Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-06
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 OUTLINES HOW ONE KIND OF DESERT IS KNOWN AS A RAIN-SHADOW DESERT AND HOW IT IS FORMED.
THE FORMATION OF A RAIN-SHADOW DESERTS INVOLVES SEVEN STAGES WHICH INVOLVES ; WINDS APPROACHING TO MOIST AIR TO RISING AND COOLING , FORMATION OF CLOUDS TO FALLING OF RAIN,THEN DRY AIR OVER THE MOUNTAINS TO REACH IN INLAND AREA. ALL THE PROCESS INVOLVE THOUSANDS OF KILOMETRES.
THE FIRST STEP STARTS FROM WIND APPROACHES THE COASTLINE FROM A SEA WHICH THEN PUSHES UPWARDS FROM MOUNTAINS. AFTERWARDS , AIR GETS MOIST WHEN IT RISES UP AND THEN COOLS DOWN. THIS PROCESS FOLLOWS WINDWARD SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN.THE NEXT STEP INVOLVES, THE FORMATION OF CLOUDS AND REACHES TO THE PEAK OF THE MOUNTAINS, RAIN STARTS FALLING.
AFTERWARDS, AIR GETS DRY AND CONTINUES OVER THE MOUNTAIN. AND SUBSTANTIALLY, IT STARTS FOLLOWING THE LEEWARD SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN. FINALLY DRY WIND REACHES IN THE INLAND AREAS AFTER COVERING THOUSANDS OF KILOMETRES AND FORMS RAIN-SHADOW DESERT.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response covers the main features of the diagram, identifying the key stages of the rain-shadow effect from the windward side to the leeward side. However, the overview is somewhat repetitive and lacks a clear, concise summary of the overall process. The description of the stages is generally accurate, but the phrasing is occasionally awkward, such as 'winds approaching to moist air to rising', which obscures the scientific process. To improve, ensure that the overview highlights the most significant trend or mechanism rather than just listing steps, and focus on clearer, more precise descriptions of the physical changes occurring at each stage.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organised into logical paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or slightly unnatural, such as the repetitive use of 'afterwards' and 'next step'. Additionally, there are punctuation errors, such as the unnecessary comma after 'involves' and the inconsistent spacing before commas, which disrupts the flow. To reach a higher band, focus on using a wider variety of linking words and ensure that punctuation is used correctly to connect ideas more fluidly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task, allowing for a basic description of the process. However, there is a lack of precision and some awkward collocations, such as 'winds approaching to moist air' and 'reaches to the peak'. The range of vocabulary is somewhat limited, relying on simple descriptors. To improve, incorporate more precise terminology related to geography and meteorology, such as 'prevailing winds', 'precipitation', 'orographic lift', or 'arid conditions', which would better demonstrate a higher level of lexical control.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede clarity. Examples include 'one kind of desert is known as a rain-shadow desert' (which is slightly redundant), 'winds approaching to moist air to rising', and 'reaches in inland area'. There are also issues with article usage and prepositional phrases. While the meaning is generally understandable, the frequency of these errors prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and correct preposition usage will significantly improve the accuracy of your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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