Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-17

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 exhibits the process of the formation of a desert, namely a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the mountains play a pivotal role in the formation of this rain-shadow desert due to its cold weather at the summit. The winds initially approach the coast from the sea and gradually move upward towards the mountain and form clouds. Additionally, the rain from these clouds brings the dry air to the land to the desert.

To be specific, winds from the sea first approach the coast and then are pushed upwards along the windward side. Thereafter, the moist air rises and cools to form clouds. Subsequently, these clouds are saturated with water and cause rainfall at the top of the mountains. After that, dry air continues to flow along the leeward side. Moreover, the sea and the desert are far more distant of approximately thousands of kilometers. Eventually, this air reach the inland area and continues its path. For such rain and dry wind around the desert, it is known as rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the process, from the initial wind movement to the formation of the rain-shadow desert. However, the description of the process is somewhat simplistic and lacks precision in interpreting the visual data. For instance, the mention of 'thousands of kilometers' is not explicitly supported by the diagram, which is a minor misinterpretation of the provided information. While the main features are identified, the explanation of the 'rain-shadow' effect could be more clearly linked to the specific contrast between the windward and leeward sides of the mountain. The overview is present but could be more comprehensive in summarizing the overall mechanism.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and a detailed body paragraph. The use of cohesive devices such as 'To be specific', 'Thereafter', 'Subsequently', and 'Moreover' helps to guide the reader through the stages of the process. However, the transition between the overview and the body paragraph is slightly abrupt, and some cohesive links feel a bit mechanical. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the general summary from the specific details. The progression of ideas is generally clear, although the final sentence is a bit repetitive regarding the definition of the desert.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, with some attempts at more precise terminology such as 'pivotal role', 'saturated', and 'leeward side'. However, there are some awkward phrasings, such as 'far more distant of approximately', which detracts from the clarity. The word choice is functional but lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for a higher band. There are no significant spelling errors, and the terminology related to the diagram (e.g., 'windward', 'leeward') is used correctly, which shows a good understanding of the subject matter.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While many sentences are clear, there are several grammatical errors that affect the flow. For example, 'due to its cold weather' (referring to mountains, plural) should be 'their', and 'this air reach the inland area' should be 'reaches'. Additionally, 'For such rain and dry wind around the desert, it is known as' is grammatically awkward. Despite these errors, the meaning remains clear throughout the text, and the errors do not significantly impede communication. A greater variety of error-free complex structures would be needed for a higher score.

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

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