Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-23

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 process diagram demonstrates the stages involved in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process consists of seven stages, beginning with the winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching an inland area, which forms a rain-shadow desert.

Initially, the winds approachs the coast from a sea. Then, winds are pushed in an upward direction of the mountain. In the third stage of the process, the level of the moist air rises and becomes cool. After that, the moist air converts into clouds in the windward side of the mountain. Consequently, at the peak of the mountain, rain falls in the windward side.

In the next stage, the dry air continues to pass over the mountain at leeward side. Following this, dry air has followed the downward direction towards land. Finally, the dry winds have reached an inland area, where a little rain falls on an inland and that area is known as a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student provides a clear overview of the process diagram, successfully outlining the seven key stages involved in the formation of a rain-shadow desert. The main features, from winds approaching the coast to reaching inland areas, are adequately reported and placed in a logical sequence. The response covers the essential details of the diagram, noting the progression from moist air rising and forming clouds on the windward side to dry air descending on the leeward side. However, the description could be slightly more analytical or detailed regarding the environmental conditions (such as the temperature drop or mountain barrier). Overall, all parts of the task are addressed adequately, fulfilling the requirements for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The text demonstrates a clear overall progression, with logical paragraphing that separates the introduction, overview, and specific stages of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Then', 'In the third stage', 'After that', and 'Finally' are used to guide the reader through the sequence of events. While cohesion is generally effective, some transitions feel a bit mechanical ('In the next stage', 'Following this'), which prevents the response from reaching higher bands. Paragraphing is used appropriately, and referencing throughout the text remains clear, ensuring the reader can follow the directional flow from the sea to the inland desert.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a geographical process, including terms like 'process diagram', 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'rain-shadow desert'. There are some successful attempts at less common vocabulary. However, there are minor lexical inaccuracies, such as 'winds approachs' (spelling/agreement slip) and awkward phrasings like 'winds are pushed in an upward direction of the mountain' instead of 'up the mountain'. Spelling is generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication, placing the response solidly in the competent range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over basic sentence structures. There are several error-free sentences, particularly in the opening paragraphs. However, grammatical errors occur, such as the subject-verb agreement error 'winds approachs', and minor prepositional inaccuracies like 'in the windward side' instead of 'on the windward side'. Complex structures are attempted with varying degrees of success. Punctuation is generally sound, and although errors exist, they are infrequent enough that they do not impede overall communication.

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