Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-19

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 process by which a rain shadow desert developed due to the presence of mountain near coastal region.

Overall the formation of rain shadow desert is a multi stage process driven by wind, mountain barrier, and changes in air moisture. The windward side of the mountain recieve heavy rainfall, while the leeward side becomes dry, resulting in desert condition thousands of kilometres inland.

Initially winds carry moisture approach the coast from the sea. When these winds meet mountain they are forcefully moved upward. As the moist air rises , it cools down which eventually leads to condensation and cloud formation. Subsequently precipitation occur on the windward side of the mountains, therefore coastal area recieve substantial rainfall.

After releasing moisture the air become dry and continue to travel over the mountain. As this dry air descend on the leeward side , it warms up and reaches inland area with very little moisture. As there is almost no rainfall the region beyond the mountains gradually becomes arid zone, forming a rain shadow desert thousands of kilometres from the coast.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response effectively summarizes the process of rain-shadow desert formation. You have identified the key stages, including the movement of moist air, the orographic effect (lifting over the mountain), condensation, and the subsequent dry conditions on the leeward side. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the main features. To reach a higher band, ensure that all comparisons are fully developed; for instance, you could explicitly contrast the specific moisture levels or temperature changes between the windward and leeward sides more precisely to show a deeper engagement with the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and sequential body paragraphs that follow the process chronologically. You use cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Subsequently', and 'After releasing moisture' to guide the reader through the stages. However, the paragraphing could be improved; the overview is currently merged with the introduction, which slightly disrupts the structure. Additionally, some transitions are a bit mechanical. Using a wider variety of cohesive links and ensuring each paragraph has a distinct focus would enhance the flow and clarity of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'condensation', 'precipitation', 'windward', 'leeward', and 'arid zone'. These terms are used accurately in context. There are some minor errors in word choice and form, such as 'mountain near coastal region' (should be 'a mountain near a coastal region') and 'precipitation occur' (should be 'precipitation occurs'). To improve, focus on consistent subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles, as these small slips prevent the vocabulary from reaching a more sophisticated level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, which is appropriate for this task. There are several grammatical errors, particularly regarding subject-verb agreement (e.g., 'winds... approach', 'precipitation occur', 'air become', 'air descend') and article usage (e.g., 'presence of mountain', 'reach inland area'). While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, pay closer attention to third-person singular verb endings and the use of 'a' or 'the' before singular countable nouns.

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

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