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 reaching inland areas which form the rain-shadow desert.

In the first stage of the process, winds approach the coast from the sea. Following this, they move in an upward direction. As a result of this, moist air rises and condenses. 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 features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of events from the sea to the inland desert. However, the description of the process is somewhat simplistic. For instance, the explanation of the 'leeward side' and the specific meteorological transition from moist to dry air could be more detailed to fully capture the complexity of the diagram. While you have covered the main stages, the response lacks a slightly more analytical approach to the relationship between the mountain height and the resulting climate, which would have strengthened the 'reporting' aspect of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Following this', 'As a result of this', and 'In the subsequent stage' to guide the reader through the process. However, the use of these connectors is somewhat repetitive and mechanical. The paragraphing is appropriate, but the transition between the description of the mountain process and the final mention of distance feels slightly abrupt. Improving the variety of linking phrases and ensuring a smoother flow between sentences would elevate the coherence of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'condenses', 'precipitation', 'leeward side', and 'transformation'. These are relevant to the topic and help convey the process accurately. However, the vocabulary is somewhat basic in places, such as 'move in an upward direction' instead of 'ascend' or 'rise'. There is also a slight lack of precision in describing the geographical features. To reach a higher band, you should aim to incorporate more precise, topic-specific collocations and avoid repetitive phrasing, which would demonstrate a more sophisticated control of language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and errors are rare and do not impede communication. For example, 'As a result of this, moist air rises and condenses' is a clear, well-constructed sentence. However, the range of structures is somewhat limited; you rely heavily on simple subject-verb-object patterns. To improve, try to integrate more varied complex structures, such as passive voice constructions (e.g., 'moisture is released as the air is forced upwards') or participle clauses, which would demonstrate greater grammatical flexibility and control.

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

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