Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-16

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 process of rain-shadow deserts. It clearly shows the formation, which is a seven step process. Also, there are two sides of the mountains which are the windward and leeward sides. In addition to this inland areas are also present. These inland areas are thousands of kilometres away from the coast and are where the rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall the winds approach the coast and are pushed upward over the mountains. Then, moist air rises and cools; hence clouds are formed and rain starts to fall. Dry air continues over the mountains and dry winds reach the inland areas.

The process starts with the winds travelling to the coast. After that, the wind flows in the upward direction on the side of the mountains known as the windward side. Following this, the mixture of dry air and water vapor rises and then cools. Subsequently, it proceeds to the stage which is the formation of clouds. In the next stage, rain starts falling from the clouds over the mountains.

However, dry air coming from the windward side moves in downward direction on the opposite side of the mountain called as the leeward side. Finally, this dry air is converted into dry winds and arrives at the inland areas from the mountains.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student covers all the key stages of the rain-shadow desert formation diagram, beginning with the winds approaching the coast and concluding with dry winds reaching inland areas. The response successfully highlights the primary geographical features, including the sea, coast, windward and leeward sides of the mountains, and the inland rain-shadow desert. An overview is provided in the second paragraph, which appropriately summarises the main trajectory of the process. Although some minor details from the diagram are phrased simply, all parts of the task are addressed adequately, and the content is factually accurate based on the visual data. This aligns well with the requirements for a Band 6.5 to 7.0 range, where the response clearly addresses all parts of the task with relevant details and an appropriate overview.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is logically organised into clear paragraphs that separate the introduction, overall summary, windward side process, and leeward side process. The student makes use of various cohesive devices to sequence the stages, such as 'Overall', 'Then', 'After that', 'Following this', 'Subsequently', and 'Finally'. However, some of these transitions feel a bit mechanical or repetitive in their placement. Paragraphing is used appropriately to group related information about the process. While referencing and progression are generally clear, the mechanical feel of certain cohesive links prevents the response from reaching a higher band level, fitting comfortably within Band 6.5.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a natural geographical process, incorporating terms such as 'moisture', 'vapour', 'inland areas', 'windward', and 'leeward'. There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, though some word choices are slightly awkward, such as 'mixture of dry air and water vapor rises' or 'dry air is converted into dry winds'. Spelling is generally accurate, and word-choice errors do not impede communication. The lexical range is sufficient for the task and meets the criteria for Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including relative clauses and adverbial time clauses (e.g., 'which are thousands of kilometres away from the coast and are where the rain-shadow desert is formed'). There are some minor grammatical awkwardnesses and slight mechanical phrasing, such as 'called as the leeward side', but these errors do not impede communication. Complex structures are attempted with varying degrees of success, demonstrating good control over basic grammatical structures alongside a developing range of complex forms. This corresponds to a solid Band 6.0 performance.

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

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