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 provided illustrates the formation of one type of desert known as rain-shadow desert.

A mountain ranging for thousands of kilometres is a significant component for formation as on one side of the mountain range there is a presence of sea whereas on the another side the inland area. In formation of this desert, firstly the coastal winds approach towards the mountain range, which when met with these coastal winds are pushed upwards through the mountains slope.

When the winds reach at certain mountain level known as windward side of the mountain, the moist air rises and tends to cool down on this side.

Just before the peak, there is a formation of clouds significantly due to cooling effect which when reached at the peak transforms into rain and falls. This rain tends to move on another side of the range mixing with dry air which continues to move downwards through the mountain.Just below the peak, the other side is known as the leeward side. After crossing this side the dry winds move downwards reaching the Inland areas leading in formation of Rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the mountain plays a significant role in formation of this desert with coastal winds moving as per the mountain range, cooling and transforming into rain and again into dry air reaching the land hence forming the Rain-shadow desert.

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 described the progression from coastal winds to the leeward side of the mountain. However, the description of the process is slightly repetitive in the final paragraph, and some technical details—such as the specific role of the mountain range as a barrier—could be more precisely articulated. The overview is present but could be more concise to better highlight the core mechanism of the process. Overall, you have covered the key stages effectively and provided a clear summary of the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into distinct paragraphs, moving from the introduction to the process stages and concluding with an overview. You use some cohesive devices like 'firstly', 'when', and 'overall' to guide the reader. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the flow between sentences in the second paragraph is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing, such as 'which when met with these coastal winds are pushed upwards'. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between the windward and leeward stages would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'coastal winds', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'moist air'. There are some instances of slightly unnatural word choices, such as 'mountain ranging for thousands of kilometres' instead of 'a mountain range spanning thousands of kilometres'. Additionally, the phrasing 'leading in formation of' is slightly inaccurate; 'leading to the formation of' would be more standard. While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the precision and sophistication required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors that occur throughout the text. For example, 'on the another side' should be 'on the other side', and 'reach at certain mountain level' should be 'reach a certain mountain level'. There are also issues with article usage and prepositional phrases. While these errors do not impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage will help improve your accuracy.

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.