Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-19
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 illustration gives information about the transformation of one type of desert that is called a rain shadow desert. Overall, the rain-shadow desert formation consists of seven distinct stages that illustrate how moisture-laden winds transform into arid conditions on the leeward side of mountains.
It is quite evident from the diagram that the formation of rain-shadow deserts has various steps. Initially, with the force of winds approaching the coast at the surface level of the sea, then further winds push it upwards by the mountain, and in the next step, air riched with moist and cools to converted into cloud foam.
Furthermore, the precipitation, the now dry air continues its journey over the mountain summit and descends towards the leeward side. At this stage, the air is significantly depleted of moisture, creating arid conditions. Consequently, as these dry winds advance further inland, they lead to the establishment of a rain-shadow desert, characterized by scant rainfall and limited vegetation, contrasting sharply with the verdant landscape on the windward side.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The student successfully covers all parts of the task by outlining the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process, moving logically from the sea and coast, across the mountains, and down to the inland desert. An appropriate overview is provided in the opening paragraph, summarizing the seven distinct stages and the overall transition from moisture-laden winds to arid conditions. Key features such as the windward side, mountain peak, leeward side, and the resulting rain-shadow desert are correctly identified and described. The information is accurately reported from the diagram without significant misinterpretations, fulfilling the requirements for a clear, well-supported Academic Task 1 response.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The response is organized into logical paragraphs, beginning with an introductory statement, followed by the initial steps of the process, and concluding with the final stages and resulting landscape. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader through the progression, such as 'Initially', 'Furthermore', and 'Consequently'. However, some transitions are slightly clunky or mechanically integrated, such as 'Furthermore, the precipitation, the now dry air...', which disrupts the flow of the sentence. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different phases of the diagram, ensuring an overall coherent arrangement throughout.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for describing a scientific process, incorporating terms such as 'moisture-laden winds', 'arid conditions', 'precipitation', 'depleted of moisture', and 'verdant landscape'. However, there are some lexical inaccuracies and awkward word choices, such as 'air riched with moist and cools to converted into cloud foam' (instead of 'air enriched with moisture cools and converts into cloud formation'). Despite these errors and occasional slight strain in collocation, communication remains clear and the vocabulary is sufficient to complete the task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The response exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, attempting various subordinate clauses and participial phrases. However, grammatical control is inconsistent. There are several noticeable grammatical errors, particularly in the second paragraph, such as 'with the force of winds approaching... then further winds push it upwards' which lacks a clear main verb structure, and 'air riched with moist and cools to converted into cloud foam' containing multiple morphological and tense errors. While complex structures are attempted, frequent small errors in grammar and word forms detract from overall precision.
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.