Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-26

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 illustrates the process of how a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, the process consists of 7 stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas and forming a rain-shadow desert. It is a linear process involving the sea, mountains, clouds and rainfall.

First, winds approach the coast from the sea. Next, the winds are pushed upwards when they reach the mountains. Subsequently, the moist air rises and cools. Following this, clouds form on the windward side of the mountains.

After this, rain falls on the windward side of the mountains. Continuing, the dry air moves over the mountain towards the leeward side. Finally, dry winds reach the inland areas, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The student successfully identifies the main features of the diagram detailing the formation of a rain-shadow desert, covering all seven sequential stages from winds approaching the coast to the creation of the desert. An effective overview is provided, outlining the general nature and components of the process. However, the response falls significantly short of the 150-word minimum, containing only 125 words. This under-length limitation prevents the student from fully developing and extending the descriptions of the individual stages, which restricts the task achievement score to Band 5.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression from start to finish. The student makes good use of paragraphing to separate the introduction, overview, and body steps. Cohesive devices are employed to guide the reader through the sequence, such as "First", "Next", "Subsequently", and "Finally". Although some of these linking phrases feel a bit mechanical or repetitive, referencing and organization remain clear and easy to follow throughout the short text, satisfying the criteria for Band 6.5, rounded to Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, accurately employing process-related and geographical terms such as "winds approach", "moist air rises", "windward side", and "leeward side". There are appropriate attempts at less common vocabulary items like "subsequently" and "resulting in". However, the range remains somewhat limited due to the brevity of the response, and vocabulary is occasionally repetitive. Word choice is appropriate and does not impede communication, comfortably placing this criterion at Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a good level of grammatical accuracy, with error-free simple and complex sentences throughout the response. Structures such as relative clauses and participial phrases (e.g., "beginning with winds approaching..." and "resulting in the formation of...") are handled well. Punctuation is mostly accurate, though there is a missing full stop at the very end of the text. Because control of grammar is strong and sentences are mostly accurate, this criterion achieves a solid Band 7.0.

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

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