Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-08

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, known as a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, it is the seven-step cycle that begins with the winds approaches coast and ends with the dry winds reach inland areas for the formation of rain-shadow desert. Missing of any step can halt the whole diagram.

After analyzing the diagram carefully, it is evident that, in the first step, winds approach coast over the sea, in the second step, wind pushed upwards towards mountains. Then, in the next step, moist air rises and cools in the Mountains. After that, cool air is converted into clouds in the windward side.

In the fifth step, clouds start to rain. In the sixth step, Dry air continues moving over mountains in the Leeward side. Finally, Dry winds reach inland areas.This is how winds move thousands of kilometers from coast to inland for the formation of Rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response covers the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. However, the description is somewhat mechanical, relying on a step-by-step list rather than a cohesive summary of the process. While the key features are identified, the analysis lacks depth in explaining the causal relationships between the stages (e.g., the transition from moist to dry air). The overview is present but slightly awkward in phrasing, and the inclusion of a 'seven-step' count is unnecessary and detracts from the academic tone. To improve, focus on grouping the stages into logical phases—such as the initial moisture intake, the mountain ascent, and the final leeward descent—to provide a more analytical overview.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response uses basic cohesive devices such as 'in the first step', 'in the second step', and 'after that'. While these markers provide a logical sequence, the reliance on a numbered list format makes the writing feel repetitive and mechanical. Paragraphing is insufficient; the entire body of the response is compressed into one paragraph, which hinders the logical flow. To achieve a higher band, you should use a wider variety of linking words and phrases (e.g., 'subsequently', 'consequently', 'as a result') and structure the response into distinct paragraphs to separate the different phases of the process.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is adequate for the task but remains quite basic and repetitive. Phrases like 'winds approach coast' and 'clouds start to rain' are functional but lack the precision expected in an academic report. There are some minor errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'winds approaches' (subject-verb agreement) and 'Missing of any step', which is not natural English. To improve, incorporate more precise scientific terminology related to meteorology, such as 'precipitation', 'moisture-laden', 'orographic lift', and 'leeward side', to demonstrate a more sophisticated range of vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response contains a mix of simple and some complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that occasionally impede the flow. Examples include 'winds approaches coast' (subject-verb agreement), 'wind pushed upwards' (missing auxiliary verb), and 'dry winds reach inland areas' (missing article). Additionally, the sentence 'Missing of any step can halt the whole diagram' is grammatically awkward. While the meaning is generally clear, the lack of control over basic sentence construction and article usage limits the score. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles would significantly improve the clarity and accuracy of your writing.

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

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