Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-18

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 provided diagram outlines the several stages involved in the creation of a specific desert, called as a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, it is evident that the process consisted mainly of several sequential stages, beginning with an arrival of the winds above the coast and ending with the dry winds that reach inland areas.

At the initial stages, the winds approach coast and are pushed in an upward trajectory which faces a windward side of the mountains. Following this, the moist air rises and cools after getting pushed which results in the creation of clouds. Subsequently, the process moves to the next phase, where the rain falls after the clouds formation.

In the later stages, the dry air continues over the mountains and then create dry wind and make its way downward by the leeward side of the mountain. Ultimately, the dry winds reach the inland areas by forming an immense rain-shadow mountain which cover thousands of kilometres.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly outlined the sequential stages from the initial wind arrival to the final formation of the desert. The overview is functional, though it could be more descriptive by highlighting the contrast between the windward and leeward sides more explicitly. While you have covered the key stages, the description of the 'rain-shadow' itself is slightly inaccurate in the final sentence, as the process creates the desert rather than a 'rain-shadow mountain'. Overall, the response is well-focused and meets the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Following this', 'Subsequently', and 'In the later stages' helps guide the reader through the process. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For example, the phrase 'after getting pushed' is a bit vague and lacks a clear connection to the previous clause. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different stages of the process, which aids readability.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, such as 'upward trajectory', 'windward side', and 'leeward side'. However, there are some awkward collocations and minor errors in word choice, such as 'called as a rain-shadow desert' (should be 'known as') and 'clouds formation' (should be 'cloud formation'). These errors do not impede communication, but they prevent the response from reaching a higher band. Expanding your range to include more precise scientific terminology related to meteorology would enhance the quality of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical inaccuracies. For instance, 'the process consisted mainly of several sequential stages' uses the past tense, whereas the diagram describes a general, ongoing process, so the present tense would be more appropriate. Additionally, there are minor errors such as 'approach coast' (missing article 'the') and 'create dry wind' (subject-verb agreement error). Despite these slips, the errors do not significantly impede the reader's understanding of the process.

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

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