Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-01

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 information about the formation of rain-shadow deserts. This is a complex process comprises of several stages.

Overall, this natural event consists of seven stages start at winds approach the coast, and it ends, when dry winds reach at inland area. The process is divided into two main parts, windward side and leeward side events.

First of all, winds approach the coastal area and strike the mountains at the coastal lines. Next, winds are pushed upward and succesfully reach at the higher altitude. After that, moist air rises and cools, leads to cloud formation. Subsequently, clouds continue to accomolate and start to rain. Windward side events end at this stage.

Next, leeward side events start. Due to this, dry air continues to flow over mountains. Consequently, dry winds reach inland areas, and rain-shadow deserts are formed. This is a long process, which takes considerable time to complete.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response successfully addresses all parts of the visual prompt by outlining the main stages of rain-shadow desert formation, from winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland areas. However, certain parts are more fully developed than others. The overview and initial steps are clearly identified, yet the explanation of the mechanics behind cloud formation and precipitation on the windward side is somewhat brief. Additionally, the inclusion of subjective commentary at the end, such as stating that 'this is a long process, which takes considerable time to complete', introduces information not directly represented in the diagram. To move higher, all key features should be fully extended and supported strictly using data from the prompt without adding outside generalisations.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear attempt to structure the information logically, moving from an introduction and overview into detailed body paragraphs that follow the sequential steps of the diagram. The text is divided into paragraphs appropriately, reflecting the shift from windward to leeward events. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader through the stages, such as 'First of all', 'Next', and 'After that'. However, referencing and cohesion occasionally feel mechanical or slightly repetitive, as seen in the frequent start of sentences with 'Next'. The progression is generally clear, but bridging the paragraphs more smoothly and varying cohesive tools would strengthen the overall flow and achieve a higher standard.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully conveying the main physical features and processes depicted in the diagram, such as 'coastal area', 'higher altitude', 'moist air', and 'rain-shadow deserts'. The writer attempts less common vocabulary items like 'accomolate' and 'succesfully', but these reveal spelling and word choice inaccuracies that slightly detract from precision. Other minor slips include unnatural phrasing such as 'natural event' instead of 'natural phenomenon'. While communication is never impeded, the presence of these lexical errors and a reliance on fairly standard vocabulary keep the score at this level. To improve, the writer should focus on precise word choices, correct spelling, and natural collocations.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating relative clauses and subordinate structures such as 'winds are pushed upward and succesfully reach at the higher altitude' and 'which takes considerable time to complete'. There are some grammatical errors and awkward prepositional patterns present throughout the text, including 'comprises of', 'start at winds approach', and 'reach at inland area'. Punctuation and article usage also show occasional lapses. Nevertheless, these errors are relatively infrequent and do not impede communication. A wider variety of error-free complex structures and tighter control over prepositions and verb forms are needed to progress further.

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.