Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-04

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 provided diagram illustrates the process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed, sea winds to dry inland winds.

Overall, the formation involves four main stages across the coastline, windward side, leeward side and inland areas, with the entire process covering thousands of kilometers.

First, moist wind from sea approach the coast and forced upward along the steep slope of the windward side. As air rises to higher attitude the temperature drops, causing moisture in the air and result in the formation of clouds. When clouds reaches at the top of the mountain it result in the formation of rain fall occurs on the side of windward side.

Subsequently, the air become dry and lost its moisture continue over the mountain and descends down to the leeward side. As the dry winds moves toward the inland area, it carries the particles of dust and sand, which gradually accumulate to form the rain-shadow desert in the leeward side.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly outlined the transition from moist sea winds to dry inland conditions. However, the description of the process is slightly underdeveloped in terms of the scientific mechanism. For instance, while you mention the temperature drop, you could have more explicitly linked the cooling to the condensation process. The overview is clear, but the summary could be improved by highlighting the contrast between the windward and leeward sides more sharply. Overall, you have covered all parts of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that follow the chronological flow of the diagram. You use some cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Subsequently', and 'As', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and there are minor issues with referencing, such as the repetitive use of 'side of windward side'. Improving the variety of linking phrases and ensuring smoother transitions between sentences would elevate the coherence of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'moist wind', 'accumulate', and 'descends'. However, there are several instances of awkward word choice and minor errors, such as 'higher attitude' (should be 'altitude') and 'moisture in the air and result in' (grammatically incorrect). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning, it lacks the precision and flexibility required for a higher band. Focusing on more accurate collocations and avoiding repetitive phrasing would improve your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While you attempt complex sentences, there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow, such as 'moist wind from sea approach' (should be 'approaches') and 'When clouds reaches' (should be 'reach'). Additionally, there are issues with article usage and verb agreement throughout the text. While the meaning remains clear, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. You should focus on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage.

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

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