Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-27

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 formation of a rain-shadow desert in seven steps and shows the process that occurs at each stage.

Overall, the formation consists of seven stages. In the initial steps, it shows how the process starts from the sea, where moist air moves towards the coast and rain eventually falls. Afterwards, there is a downward movement, and dry conditions appear in inland areas.

At first, winds approach the coast from the sea and are pushed upward by the mountain. After that, moist air rises and cools. Furthermore, on the windward side, clouds form and rain falls. However, after the rain falls, the conditions start to change, and the dry air continues over the mountain.

On the leeward side, the final stage occurs when dry winds reach the inland area. In the later stages, the air moves downward, and the conditions become dry in the inland areas. The whole process covers a huge distance of thousands of kilometres, starting from the coast and ending inland.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process, from the initial moisture-laden air at the coast to the arid conditions inland. The overview is clear, and the sequence of events is logically presented. However, the response could be improved by incorporating more specific details from the diagram, such as the mention of the mountain range's height or the specific temperature changes associated with the cooling air. While the main features are identified, the description remains somewhat generic, which limits the depth of the analysis. Nevertheless, all parts of the task are addressed, and the information is accurately reported.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into clear paragraphs, with an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'At first', 'After that', 'Furthermore', and 'However' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the referencing is generally clear. While some transitions are slightly repetitive, the overall structure is coherent and easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a Band 7 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing for a clear description of the process. Terms like 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'arid conditions' are used correctly. However, the range of vocabulary is somewhat limited and lacks the sophistication or precision expected at higher bands. There is some repetition of basic verbs like 'moves' and 'falls'. To achieve a higher score, the student should aim to incorporate more precise scientific or descriptive terminology related to meteorological processes.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. While there are no major errors that impede communication, the range of structures is somewhat restricted. The student relies heavily on simple 'subject-verb-object' patterns. To improve, the student should attempt to use more varied complex structures, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'the air is forced upward') or participle clauses to better describe the continuous nature of the process.

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

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