Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-30

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 flowchart represents the sequential stages involved in the rain formation of Rain-shadow desert, where air travels thousands of kilometres from the coastal area to the other side of the mountain.

Overall, the linear process consists of seven stages, starting with winds approaching sea coast and culminating in dry winds reaching inland areas.

At first, winds from the sea approach the coast, which is then pushed upward the mountain. After that, moist air rises toward the mountain slope and cools down near the mountain's windward side. Furthermore, the air forms cloud around the mountain and it begans to rain on top of the mountain.

In the subsequent stage, air becomes dry while it continues over the mountain on the leeward side. Consequently, dry wind goes downward toward inland. Once this stage is complete, dry wind reaches inland area, whereas the Rain-shadow desert begins to form. After that, the procedure of the desert formation comes to an end.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The student successfully covers the main features of the diagram illustrating the formation of a rain-shadow desert. The response outlines the linear process from winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland areas. An overview is present in the second paragraph, which summarizes the seven stages. While the student describes the sequence well, some parts of the description are slightly mechanical, tracking the numbered steps directly. However, all key stages—such as moisture cooling, cloud formation, precipitation on the windward side, and the rain-shadow desert forming on the leeward side—are adequately reported and compared where relevant. This satisfies the requirements for Band 6.5 to 7.0, and a score of 6.5 is awarded as some details remain somewhat basic.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The text is logically organized into four paragraphs, featuring a clear introduction, an overall statement, and sequential body paragraphs. Cohesive devices are employed to guide the reader through the stages, using transitions like 'At first', 'After that', 'Furthermore', and 'In the subsequent stage'. Paragraphing is used appropriately, separating the general overview from the detailed process steps. However, some cohesive links feel slightly repetitive or mechanical. Referencing is generally clear, though minor improvements in linking phrases would enhance the flow. Overall, the organization meets the criteria for Band 7.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully utilizing process-related and geographical terms such as 'sequential stages', 'coastal area', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'inland areas'. There are some word choice and spelling inaccuracies, such as 'rain formation of Rain-shadow desert' instead of 'formation of a rain-shadow desert', and 'begans' instead of 'begins'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with varying success. The range is sufficient to communicate the main features clearly, aligning with a Band 6.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, such as 'where air travels thousands of kilometres...' and 'winds from the sea approach the coast, which is then pushed upward the mountain.' There are several grammatical errors and awkward preposition usages, for example, 'pushed upward the mountain' instead of 'pushed up the mountain' and 'forms cloud' instead of 'forms clouds'. Despite these errors, meaning is generally clear and communication is rarely impeded. Complex structures are attempted with mixed accuracy, supporting a Band 6.0 score.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.