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 of the desert consists of seven stages. This process begins with the movement of winds from sea to coast and ends with the formation of a famous 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 the rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully covers all the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation shown in the diagram. You provide a clear overview in the second paragraph noting that there are seven stages and that the process starts with winds moving from the sea and ends with desert formation. You then trace the process from the initial stage on the windward side, mentioning moist air rising, cooling, cloud formation, and rainfall, through to the final stage where dry air descends on the leeward side to reach inland areas. All key features are adequately reported and compared across the stages, satisfying the requirements for Band 6.5 or 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear overall arrangement with logical progression from the beginning to the end of the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the overview, the initial stage, and the final stage. Cohesive devices are generally deployed effectively to guide the reader through the steps, using phrases such as 'In the initial stage', 'Additionally', 'Moreover', and 'In the final stage'. Referencing is clear, though some transitional links feel slightly mechanical rather than fully flexible, which keeps the response within the Band 7 range.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate and generally appropriate for describing a scientific or geographical process. You successfully incorporate terms such as 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'downfall of rain', and 'inland areas'. However, the range of vocabulary is somewhat limited and relies on fairly basic phrasing in places, such as 'special type of desert' and 'famous type of desert'. While there are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication, the lack of more sophisticated or precise lexical items prevents the score from reaching higher bands.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The winds move in an upward direction because they encounter a mountain in front of them.' Control over grammar and punctuation is generally good, and the majority of simple sentences are error-free. There are occasional slight awkwardnesses or minor inaccuracies in phrasing, but these errors do not impede communication. Complex structures are attempted with reasonable accuracy, placing your grammatical control firmly at a Band 6.5 level.

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

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