Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-15

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 illustrates the stages of formation of a type of desert, called rain-shadow desert.

Overall, there are seven distinct stages after which this type of desert is formed. This process starts from the winds near a coast and completes when the desert is formed thousands of kilomteres away from the coast. There are mountains between the sea and the land which will convert into a desert.

First, Winds over a sea aproach nearby coast, which are then pushed upward by the mountains. After reaching a certain height, this moist air cools due to low temperature above, resulting in the formation of clouds, which is the fourth stage. In the fifth stage, it starts raining. These first five stages are on the windward side of the mountains. Next, dry air continues over the mountains on the leeward side of the mountains. Finally, this dry air reach inland areas, the dust and particulate matter in dry areas settle there and after some time, desert forms which is known as a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all main features of the process diagram illustrating the formation of rain-shadow deserts. The response provides a clear overview of the seven distinct stages and accurately identifies key geographical features such as the coast, mountains, windward and leeward sides, and the resulting desert area inland. The progression from moist air rising and forming clouds to precipitation and subsequent dry air crossing the mountains is logically reported. The response meets the minimum word count and thoroughly addresses the task requirements without any significant omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological sequence of the diagram. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'After reaching', 'Next', and 'Finally' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is appropriate, separating the introduction/overview from the detailed process steps. However, paragraphing could be slightly more refined by dividing the long sequential description into two separate paragraphs for the windward and leeward stages, which would enhance the overall flow and readability.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for describing a scientific process, using terms such as 'distinct stages', 'moist air', 'precipitation', 'leeward side', and 'particulate matter'. While some vocabulary is basic or repetitively phrased (e.g., 'desert is formed', 'dry air'), there are successful attempts at less common lexical items. Minor spelling errors occur, such as 'kilomteres' instead of 'kilometres' and 'aproach' instead of 'approach', but these do not impede overall communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The writer employs a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating relative clauses ('which are then pushed upward') and adverbial clauses of time and place. There are several grammatical inaccuracies and slip-ups, such as subject-verb agreement errors ('Winds over a sea aproach... which are', 'dry air reach inland areas... desert forms') and minor punctuation issues. Despite these errors, the majority of sentences are clear, and meaning is rarely obscured, demonstrating a satisfactory command of grammar for a Band 6.0 level.

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