Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-22

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 assigned figure shows the phenomenon by which a specific type of desert called rain shadow deserts forms.

Overall, this process consists of seven different stages, which begin with the movement of the winds from the sea to the coast and finishes when winds lacking any moisture reach the inland regions. Moreover, the most significant stage in this process is when moisture is removed due to the rain fall on mountains.

First of all, winds from the sea approach the coast. At the coast, due to the presence of mountains, these winds are pushed upwards. As these winds are full of water, they are converted into clouds at the windward side. The upward motion of the winds along the mountains decrease their temperature and cause the rainfall.

Due to this rainfall, winds lose their moisture and become dry. This dry air then climbs down and moves toward leeward side of the mountains. These winds continue losing their height, and ultimately reach the inland regions. Where due to lack of moisture, no rainfall occurs. finally, it results in the formation of rain shadow deserts

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student successfully covers all key stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process depicted in the diagram. The response presents a clear overview outlining the seven stages from the movement of winds over the sea to the creation of the arid inland region. Main features such as coastal winds, rising moist air, cloud formation, precipitation on the windward mountain side, and the subsequent dry air descending onto the leeward side are all accurately identified and reported. Comparisons and logical connections between stages are well-maintained throughout the text, meeting all requirements of Task 1 for an Academic response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized logically with a clear introduction, an overview paragraph, and subsequent detail paragraphs tracking the sequence of the diagram. Cohesive devices are employed to guide the reader through the stages, such as 'First of all', 'Due to this rainfall', and 'This dry air'. However, paragraphing could be improved slightly, and punctuation errors near the end ('regions. Where due to...') disrupt the flow of cohesion. Nevertheless, the logical progression is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for describing a scientific process, using terms such as 'phenomenon', 'moisture', 'precipitation', and 'windward side'. There are some less common lexical items attempted, though occasional awkward word choices occur, such as 'climbs down' instead of 'descends'. Spelling is generally accurate, and vocabulary is adequate to clearly convey the stages of the diagram without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including relative clauses and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'As these winds are full of water...'). There are several grammatical errors and punctuation issues, such as subject-verb agreement errors ('decrease their temperature and cause' instead of 'decreases... and causes') and a sentence fragment ('Where due to lack of moisture, no rainfall occurs. finally...'). Despite these recurring errors, they rarely impede overall comprehension.

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

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