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 diagram highlights the process of how rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, the formation of rain-shadow desert begins when coastal wind approaches from the sea and dry aid descends from the mountain and reaches the inland. The formation of these deserts is a combination of seven sub-processes.

It begins when wind approach coast from the sea and rises upward along the mountain called windward side, which expands thousands of kilometer wide. The upward wind currents increase air moisture which results in cold air, ultimately leading to formation of clouds. When these clouds cause rainfall on the top f mountain, air loses most of its moisture. The resultant dry air continues over the mountain along leeward side and reaches the inland. Windward side of the mountain is linked to cloud formation and rain fall whereas along leeward side dry air descends the mountain.

Reaching the inland, dry air causes the dryness and results in the formation of rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student successfully highlights the overall process of how a rain-shadow desert is formed, fulfilling the main requirements of Academic Task 1. The response covers all key stages of the diagram from the initial approach of coastal winds to the final descent of dry air in inland areas. An overview is provided in the second paragraph, outlining the beginning and end points of the process. However, some minor inaccuracies and awkward phrasings appear, such as referring to dry aid instead of dry air, and a minor typo on top f mountain. Overall, the information is accurately selected and presented, earning a solid Band 6.5.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0

The response is organized into logical paragraphs that trace the sequential steps of the diagram. The student introduces the process, outlines the main components in an overview paragraph, details the stages from the windward to the leeward side, and concludes with the final desert formation. Cohesive devices such as 'It begins when', 'When these clouds', and 'Reaching the inland' are used to guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is handled appropriately, though referencing and transitions could be slightly smoother for higher bands. Progression is generally clear throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a geographical process, employing terms such as 'moisture', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'descends'. However, there are some noticeable word choice errors and typographical mistakes, such as 'dry aid' instead of 'air', 'wind approach coast' instead of 'winds approach the coast', and 'rain fall'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with mixed success. Spelling and word choice errors do not impede overall communication, placing this response firmly in the Band 6 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'The formation of rain-shadow desert begins when coastal wind approaches from the sea and dry aid descends from the mountain and reaches the inland.' While there are several error-free sentences, a number of grammatical slips occur, including missing articles ('how rain-shadow desert is formed', 'top f mountain'), subject-verb agreement issues ('wind approach coast'), and minor prepositions. These errors do not seriously impede communication, allowing the response to achieve a Band 6.0.

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

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