Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-28

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 formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process consists of seven main stages, starting with the winds approaching the coast from the sea. The process terminates with the dry winds reach inland areas which form the rain-shadow desert.

In the first stage of the process, winds approach the coast from the sea. Then they move in an upward direction. As a result of this, moist air rises and cools the vapor. Following this, it cools the vapor and forms clouds. Clouds undergo a transformation and release precipitation onto the mountain over a period of time.

In the subsequent stage of the process, the leeward side forms as dry air continues onto the mountain. Finally, dry winds reach the inland areas and they form a rain-shadow desert. Additionally, the distance from the coast to inland is estimated to be thousands of kilometers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the process, from the initial wind movement to the formation of the rain-shadow desert. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the process. However, the description of the stages is somewhat repetitive and lacks depth in explaining the causal links between the stages (e.g., the transition from moist air to precipitation). While the main features are covered, the response could be improved by better integrating the comparative elements, such as the contrast between the windward and leeward sides of the mountain, which is a key feature of the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In the first stage', 'Following this', and 'In the subsequent stage' helps to guide the reader through the process. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the paragraphing could be more balanced. The reference to the distance between the coast and inland areas is a bit abrupt and lacks a clear connection to the preceding sentences, which slightly disrupts the flow of the explanation.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is generally appropriate for the task, using terms like 'precipitation', 'transformation', and 'leeward side'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a tendency to repeat basic verbs like 'form' and 'approach'. To reach a higher band, the student should aim for more precise terminology related to meteorological processes, such as 'condensation', 'orographic lift', or 'arid'. The word choice is accurate enough to convey the meaning clearly, but it lacks the sophistication required for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical errors, such as 'the dry winds reach inland areas' (should be 'when the dry winds reach' or 'as the dry winds reach') and 'cools the vapor' (which is slightly imprecise in this context). While these errors do not impede communication, they indicate a lack of full control over complex structures. The punctuation is generally correct, and the sentences are easy to follow, but more variety in sentence construction would improve the overall quality.

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

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