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 diagram illustrates the formation of a special type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the formation desert consists of seven stages. This process begins with the movement of winds from sea to coast and ends with the formation of a special type of desert.

In the initial stage, winds move from the sea towards the coast. The winds move in an upward direction because they encounter a mountain in front of them. Additionally, the moist air rises and cools down at the windward side of the mountain. Moreover, on the windward side, there is the formation of clouds, and next, they create the downfall of rain on the slope of mountains.

In the final stage, the dry air continues to move on the other side of the mountain. When air reaches the leeward side, which is opposite to the windward side, it moves in a downward direction. Finally, winds reach the inland areas, which are almost a thousand kilometers from the coast, in order to create the special desert by the name of rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student provides a clear overview of the diagram, stating that the formation desert consists of seven stages and summarising the process from start to finish. The key features of the rain-shadow desert formation are adequately highlighted, including the initial movement of moist air from the sea, cooling and cloud formation on the windward side, rainfall, and the subsequent descent of dry air on the leeward side leading to the inland desert. While the breakdown into specific stages is somewhat sequential rather than deeply analytical, all parts of the visual prompt are addressed effectively. There is a clear overall progression that covers the main features well, fitting comfortably into the Band 6.5 to 7.0 range, though a slightly tighter synthesis of the data could elevate the task response further.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized logically with a clear introduction, overview, and subsequent body paragraphs that trace the geographical process chronologically. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial stages from the final stages. Cohesive devices such as "Additionally", "Moreover", "next", and "Finally" are utilized to guide the reader through the sequence of events. However, some of the linking words feel a bit mechanical or repetitive, such as starting multiple sentences with "The winds move" or "In the... stage". Referencing is generally clear, but the logical progression could be smoother with more varied lexical referencing rather than relying heavily on chronological transitions, warranting a solid Band 6.5 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a geographical process, incorporating terms such as "moist air", "windward side", "leeward side", and "inland areas". There are appropriate attempts to use less common vocabulary like "encounters" and "descending direction implied through downward movement". However, there are some minor lexical awkwardness and repetition, such as referring to the formation desert as "a special type of desert" multiple times and phrasing like "downfall of rain" instead of "precipitation" or "rainfall". Word choice is generally clear and does not impede communication, placing the lexical control at a Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, successfully employing subordinate clauses such as "when air reaches the leeward side, which is opposite to the windward side, it moves in a downward direction." Grammatical accuracy is reasonably good; the majority of sentences are structured correctly and punctuation is handled well. There are occasional slight awkwardnesses or minor errors, such as "the formation desert consists of seven stages" (missing a preposition or noun modifier). However, these errors do not impede communication at all. The control over complex forms combined with a generally accurate execution justifies a Band 6.5 for this criterion.

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