Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-07

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 process by which the rain shadow desert is formed.

Overall, this is a seven stage natural process involving moist air from the sea , mountains, and dry inland areas.

The process begins when winds carrying moisture approach the coast from the sea, and this wind pushed upward by the mountains. On the the wind draw side of the mountains, the moist air rises and cool. As a result of this cooling, clouds form and eventually rain falls on this side of the mountains.

After the rain has fallen ,the air that continues over the mountain becomes dry . This dry air then moves down the leeward side of the mountains,. Finally, these dry winds reach the inland areas thousands of kilometers from the coast. Because of the lack of moisture, this area becomes a rain-shadow desert.

In conclusion, the formation of a rain-shadow desert occurred due to the mountains blocking moist air, causing rain on one side and dry conditions on the other.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly outlined the movement of moist air from the sea, the influence of the mountains, and the resulting dry conditions inland. The overview is concise and effectively highlights the core mechanism of the diagram. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the specific labels or terminology provided in the diagram (e.g., 'windward' vs 'leeward') to demonstrate a more precise interpretation of the visual data. Overall, the response covers all parts of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized, moving chronologically through the stages of the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the body of the process, and the conclusion. You have used some cohesive devices such as 'The process begins', 'As a result', and 'Finally' to guide the reader. However, the flow could be improved by using a wider variety of linking words and ensuring that referencing is consistent. For instance, the transition between the cooling of air and the formation of rain is clear, but the connection between the leeward side and the inland area could be more fluid.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, such as 'moisture', 'coast', 'inland', and 'leeward'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'wind draw side' instead of the standard 'windward side'. While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, it lacks the more sophisticated, precise terminology that would characterize a higher band score. To improve, focus on using more academic collocations related to geographical processes and ensure that technical terms are used accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'this wind pushed upward' (missing auxiliary verb 'is'), 'On the the wind draw side' (repetition and incorrect term), and 'the formation... occurred' (tense inconsistency). These errors do not impede communication, but they are frequent enough to prevent a higher score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and consistent tense usage when describing natural processes will help improve your accuracy.

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

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