Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-27
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 contains information about the complete process which take place in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.
Overall, the formation is divided into seven linear sequential stages that begin with approaching the coast of the sea winds from the sea level to top of the mountains, and ends with dry air reaching towards the inland portion. With the completion of this process, rain shadow desert is created.
Initially, the wind approaches the coast and starts travelling from sea surface and it is pushed further in an upward direction by the mountain. As the wind rises it gets cool down and clouds formation take place. However, the upward momentum is still continuing. These clouds lose their water content by raining at the peck of the mountain.
As the fifth step is complete, the air is now dry by losing all the moisture in the form of rain. This dry air turns over to mountains and begins its journey on the leeward side. This second side of mountains becomes the path for dry air. Following the mountains the air finishes travelling in inland areas on the other side of mountains.
As a result, a rain-shadow desert is created.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by outlining the seven sequential stages involved in the formation of a rain-shadow desert. The response gives a clear overview in the second paragraph, highlighting that the process is divided into seven linear stages from the sea to inland areas. Key features of the diagram—such as winds approaching the coast, being pushed upward by mountains, cooling to form clouds, precipitation on the windward peak, and dry air descending on the leeward side—are accurately reported without missing major steps. The content is well-grounded in the visual data provided, fulfilling the requirements for a Band 7 response.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The response is logically organized with a clear overall progression from the sea on the left to the inland desert on the right. Paragraphing is used appropriately, separating the introduction, overview, and body stages. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'As the fifth step is complete', and 'As a result' are employed to guide the reader through the sequence. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical ('As the fifth step is complete'), and referencing can occasionally be repetitive ('the other side of mountains'), placing this text comfortably within the Band 6 or 7 range.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, with appropriate topic-specific terms like 'rain-shadow desert', 'moisture', 'leeward side', and 'precipitation' (though the student used 'raining'). There are attempts to use less common vocabulary, such as 'linear sequential stages', 'upward momentum', and 'water content'. However, there are noticeable word choice and collocation errors, such as 'complete the process which take place', 'sea winds from the sea level', and 'clouds formation take place', which indicate limitations in lexical control. These errors do not impede communication, supporting a Band 6 score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing relative clauses and subordinate structures (e.g., 'As the wind rises it gets cool down and clouds formation take place'). However, there are frequent grammatical errors in verb forms, articles, and prepositions, including 'process which take place' (subject-verb agreement), 'gets cool down' (incorrect passive/adjective form), 'at the peck' (spelling/lexical slip for peak), and 'turns over to mountains'. While these errors do not prevent comprehension, they persist throughout the text, preventing the response from reaching Band 7.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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