Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-17

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)

This chart illustrates the process and formation of rain-shadow desert across the world.

Overall, it is evident that there are seven stages involved in the formation of rain-shadow desert. It starts with winds approaching the coast, moving upwards and forming clouds, which result in a rain fall, that is affected by the dry air in the mountains. Eventually, those dry winds approach inland areas resulting in a rain-shadow desert.

This process involves high speed winds that form over the sea coast that fly by the mountains. These massive mountains tend to push these winds upwards, that result in forming moist air which is cooled as it reaches windward slide. Moreover, this air is then transformed into the clouds which act as a support system for rain.

At the peak, these rainy clouds are very significant for a rainfall, they result in forming thick ice sheets over the mountain. Meanwhile, the dry air continues to flow over the mountain. Consquently, these dry winds flow from leeward slide and enter the indland areas which will result in a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student successfully identifies the main features of the diagram illustrating the formation of a rain-shadow desert. The overview adequately summarises the seven stages shown in the process, from winds approaching the coast to the creation of the desert inland. However, there are a few minor inaccuracies and invented details not supported by the visual data, such as claiming the process results in 'thick ice sheets over the mountain'. Furthermore, some descriptions of the stages are slightly confused in the third and fourth paragraphs. Nevertheless, all parts of the task are addressed, and the progression is generally reported, earning a solid Band 6.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is structured into an introduction, an overview, and body paragraphs that attempt to follow the sequence of the diagram. Logical transitions are used, such as 'Overall', 'It starts with', and 'Eventually'. However, paragraphing is somewhat erratic, with the main body split awkwardly. Cohesive devices are occasionally mechanical or misused, for instance, 'Consquently' (spelling error) and referencing pronouns like 'those dry winds' which lack precise immediate antecedents. Overall arrangement is coherent, but referencing and paragraph structuring place this securely in the Band 6.0 range.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task, attempting some less common collocations such as 'rain-shadow desert', 'moist air', and 'inland areas'. However, there are several word choice inaccuracies and spelling mistakes, such as 'rain fall' (noun phrase written as two words), 'windward slide' (instead of side), 'leeward slide', 'indland areas', and 'Consquently'. These errors do not impede overall communication, but they restrict the lexical score to Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is attempted throughout the response, such as relative clauses ('which result in a rain fall, that is affected by...'). However, there are frequent grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, including comma splices and incorrect prepositions ('form over the sea coast that fly by the mountains'). Verb agreement and tense consistency also waiver slightly. While the meaning is generally communicated, the accumulation of grammatical inaccuracies prevents the response from reaching a higher band, placing it at a Band 5.5.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.