Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-12

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 process diagram demonstrates the step-by-step formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, rain-shadow desert formation is a 7-step, linear process. It begins with the wind approaching the coast and ends when the dry wind reaches inland areas, covering a distance of thousands of kilometres.

The process begins with the wind approaching the coast from one side of the mountain, which is then pushed upwards to the mountain. Following that, the moist air rises and cools on the windward side of the mountain. Once the air cools down, cloud formation starts just above the windward side. Subsequently, rain falls at the top of the mountain. Afterwards, dry air continues over the mountain on the leeward side.

Once the dry air continues to move down towards the bottom of the mountain, which covers an area of thousands of kilometres. Finally, the wind reaches inland areas and a rain-shadow desert forms there.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully covers all key stages of the rain-shadow desert formation shown in the diagram, presenting a clear overview and summarizing the main features. The writer identifies the linear nature of the process and correctly tracks the progression from the wind approaching the coast to the formation of the desert inland. However, there is a minor limitation in task fulfillment because the word count is 149 words, which is one word short of the 150-word minimum requirement. Consequently, a minor penalty has been applied to Task Achievement for under-length, preventing the score from reaching a higher band. Despite this shortfall, the reporting of visual data is accurate, well-selected, and structured effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The text is generally coherent and shows a logical overall arrangement. The progression of the 7-step process is clearly signalled using a variety of cohesive devices such as 'It begins with', 'Following that', 'Once the air cools down', 'Subsequently', 'Afterwards', and 'Finally'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the overview, and the detailed body paragraphs, making the text easy to follow. Referencing is mostly clear, although there is a minor grammatical break in the sentence 'Once the dry air continues to move down towards the bottom of the mountain, which covers an area...', where the relative clause lacks a clear finite verb structure. Overall, the cohesive framework supports the logical flow of information very well.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for describing a scientific process, utilizing terms such as 'step-by-step formation', 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'moist air', and 'rain-shadow desert'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary items effectively. However, vocabulary control is sometimes standard rather than flexible, and the lexical range remains somewhat limited in scope. Word choices are mostly accurate and do not impede communication, though there is a slight repetitiveness in phrasing actions related to the movement of air and wind. Overall, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the information clearly and accurately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating a good attempt at varied structures such as adverbial clauses of time and relative clauses. Examples include 'It begins with the wind approaching the coast and ends when the dry wind reaches inland areas' and 'Once the air cools down, cloud formation starts just above the windward side.' There are some minor grammatical inaccuracies, most notably in the sentence beginning with 'Once the dry air continues to move down towards the bottom of the mountain, which covers...', which is an incomplete sentence fragment. However, the majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is well-managed, meaning communication is never impeded.

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

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