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 stages involved in the natural process of the formulation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process consists of seven main stages, starting with the winds approaching the coast from the sea and terminating to the dry winds reaching the inland areas and forming the rain shadow desert.

In the first stage, winds approach the coast from the sea and then winds pushed to the upward direction. As a result of this, moist air rises and cools to form the clouds. Following this, the clouds undergo a transformation and grow into the rainfall over a period of time.

In the subsequent stage, the leeward side is formed as rain falls from the clouds onto the mountains. Dry air continues over the mountain. Once this phase is completed then winds reach the inland areas and inside inland it forms a rain shadow desert. In addition, the total distance from the coast to the rain shadow is estimated as thousands of kilometers.

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 wind movement to the final arid conditions. You have successfully identified the key features, such as the rising moist air, cloud formation, and the distinction between the windward and leeward sides of the mountain. However, the description is somewhat basic. To reach a higher band, you should provide more precise detail regarding the physical changes described in the diagram, such as the specific temperature changes or the contrast in vegetation or precipitation levels between the two sides of the mountain. The summary is accurate but lacks the depth required for a higher score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, moving chronologically through the stages of the process. You have used some cohesive devices such as 'In the first stage', 'Following this', and 'In the subsequent stage' to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical or repetitive. For instance, the phrase 'In the subsequent stage' is used, but the connection between the mountain's leeward side and the inland desert could be smoother. Paragraphing is present, but the overall flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words to connect the cause-and-effect relationships more fluidly.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'moist air', 'leeward side', and 'arid'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing. For example, 'formulation of a rain-shadow desert' is slightly unnatural; 'formation' would be better. Similarly, 'winds pushed to the upward direction' is awkward; 'forced upwards' would be more precise. The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks the sophistication and precision required for a higher band score. Expanding your range of descriptive verbs and nouns related to geographical processes would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors. For example, 'terminating to the dry winds' should be 'terminating with the dry winds', and 'inside inland it forms' is redundant and grammatically weak. There are also issues with article usage and preposition choice, such as 'grow into the rainfall'. While these errors do not impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and more accurate prepositional phrases will improve your accuracy.

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

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