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 about the process and the formation of rain-shaodw deserts. Going through this process involves covering thousands of kilometers.

Overall, the process consists of seven main stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Initially, winds approach the coast and are pushed upwards towards the mountains. As the moist air rises, it cools, causing clouds to form on the windward side. Subsequently, rain falls from these clouds as the air continues to rise over the mountains.

Once the air reaches the top of the mountains, the remaining dry air continues over the mountain towards the leeward side. As it descends, the air becomes increasingly dry. Finally, dry winds reach the inland areas, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response attempts to summarise the diagram illustrating the formation of rain-shadow deserts. However, it falls short of the required 150-word minimum, containing only 137 words. Regarding task coverage, the candidate presents an overview and follows the sequence from winds approaching the coast to inland areas. Nevertheless, the development of some ideas is limited. While the seven stages are mentioned, the explanation of how precipitation occurs and how the dry air affects the leeward side lacks full extension and relies heavily on a basic paraphrasing of the provided prompt labels. To achieve a higher band, the writer must ensure the word count requirement is met and expand further on the spatial relationships and physical changes described in the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a coherent overall arrangement with a clear logical progression from the initial coastal winds to the final desert formation. Information is appropriately divided into a brief introduction, an overview paragraph, and two body paragraphs detailing the sequential steps. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader through the process, employing transition markers such as 'Initially', 'Subsequently', and 'Finally'. Paragraphing is handled sufficiently, contributing to the readability of the text. However, referencing and cohesion occasionally feel slightly mechanical, preventing the response from reaching a higher level. To improve further, the writer could integrate more sophisticated referencing to link the stages more smoothly without relying solely on chronological connectors.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully conveying the general meaning of the process diagram. The student attempts some less common and topic-specific vocabulary items, such as 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'moist air', and 'inland areas'. However, there is a minor spelling error ('rain-shaodw') and the range of vocabulary remains somewhat limited, relying heavily on terms directly extracted from the prompt instructions. Word choice is generally functional, but it lacks the precision and flexibility characteristic of higher bands. To elevate the lexical score, the writer should incorporate a wider variety of synonyms and less common lexical items to describe geographical processes without depending so closely on the original text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response exhibits a satisfactory mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating a good control of basic structures. The writer successfully uses present simple tense verbs to describe a scientific process, such as 'winds approach', 'air rises', and 'clouds form'. There are some errors in grammar and punctuation, most notably an unnecessary verb in the opening sentence ('illustrates about'), but these errors rarely impede communication and the majority of simple sentences are error-free. To move towards a higher band, the writer needs to incorporate a wider variety of complex structures with higher accuracy, ensuring that all dependent clauses and prepositional patterns are handled without minor slips.

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

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