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 illustrates the sequential steps of formation of desert, particularly rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process encompasses seven distinct phases. It originates with winds approaching coast and ends with dry winds reaching inland areas, resulting in the creation of rain-shadow desert thousands of kilometers far from sea. This formation process is naturally occurring process.

This overall process happens in opposite sides of mountains: Windward side and leeward side. Initially in windward side, sea winds approach coast and Subsequently, it gets pushed upwards due to the mountain surface. At this point, the moist air rises and cools down and these moist air forms cloud.

Following the formation of clouds, the clouds get heavy and it rains. However, dry air continues over mountains in leeward side from the opposite side. These dry winds reach inland areas, where it gets in contact with inland area and ultimately shadow is formed from this entire process.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the windward and leeward sides and the process of cloud formation and precipitation. However, the description is somewhat generic and lacks precision regarding the specific stages shown in the diagram. For instance, the transition from 'moist air' to 'dry air' is mentioned, but the explanation of the 'rain-shadow' effect is slightly vague. The overview is present but could be more analytical by highlighting the contrast between the two sides of the mountain more effectively. To improve, ensure all key stages are clearly linked to the visual data provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression from the initial wind movement to the final formation of the desert. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Subsequently', and 'Following' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing is occasionally unclear, such as the phrase 'it gets in contact with inland area', where the subject 'it' is ambiguous. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and the detailed process, which helps the overall flow of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using terms like 'sequential steps', 'naturally occurring', and 'precipitation' (implied). However, there are instances of repetitive or imprecise word choices, such as 'gets heavy', 'gets in contact', and 'thousands of kilometers far from sea'. The range is sufficient to convey the meaning, but it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. To reach a higher score, focus on more precise collocations and scientific terminology relevant to geographical processes, such as 'orographic lift' or 'arid conditions'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles ('approaching coast', 'in windward side', 'from sea') and subject-verb agreement ('these moist air forms cloud'). Some sentences are slightly awkward, such as 'This formation process is naturally occurring process'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Increasing the variety of complex structures and ensuring consistent control over articles and prepositions would improve the accuracy significantly.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.