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 different natural processes and mechanisms involved in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process consists of seven sequential stages. Winds from the sea move toward the windward side of the mountain, where clouds are formed, and eventually rain falls. On the other side, wind continues to dry and is pushed downward towards inland areas, where the formation of the rain-shadow desert ends.

Initially, winds originate from the sea and are pushed towards the Windward side through the coast. Clouds form when moist air rises and becomes cool, leading to the rain fall at the one side of the mountain. As the air reaches the top of the mountain, it loses its moisture.

After this, when the dry air reaches the other side of the mountain (called the Leeward side), with the goal of climbing down the mountain. Dry air continues reaching down the inland areas(base of the mountain, which is thousands of kilometers away from the coast), where the formation of the rain-shadow desert is completed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers all stages of the process, from the sea to the inland desert. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the windward and leeward sides, and the transition from moist to dry air. However, the description of the process could be more precise. For instance, you mention 'thousands of kilometers' which is not explicitly stated in the diagram, and the explanation of the air 'climbing down' is slightly awkward. To reach a higher band, ensure that all information is strictly derived from the visual data provided and focus on clearly linking the physical changes in the air to the geographical features shown.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs. You use cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'After this', and 'On the other side' to guide the reader through the stages. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the flow between the second and third paragraphs could be smoother. The referencing is generally clear, though the sentence structure in the final paragraph is a bit fragmented, which slightly disrupts the overall cohesion. Improving the variety of linking words would help the text flow more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'sequential stages', 'windward', 'leeward', and 'moisture'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'rain fall' (should be 'rainfall') and 'climbing down' (which is not the most natural collocation for air movement). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Attempting to use more precise scientific or descriptive terminology related to weather patterns would enhance your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors. For example, 'leading to the rain fall at the one side' contains an unnecessary article, and the sentence 'After this, when the dry air reaches the other side... with the goal of climbing down' is a sentence fragment that lacks a main verb. There are also issues with punctuation and preposition usage. To improve, focus on ensuring that every sentence has a clear subject and verb, and proofread for minor errors in articles and prepositions.

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

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