Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-24

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 stages involved in the formation of a rain-shadow desert on the mountain.

Overall, the process involves seven stages, beginning with the winds from sea approaches the coast on the windward side of the mountain and ending with dry winds reaching the inland areas on the leeward side of the mountain, where rain-shadow desert is formed.

Aa analysis of the image reveals that the process begins, when wind approaches the coast. Next, these winds are pushed upwards along the windward side. In the next stage, moist air rises and cools down, after that clouds are formed. After, rain falls on the windward side of the mountain.

From the image it is evident that after the rain fall, the dry air continues over leeward side of the mountain. In the subsequent stage, the dry wind reaches the inland areas. Finally, at the inland region a rain-shadow desert is formed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the process, from the initial wind movement to the final formation of the desert. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the transformation. However, the description is somewhat mechanical, listing stages rather than synthesizing the information into a more fluid narrative. While all key features are addressed, the response could be improved by adding more descriptive detail about the physical changes, such as the temperature drop or the specific nature of the air on the leeward side, to better demonstrate a full understanding of the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. The use of sequencing words such as 'Next', 'In the next stage', and 'In the subsequent stage' helps guide the reader through the process. However, the transition between sentences is sometimes repetitive, and the paragraphing is slightly unbalanced, with a very short second paragraph. To reach a higher band, you should aim for more varied cohesive devices and ensure that the progression of ideas feels less like a list and more like a cohesive explanation of a natural phenomenon.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, using subject-specific terms like 'windward', 'leeward', and 'inland'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there are instances of slightly unnatural phrasing, such as 'Aa analysis of the image' (a typo) and 'after the rain fall' (should be 'rainfall'). The repetition of basic verbs like 'approaches' and 'formed' limits the sophistication of the response. Incorporating more precise academic vocabulary related to meteorological processes would enhance the lexical quality.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are several grammatical errors that detract from the overall quality. For example, 'winds from sea approaches' contains a subject-verb agreement error, and 'on the mountain' is slightly awkward in context. There are also punctuation issues, such as the unnecessary comma in 'the process begins, when wind approaches'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and refining sentence structure will improve clarity.

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

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