Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-30

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 given process diagram presents information about how the rain-shadow deserts are formed.

Overall, as illustrated in the diagram, the process consists of 7 stages in total. Wherein at the initial stage the wind approaches over the sea towards the coast and finally ending with dry winds that reach the inland areas. The whole process spans over thousands of kilometres.

The first step begins with winds reaching the coast above the water body and pushing itself upwards over the mountains at the Windward side where the moist air rises and cools down. Eventually the formation of clouds take place and when it gets heavier due to its water content, rain fall takes place atop the mountain.

In the later stages, going downwards on the Leeward side, we can see dry air continues over the mountain and finally reaches the inland areas. Evidently, all this will take much time as the winds have to travel the landmass which is of thousands of kilometres.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the key stages of the rain-shadow effect from the initial wind movement to the final dry conditions. You have successfully highlighted the contrast between the windward and leeward sides. However, the description is somewhat generic; for instance, mentioning '7 stages' is not explicitly supported by the visual labels, and the claim that the process spans 'thousands of kilometres' is an external assumption not clearly derived from the provided diagram. To improve, focus strictly on the visual information provided, such as the specific elevation changes or the transition from moist to dry air, rather than adding external information.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is clear, moving from the initial wind movement to the final outcome. Cohesive devices such as 'The first step', 'In the later stages', and 'Eventually' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be more precise. For example, the phrase 'Wherein at the initial stage' is grammatically awkward and disrupts the flow. Overall, the paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is presented in a coherent manner.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'moist air', 'landmass', and 'windward side' correctly. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'pushing itself upwards' (which is slightly unnatural) and 'rain fall takes place' (should be 'rainfall'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the sophistication or precision required for higher bands. To reach a higher score, try to incorporate more precise scientific or descriptive terminology related to meteorological processes, such as 'precipitation', 'orographic lift', or 'arid'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors. For example, 'the formation of clouds take place' should be 'takes place' (subject-verb agreement), and 'the wind approaches over the sea' is slightly awkward. Additionally, 'all this will take much time' is a bit informal for an academic report. There are enough error-free sentences to maintain communication, but the frequency of minor errors prevents a higher score. Focus on subject-verb agreement and refining your use of articles.

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

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