward side of the mountain. The dry breeze finally reaches the inland at the bottom, giving rise to a desert, namely, a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the diagram, covering the windward and leeward processes. However, the description of the mountain's size as 'thousands of kilometres' is a misinterpretation of the diagram, which likely refers to the scale of the process rather than the physical width of a single mountain. Additionally, the statement that the mountain 'absorbs all the moisture' is scientifically inaccurate based on the provided visual, which shows precipitation occurring due to cooling. While the key stages are addressed, the explanation lacks the precision required for a higher band, as some details are slightly inaccurate or over-generalized.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on the windward and leeward sides respectively. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Moreover', and 'as a result of' helps guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the distinct stages of the formation. However, the flow is occasionally slightly mechanical, and the transition between the mountain's physical description and the meteorological process could be smoother to improve the overall progression of ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with terms like 'moist air', 'windward', 'leeward', and 'precipitation' (implied by 'pour down as rain') used correctly. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, such as 'density' and 'inland'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are minor issues with word choice, such as 'creation' instead of 'formation' and the slightly awkward phrasing 'the mountain itself is huge'. To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise scientific terminology related to atmospheric processes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are clear and easy to follow, and the grammatical control is generally good. There are a few minor errors, such as 'one on the Windward side relating to the moist air and other on the Leeward side', which is missing an article ('the other'). Punctuation is generally accurate, and the errors present do not impede communication. To improve, the student should aim for more varied complex sentence structures and ensure articles are used consistently.

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

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