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 process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed behind a mountain range.

Overall, the process is driven by prevailing winds carrying moist air from the ocean inland, resulting in heavy precipitation on the windward side of the mountain and dry, desert conditions on the leeward side.

Initially, moisture-laden air is carried by the wind from the sea toward the eastern coast. As this air encounters the mountain range, it is forced upward. As it ascends, the warm, moist air cools and condenses, leading to cloud formation and significant rainfall over the windward slope.

Once the air crosses the mountain peak, it loses most of its moisture and descends down the leeward side. As this cool air travels downward, it warms up and turns into dry wind, preventing cloud formation. Consequently, the area further inland receives little to no rainfall, ultimately creating a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The student provides a clear overview of the rain-shadow desert formation process and accurately selects and reports the main features shown in the diagram, such as the windward precipitation and leeward desertification. The stages are described in a logical sequence. However, a penalty must be applied because the response falls short of the 150-word minimum requirement, containing only 148 words. Despite this slight under-length, all parts of the task are addressed competently, and key spatial relationships like the 'windward' and 'leeward' sides are correctly incorporated into the summary.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. The writing is structured into an introduction, an overview paragraph, and two body paragraphs that trace the process from the sea to the inland desert. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially,' 'As this air,' 'Once the air,' and 'Consequently' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages of the diagram. Paragraphing is used appropriately, ensuring that each step of the process is grouped sensibly.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally adequate and appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response, featuring topic-specific terms such as 'prevailing winds,' 'moisture-laden air,' 'condenses,' 'precipitation,' and 'leeward side.' The student attempts some less common lexical items with general success. While the range is sufficient to convey the information clearly and with some precision, there is room for slightly more sophisticated phrasing to reach a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating participial phrases and subordinate clauses effectively (e.g., 'As this air encounters the mountain range, it is forced upward' and 'preventing cloud formation'). The majority of sentences are grammatically accurate, and punctuation is handled well. Grammatical control is consistent throughout, with no major errors that impede communication.

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

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