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 diagram illustrates the formation of one type of desert described as a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process begins with the movement of winds towards the coast and ends at the arrival of dry winds in inland areas. The whole process consists of 7 stages.

In the initial stage, the hot winds move from the sea towards the coast and push in an upward direction in order to reach the windward side. Winds move in an upper direction as a mountain in front of them creates a path for winds. At the windward side, the moist air rises and cools the hot coastal winds. By the cooling of the air, the process creates the formation of clouds.

After the formation clouds, rain falls on the mountain, and dry air continues to move on the other side of the mountain to reach the leeward side, which is located on the opposite side of the windward side. The dry winds then reach the inland areas to create the rain-shadow desert. The distance between the coast and the desert is around thousands of kilometers.

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 provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of events from the sea to the inland desert. However, the description is somewhat mechanical and lacks a more sophisticated synthesis of the stages. For instance, the explanation of the 'windward' and 'leeward' sides is accurate, but the connection between the cooling air and the resulting precipitation could be more explicitly linked to the geographical features shown. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the stages is described with more precision rather than simply listing them.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological order of the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'In the initial stage', 'After the formation', and 'The dry winds then' helps guide the reader through the stages. However, some transitions feel slightly repetitive, and the paragraphing could be more balanced. The connection between the final sentence regarding distance and the rest of the process is a bit abrupt. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear, and the paragraphing is functional.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'windward', 'leeward', 'moist air', and 'precipitation' (though you used 'rain'). There is some repetition of basic verbs like 'move' and 'reach'. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic verbs such as 'ascend', 'descend', 'precipitate', or 'arid'. While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, it lacks the variety and sophistication required for higher bands. The word choice is generally accurate and does not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While most sentences are clear, there are some minor grammatical awkwardnesses, such as 'By the cooling of the air, the process creates the formation of clouds' (which is slightly unnatural) and 'the arrival of dry winds in inland areas'. There are also some minor issues with article usage and prepositional phrasing. However, the errors are infrequent and do not cause confusion for the reader. To improve, focus on varying your sentence structure further and refining the flow of complex clauses.

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