Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-02

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 how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert is produced.

Overall, the process consists of seven main stages, beginning with Winds approach coast and ending with Dry winds reach inland areas. It is a linear process. Thousands of Kilometers area are required for the production of rain-shadow deserts.

Initially, Winds are come from the sea side to coast. Following this, Winds are pushed upwards over mountain, after which air are become moist and cool because windward side is cause to raised temperature and more rain. Once this has been completed, clouds are formed because moist air is raised and temperature is high. Moreover, Rain is started fall on the top side of the hill.

In the subsequent stages, Leeward side where air is descended, warmed and drier climate. In addition, Dry air is continued over hill downside. Finally, Dry winds are reached inland areas, resulting in the formation of rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the task by outlining the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process, satisfying the basic requirements for this level. An overview is present, noting the seven main stages and the linear nature of the diagram. However, some stages are under-developed or contain inaccuracies in explaining the scientific mechanism, such as stating that 'windward side is cause to raised temperature' or misinterpreting aspects of the leeward side description. The information is generally relevant, but greater precision in reporting the sequence of events and atmospheric changes would be needed to reach a higher level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The text presents a coherent overall arrangement and follows a logical chronological sequence that mirrors the stages in the diagram, beginning with 'Initially' and moving through subsequent steps. Paragraphing is used reasonably well to separate the introduction, overview, and body stages. However, cohesion is sometimes mechanical or faulty, such as the awkward transition 'In the subsequent stages, Leeward side where air is descended', where referencing and clause structure break down. While the overall progression is clear enough to follow, the repetitive use of mechanical linkers and occasional lack of smooth referencing prevent the response from achieving a more fluid organization.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

An adequate range of vocabulary is deployed for the task, successfully incorporating specific terms from the prompt such as 'winds', 'coast', 'clouds', 'moist air', and 'rain-shadow desert'. The writer attempts to use less common vocabulary and process-related verbs, but this is accompanied by some inaccuracy in word choice and word formation, such as 'air are become' (lexical/form confusion), 'descended' instead of 'descends', and 'downside' instead of 'downslope'. Despite these flaws, communication is not impeded, and the vocabulary remains minimally sufficient to describe the stages of the geographical diagram.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response displays a limited range of structures, relying mostly on simple sentences alongside some faulty attempts at complex forms. There are frequent grammatical errors involving subject-verb agreement, passive/active voice confusion, and incorrect verb forms, such as 'Winds are come', 'air are become moist', 'windward side is cause to', and 'Rain is started fall'. Punctuation is also occasionally unreliable. These errors occur persistently throughout the text and cause some difficulty for the reader, aligning with the expected profile of frequent errors that impact grammatical accuracy while still allowing the general message to be conveyed.

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

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