Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-01

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 process diagram illustrates the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, generation of a rain-shadow desert is a seven step process which begins with formation of clouds with the aid of wind and ends at reaching of the dry air in island where desert is formed. Two sides of mountain are mentioned, windward side where clouds are formed and leeward side where dry air flows down the inland.

At the onset, winds at the sea level reaches the coast side where they are pushed upside of the mountain which ranges of thousands of kilometers. Reaching somehow above, the wind becomes moist and it rises and finally cool down. Upon cooling, clouds are formed there at the windward side of the mountain.

At the top the mountain, the clouds burst followed by falling of rain while the dry air blow continuously at the leeward side of the mountain. At last, dry air reaches the inland area where rain shadow desert is formed afterwards.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response provides a clear overview of the process, identifying the main stages from the windward side to the leeward side. You successfully highlight the key features, such as cloud formation, precipitation, and the resulting dry air. However, the description of the process is slightly simplistic. For instance, stating that the wind 'ranges of thousands of kilometers' is a bit vague and does not accurately reflect the diagram's focus on the mountain's topography. To reach a higher band, ensure that all technical details are described with greater precision, focusing on the causal relationships between the elevation, cooling, and moisture loss.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, a body paragraph for the windward side, and a concluding paragraph for the leeward side. The progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow. You use some cohesive devices, such as 'At the onset' and 'At last', which help guide the reader. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical, and some transitions between sentences feel slightly abrupt. Improving the variety of linking words and ensuring smoother transitions between the stages of the process would enhance the flow and coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'windward', 'leeward', 'moist', and 'precipitation' (or 'rain'). However, there are some awkward word choices and phrasing, such as 'pushed upside of the mountain' and 'reaching somehow above'. These inaccuracies occasionally hinder the precision of your description. To improve, focus on using more natural collocations related to geographical or meteorological processes. Expanding your vocabulary to include more precise verbs and descriptive adjectives will help you convey the information more effectively and naturally.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'winds at the sea level reaches' (subject-verb agreement), 'clouds burst followed by falling of rain' (missing articles/prepositions), and 'dry air blow' (subject-verb agreement). These errors are frequent enough to be noticeable but do not significantly impede communication. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement, the correct use of articles, and prepositional phrases when describing physical movements or locations.

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

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