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 in 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 are moving in upward direction. As a result of this, moist air rises and cools to form clouds. Following this, the clouds undergo a transformation and grow into the precipitate 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 to be thousands of kilometers. Ultimately this lack of rainfall forms 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 provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of events from the coast to the inland area. However, the description of the stages is somewhat simplistic. For instance, the transition from 'moist air rises' to 'precipitate' could be more precisely described using technical terms like 'condensation' or 'orographic lift'. While you have covered the main points, the explanation lacks the depth required for a higher band, as it relies heavily on basic descriptions rather than synthesizing the scientific process depicted in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. You use cohesive devices such as 'In the first stage', 'Following this', and 'In the subsequent stage' to guide the reader through the process. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical or repetitive. For example, the phrase 'Once this phase is completed then' is a bit clunky. Additionally, the paragraphing is functional, but the second body paragraph could be better integrated to ensure a smoother flow between the mountain stage and the final desert formation.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'precipitate', 'leeward side', and 'inland areas'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing. For example, 'formulation of a rain-shadow desert' is slightly unnatural; 'formation' would be more appropriate. Similarly, 'grow into the precipitate' is not standard usage; 'result in precipitation' would be more accurate. To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more precise scientific terminology and avoid repetitive phrasing like 'winds approach' and 'winds are moving'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical slips. For instance, 'winds are moving in upward direction' should be 'moving in an upward direction'. The sentence 'Once this phase is completed then winds reach...' is slightly awkward and lacks a comma after the introductory clause. There are also minor issues with article usage, such as 'inside inland it forms a rain shadow desert', which is redundant and grammatically incorrect. Improving control over complex sentence structures and refining punctuation will help elevate your score.

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

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