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 sketch diagram portrays the formation of rain-shadow desert. It depicits how it's formed in 7 crucial steps starting from sea and travelling thousands of kilometres to form the rain-shadow desert.

The foremost step is how the wind approaches the coastal area and due to the massive mountain blockage, the wind rises above and that air becomes moist and cools down to form clouds. This side of the mountain is known as the Windward side. After the formation of the clouds, it starts raining at the top of the mountain.

The opposing side of mountain is known as the Leeward side. After rainfall, we are left with the dry air which flows down towards the inland areas. The point when those dry winds reach the inland areas, we call that phenomenon the Rain-shadow desert.

To achieve this type of desert, we have to keep in mind how the wind initiates from the sea level and what are the major steps followed till it reaches the peak of the mountain and drops down to become a certain kind of desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the key stages of the rain-shadow effect. However, the description is somewhat repetitive and lacks a clear, concise overview. The student mentions '7 crucial steps' which are not explicitly detailed or labelled in the text, making the summary feel slightly disjointed. While the windward and leeward sides are correctly identified, the explanation of the process could be more analytical by focusing on the transition of air properties (moisture and temperature) rather than just listing the sequence. The final paragraph is redundant and does not add new information, failing to synthesize the process effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression from the sea to the inland area. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical. Phrases like 'The foremost step' and 'The opposing side' are functional but repetitive. The transition between the description of the windward side and the leeward side is clear, but the overall flow is hindered by the final paragraph, which repeats information already provided rather than concluding the summary. Referencing is generally clear, but the logical progression could be smoother with more varied linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with correct usage of technical terms such as 'windward', 'leeward', and 'moist'. However, the range is limited, and there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'sketch diagram' (which is redundant) and 'depicits' (a spelling error). The phrasing 'To achieve this type of desert' is unnatural in this context, as a desert is a geographical feature rather than a goal to be achieved. To reach a higher band, the student should incorporate more precise verbs and nouns related to meteorological processes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, such as 'The sketch diagram portrays the formation of rain-shadow desert' (missing an article) and 'The opposing side of mountain' (missing an article). The sentence 'The point when those dry winds reach the inland areas, we call that phenomenon the Rain-shadow desert' is slightly awkward in its construction. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. The student demonstrates a basic control of grammar but needs more accuracy in article usage and sentence construction.

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

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