Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-18

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 one type of desert known as a rain-shadow. The formation of rain-shadow deserts include seven stages.

Overall, it began from the winds approach coast level to the last stage of rain-shadow desert completion by the number of process including in between windward side to leeward side.

Initially, winds approach the coast from the sea and are then pushed upwards as they reach the mountains. As the moist air rises along the windward side of the mountain, it gradually cools. Consequently, clouds begin to form above the mountain.Next, the clouds produce rainfall on the windward side of the mountain. After this, the air becomes dry and continues over the mountain towards the leeward side. Finally, the dry winds descend and travel inland for thousands of kilometres, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student successfully identifies the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation, progressing logically from winds approaching the coast to the creation of the desert inland. Key features such as the windward side, moisture cooling, cloud formation, precipitation, and the leeward descent are all reported. However, a major issue is the length requirement: the response contains only 139 words, falling short of the required 150-word minimum. This results in a necessary penalty under Task Achievement. Additionally, the overview is somewhat simplistic, stating only that there are seven stages without fully synthesising the core mechanism of moisture loss across the mountain range.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The text demonstrates a clear overarching structure, divided into an introduction, an overview, and sequential body paragraphs that mirror the diagram's stages. Logical sequencing is evident, moving smoothly from left to right across the landscape. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'As the moist air rises', 'Consequently', 'Next', and 'Finally' are utilised appropriately to guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is adequate, although the separation between sentences could be slightly more balanced. Referencing is generally clear, ensuring that the relationships between the sea, mountains, and inland areas are maintained throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student displays an adequate vocabulary for describing a geographical process, successfully employing terms like 'moist air', 'precipitation' (though not explicitly used, 'rainfall' is), 'descend', and 'inland'. However, there are notable lexical and collocational errors. For instance, the phrase 'winds approach coast level' is awkward and ungrammatical, and 'the number of process including in between windward side' contains grammatical and lexical inaccuracies. While the writer attempts less common vocabulary, word choices occasionally lack precision, keeping the score firmly in the band 6 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over subordination, as seen in 'As the moist air rises along the windward side of the mountain, it gradually cools.' However, there are several grammatical errors that disrupt fluency. For example, 'The formation of rain-shadow deserts include' displays a subject-verb agreement error, and 'by the number of process including in between' is grammatically confused. Punctuation is generally acceptable, though minor spacing issues (e.g., missing space after the period before 'Next') occur. Control of complex structures is inconsistent.

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