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 are move in an 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 precipitation 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 in these areas they 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 arid regions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation. You have provided a clear overview and followed the process chronologically. However, the description of the stages is somewhat basic. To reach a higher band, you should aim to integrate the specific labels or data points from the diagram more effectively (e.g., mentioning the 'windward' side or the specific elevation changes). While you mention the distance, you could have provided more detail on the transition from moist air to dry air as it crosses the mountain range to fully develop the explanation of the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In the first stage', 'Following this', and 'In the subsequent stage' helps guide the reader through the process. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the flow between the final sentences could be improved to better connect the concept of the rain shadow to the resulting arid climate. Overall, the information is presented in a coherent manner that is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, such as 'formulation', 'precipitation', 'transformation', and 'arid regions'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'are move' (should be 'move') and 'forms' (should be 'form' to agree with the plural subject 'winds'). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, it lacks the more sophisticated, precise terminology that would demonstrate a wider range. Incorporating more specific geographical or meteorological terms would enhance your score in this criterion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors that slightly distract from the flow, such as 'are move in an upward direction' (passive voice error) and 'they forms' (subject-verb agreement error). Additionally, 'Once this phase is completed then winds reach' is slightly awkward; a more natural phrasing would be 'Once this phase is complete, the winds reach...'. While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a need for more careful proofreading and a better grasp of verb forms and sentence construction.

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

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