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 diagram depicts the formation of one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, it is clear that this process consists of seven stages. It starts with winds approaching the coast from the sea and rising along one side of the mountain, and ends with dry winds reaching the inland areas on the other side.

Initially, winds approach the coast from the sea and then move upwards along the mountain. As a result, moist air rises and cools, leading to cloud formation on the windward side. This subsequently causes rainfall on this side of the mountain.

As the air continues over the mountain, it gradually becomes dry. It then moves down the leeward side, where it develops into dry winds. Finally, these dry winds reach the inland areas, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response covers the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process, identifying the windward and leeward sides and the resulting climatic conditions. However, the response is 138 words long, failing to meet the 150-word minimum requirement. This under-length significantly impacts the ability to fully develop the description. While the main features are reported, the lack of detail regarding the specific atmospheric changes or the contrast between the two sides of the mountain prevents a higher score. To improve, you should expand on the physical processes described in the diagram, such as the specific temperature changes or the moisture content of the air at different altitudes.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a body paragraph detailing the process, and a concluding summary. The progression of ideas is easy to follow, moving from the initial wind approach to the final desert formation. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'As a result', 'subsequently', and 'Finally' are used effectively to link the stages of the process. Paragraphing is appropriate for the length of the text. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between the different stages of the diagram is clearly articulated, which is a strength of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately, using terms like 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'moist air', and 'inland areas'. The vocabulary is appropriate for the task and conveys the meaning clearly. While there are no major errors in word choice, the range is somewhat limited, and there is little use of less common or more sophisticated lexical items that would elevate the response. To improve, try to incorporate more precise scientific or descriptive terminology related to meteorological processes to show a wider lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'As the air continues over the mountain, it gradually becomes dry.' The grammar is generally accurate, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. While the sentence structures are functional, they are relatively straightforward. To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate a greater variety of complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'moisture is released as the air is forced upwards') to describe the process more formally.

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

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