Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 below presents the formation of rain-shadow deserts.

overall, the process of rain forest desert formation includes seven crucial steps which takes place above the mountains. It begins when the wind approaches the coast and then travels thousands of kilometres, going upward from windward side to moving downward to leeward side of the mountains. It finally ends when the dry wind reaches the inland.

To begin with, the process initiates wind approaches the coast above the sea level and pushed upward towards windward side, it gets mixed with moist air, rises and cools down to form clouds as a result rain falls on top of the mountains.

Conversely, after the falling of rains, dry air continues to move over the mountains and then moves downside, falling towards leeward side further the dry wind finally reaches to inland area which is at the same level of the sea, resulting in the formation of rain- shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the process, from the wind approaching the coast to the formation of the desert. However, the description is somewhat superficial. While the key stages are identified, the explanation lacks precision regarding the scientific mechanism (e.g., the cooling of air and the specific nature of the rain-shadow effect). The overview is present but could be more effectively integrated to highlight the contrast between the windward and leeward sides. To reach a higher band, you should focus on providing a more detailed and accurate summary of the specific environmental changes occurring at each stage of the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression from the start to the end of the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly awkward, such as the transition 'Conversely, after the falling of rains'. Additionally, some sentences are run-on or lack clear punctuation, which disrupts the flow of information. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring that each sentence connects smoothly to the next would significantly enhance the coherence of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, allowing for a basic description of the process. You use relevant terms such as 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'moist air'. However, there is a lack of flexibility and precision in your word choices. For example, 'moving downward' and 'falling towards' are repetitive. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated vocabulary related to geographical or meteorological processes and ensure that collocations are used accurately to convey your ideas more professionally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. For instance, 'the process initiates wind approaches' is grammatically incorrect, and there are issues with subject-verb agreement, such as 'seven crucial steps which takes place'. Punctuation is also inconsistent, with several comma splices. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on sentence construction and proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy will be beneficial.

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

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