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. As the winds encounter the mountain, they are forced to ascend. 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 cloud formation, 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

You have successfully identified the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of events logically. However, the response could be improved by incorporating more specific details from the diagram, such as the labels for the mountain sides or the specific state of the air (e.g., 'moist' vs 'dry'). While you mentioned the distance, the description of the process is somewhat simplified. To reach a higher band, ensure that all key features of the diagram are integrated into your summary, providing a more comprehensive report of the visual information provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological progression of the process. You used cohesive devices such as 'In the initial stage', 'After cloud formation', and 'The dry winds then' to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the paragraphing could be more balanced. The reference to 'the opposite side of the windward side' is a bit repetitive and could be phrased more concisely. Overall, the information flows well, and the paragraphing is appropriate for a short report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'moist air', 'windward side', and 'leeward side'. There are some instances of slightly awkward phrasing, such as 'By the cooling of the air' and 'the arrival of dry winds in inland areas', which could be more natural. While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Expanding your repertoire to include more precise verbs and collocations related to geographical processes would enhance your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most of your sentences are clear and easy to follow, and your grammar is generally accurate. There are a few minor issues, such as 'the process creates the formation of clouds' (which is slightly redundant) and 'the arrival of dry winds in inland areas' (which could be more concisely expressed). You have good control over basic structures, but incorporating a wider variety of complex grammatical forms, such as passive voice constructions or relative clauses, would help demonstrate greater flexibility.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.