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 how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, the formation of rain-shadow deserts is very complex which consists of several stages and takes a long period of time.

On windward side, the process starts with winds approaching the coast over the sea. Secondly, winds are pushed upwards to the mountain from the coast. Thirdly, moist air rises and cools which is followed by the formation of clouds which leads to rainfall at the peak of the mountain.

On leeward side, after the rainfall, dry air flows down over the mountain which results into the dry winds reaching the inland areas. This whole process is stretched over thousands of kilometres.

At last, this whole process results in the formation of rain-shadow deserts. It is a very long process which takes up years of time starting with winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland areas.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the windward and leeward processes. However, the analysis is somewhat superficial. The description of the process is a bit repetitive, and the student includes subjective commentary, such as stating the process is 'very complex' or 'takes years of time,' which is not explicitly supported by the provided diagram. To reach a higher band, the focus should remain strictly on the objective data presented in the visual, such as the specific elevation changes or the contrast between moist and dry air, rather than adding external interpretations.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, moving from the windward side to the leeward side. Paragraphing is used to separate these stages, which helps the reader follow the progression. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical, relying heavily on simple sequencing words like 'Secondly' and 'Thirdly.' While the flow is generally clear, the transition between the final summary and the body paragraphs feels slightly abrupt. Improving the variety of linking phrases and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would enhance the overall coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, with terms like 'windward,' 'leeward,' 'moist air,' and 'inland areas' used correctly. However, the range is somewhat limited and repetitive. Phrases such as 'this whole process' are used multiple times, which detracts from the sophistication of the writing. There is a lack of more precise, academic vocabulary that would better describe the meteorological or geographical phenomena shown in the diagram. Expanding the range to include more varied descriptive verbs and nouns would improve the score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are some grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'results into' (should be 'results in') and 'takes up years of time' (which is slightly unnatural phrasing). Punctuation is generally acceptable, but there are minor issues with comma usage in complex sentences. The control of grammar is sufficient to communicate the information, but the lack of more sophisticated, error-free complex structures prevents a higher score.

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

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