Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-03

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 seven stages of how the rain shadow desert is created which is a form of desert.

Overall, rain shadow is formed in mountainous areas near the coast. The wind rises upwards from the costal side to the top of the mountain and it rains. After that the dry air goes downward area on the other side of the mountain and generates rain shadow desert. The distance between windward side and leeward side of mountain is thousands of kilometers,

Firstly, the sea breez approaches the coast and pushes upward. The moist air rises and cools as the temperature decreases with height and clouds are formed at windward side. Once clouds become heavy it rains making winward side green. While on the other side dry air continues over mountain and goes down in leeward side.

Finally, this dry air reaches inland areas. Since this air lost moisture, it makes inland areas dry. This dry area is called rain shadow desert which is formed near leeward side of mountain.

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 clearly outlined the transition from the windward side to the leeward side. However, the description could be improved by incorporating more specific details from the diagram, such as the mention of specific altitudes or the contrast between the lush vegetation on the windward side and the arid conditions on the leeward side. While the overview is present, it is somewhat simplistic. To reach a higher band, ensure that all key stages are described with greater precision and that the comparison between the two sides of the mountain is more explicitly developed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The use of sequencing markers like 'Firstly', 'After that', and 'Finally' helps guide the reader through the process. However, the cohesion is occasionally mechanical, and some transitions between sentences feel slightly abrupt. For instance, the transition from the second paragraph to the third could be smoother. Additionally, the referencing is generally clear, but the paragraphing could be more balanced to ensure that the progression of ideas is seamless throughout the entire report.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'windward', 'leeward', 'moist', and 'arid' (implied). However, there are some spelling errors, such as 'costal' instead of 'coastal' and 'winward' instead of 'windward'. Furthermore, the word choice is sometimes repetitive, such as the frequent use of 'dry'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary to describe meteorological processes, such as 'precipitation', 'condensation', or 'topographical barrier', which would elevate the sophistication of your writing.

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 inaccuracies. For example, 'the sea breez approaches' contains a spelling error and a missing article, and 'goes downward area' is awkward phrasing. There are also issues with article usage, such as 'on other side of the mountain'. While these errors do not significantly impede communication, they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of prepositions would be beneficial.

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

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