Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-29

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 figure describes the creation of one type of desert step by step, called rain-shadow desert.

The diagram demonstrates the 7 stages of the formation of rain-shadow desert. In the first stage, winds approach the coast (1) and then it is pushed at the upper side of the mountain (2). By this, water vapours rise rises and cools (3). Later, clouds form due to the condensation (4) and this process continues until precipitation occurs (5). The raindrops fall in the windward side whereas, dry air remains near the leeward side (6). Finally, the dry winds reach inland areas and rain-shadow desert forms. The whole process is known as orographic effect where the windward side faces the rain, while the leeward side remain dry.

The diagram gives valuable insights about the steps that are required for the rain shadow effect. The combination of the seven stages differentiates the two sides of the mountain which are windward and leeward side. Although there is some variance between the two sides, both are important for the creating of the rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by describing the seven-stage process of rain-shadow desert formation. The response covers the main features from the initial winds approaching the coast up to the creation of the desert inland. Key elements such as the windward and leeward sides are accurately reported. However, the overview and development could be slightly more polished to meet higher band descriptors, as some sentences incorporate minor outside information or interpretations ('The whole process is known as orographic effect') rather than purely summarising the provided diagram. Overall, the task is well-addressed and all core stages are logically presented.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response demonstrates a clear overall progression, moving chronologically through the seven stages depicted in the diagram. Paragraphing is used, though the division could be slightly more balanced. Cohesive devices are employed to connect ideas, such as 'In the first stage', 'Later', 'whereas', and 'Finally'. However, referencing and cohesion are occasionally a bit mechanical or faulty, as seen in the sentence 'By this, water vapours rise rises and cools (3)' where the reference marker is imprecise and phrasing is repetitive. Paragraphing is adequate, but more sophisticated logical transitions would elevate this score.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating terms such as 'precipitation', 'condensation', 'windward side', and 'leeward side'. However, there are notable lexical and collocation errors, such as 'water vapours rise rises', 'pushed at the upper side', and 'for the creating'. These errors indicate an attempt to use less common vocabulary with occasional inaccuracies. While communication is not impeded, these slips prevent the response from reaching a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The writing includes a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over grammar. There are, however, several grammatical and mechanical errors throughout the text, including subject-verb agreement issues ('winds approach... and then it is pushed', 'water vapours rise rises') and awkward prepositions ('pushed at the upper side'). Punctuation and sentence structures are generally functional, but the frequency of grammatical slips means that error-free sentences are not in the majority. Communication remains clear despite these errors.

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

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