Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-14

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 how a type of a desert called rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, this process spreads through thousands of kilometres as winds approach the coast and the moist air rises. Clouds are formed by this, rain falls from these clouds and the dry air continues to go over a mountain. Dry winds reach the inland and rain-shadow desert is formed.

This process happens over thousands of kilometres. Firstly, winds approach the coast of the sea and these winds are pushed upwards on the windward side. This results in the rising and cooling of the moist air from which clouds are formed. These clouds reach at the top of the mountains and it rains from these clouds on the peak of the mountains, now the process towards leeward side begins. The dry air continues to move over the mountains towards the inland downwards. After moving and covering the mountains, the dry winds finally reach the inland areas, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response successfully covers all main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process, satisfying the requirements of Task 1. The writer provides an overview and steps through the sequential stages, noting the moist air approaching the coast, the cooling and cloud formation on the windward side, precipitation at the peak, and the descent of dry air towards the inland area to form the desert. While some details could be more tightly integrated to enhance the comparison between the wet windward and dry leeward sides, the overall progression of the diagram is clearly reported and accurate. Ideas are relevant and sufficiently developed to meet the Band 6 descriptors comfortably, showing a clear grasp of the visual data provided.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The text demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement with a logical sequence following the stages of the diagram from left to right. The writer uses basic cohesive devices and sequencing expressions such as 'Overall', 'Firstly', and 'After moving and covering the mountains'. However, paragraphing is somewhat under-utilised and repetitive, as the second and third paragraphs restate similar information without fully clear progression. Referencing is generally adequate, but phrases like 'these clouds reach at the top' and subsequent looping explanations create a mechanical flow rather than seamless integration. Overall organization is clear enough to guide the reader through the process, aligning well with the Band 6 criteria for coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating topic-specific terms such as 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'rain-shadow desert'. However, there are noticeable limitations and occasional inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For instance, the writer states 'These clouds reach at the top of the mountains and it rains from these clouds', which sounds repetitive and less natural. Another example is 'the process towards leeward side begins', which lacks a necessary article. While less common lexical items are attempted, inaccuracies in phrasing place this performance at Band 6, as the vocabulary is sufficient to communicate the main ideas without causing significant difficulty for the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating attempts at subordinate clauses and passive constructions such as 'winds are pushed upwards' and 'resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert'. However, grammatical control is inconsistent, with several errors in prepositions and articles, such as 'how a type of a desert' and 'reach at the top'. There are also instances of awkward phrasing and run-on structures like 'These clouds reach at the top of the mountains and it rains from these clouds on the peak of the mountains, now the process towards leeward side begins.' Despite these errors, they rarely impede overall communication, placing the grammatical performance firmly at Band 6.

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