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 RAIN-SHADOW DESERT INVOLVES SEVEN STAGES WHICH INVOLVE : WINDS APPROACHING MOIST AIR RISING AND COOLING , FORMATION OF CLOUDS AND THE 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 AGAINST 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 AS IT 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 THE INLAND AREAS AFTER COVERING THOUSANDS OF KILOMETRES AND FORMS RAIN-SHADOW DESERT

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 covered the key stages, from the moist air approaching the mountain to the final formation of the desert on the leeward side. However, the overview is somewhat repetitive and lacks a clear, concise summary of the entire process at the beginning. While you have addressed the task requirements, the description of the process could be more precise; for instance, the mention of 'thousands of kilometres' is a generalisation that does not add specific value to the technical description of the diagram. To improve, focus on a more analytical approach to the stages shown.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the progression of the process. However, the use of cohesive devices is somewhat mechanical and occasionally awkward, such as the repetitive use of 'afterwards' and 'the next step involves'. The transition between sentences is sometimes abrupt, and the punctuation is inconsistent, particularly with the placement of commas and spaces. While the overall arrangement is logical, the flow between ideas could be smoother if you used a wider variety of linking words and improved your sentence structure to connect the stages more naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

Your vocabulary is generally adequate for the task, allowing you to describe the process clearly. You have used some relevant terms like 'coastline', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'inland areas'. However, there are some inaccuracies in word choice and phrasing, such as 'one kind of desert is known as a rain-shadow desert' (which is slightly redundant) and 'substantially' used in an incorrect context. There is also a lack of more sophisticated vocabulary that would demonstrate a higher level of lexical control. Focusing on precise terminology related to meteorological processes would enhance your score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent errors in grammar and punctuation. For example, you have issues with article usage ('against a sea'), subject-verb agreement, and unnecessary capitalization. The sentence 'THE FORMATION OF RAIN-SHADOW DESERT INVOLVES SEVEN STAGES WHICH INVOLVE' is repetitive and grammatically weak. Additionally, there are several instances of awkward phrasing and punctuation errors, such as spaces before commas. While these errors do not completely impede communication, they are frequent enough to prevent a higher band score. Focus on proofreading for basic grammatical accuracy.

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

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