Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-25

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 given diagram illustrates the formation of a type of desert known as a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process involves seven main stages, beginning with moist winds approaching the coastal area and ending with dry winds reaching the inland desert region.

In the first stage, moist winds approach the coastal area from the sea. Next, the air is forced upwards as it reaches the mountain. As the moist air rises, it cools and forms clouds. Following this, rain falls on the mountain's coastal side.

After the rainfall, the air becomes dry and moves down the other side of the mountain. As it descends, the dry air becomes warmer and continues towards the inland area. Finally, the dry winds reach the inland region, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response successfully covers all main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation diagram, from moist winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland areas. An appropriate overview is provided, highlighting the seven-stage sequence. However, the student missed a crucial negative impact on Task Achievement: the response contains only 130 words, falling short of the mandatory 150-word minimum. This under-length penalty restricts the band score, even though the factual information and progression of the geographical process are accurately reported without any major omissions or misreadings.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The text is well-structured and easy to follow. Ideas are logically sequenced, following the chronological and spatial progression of the process diagram from left to right. The student makes effective use of transitional markers and sequential cohesive devices such as 'In the first stage', 'Next', 'Following this', and 'Finally' to guide the reader smoothly through the seven steps. Paragraphing is also used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and body details, resulting in a clear overall arrangement.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is generally adequate and precise for describing a geographical process. The student employs correct subject-specific terminology such as 'moist winds', 'coastal area', 'forced upwards', 'descends', and 'rain-shadow desert'. While the range of vocabulary is somewhat restricted and lacks more sophisticated or uncommon lexical items, the word choices are natural and accurate. Spelling and word formation are completely error-free, ensuring that communication is clear throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. The student successfully mixes simple and complex sentences, employing dependent clauses effectively (e.g., 'As the moist air rises, it cools and forms clouds' and 'as it reaches the mountain'). Grammatical accuracy is very high, with error-free sentences dominating the text. Punctuation is used correctly to demarcate clauses and stages. The grammatical control is strong and supports smooth communication without any noticeable errors.

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

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