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 flow chart illustrates the formation of rain-shadow deserts.

Overall, this process consists for seven steps which starts with winds pushing upwards and ends with dry winds reaching inland areas. This process spans over thousands of kilometres.

Initially, the sea winds approach the coast before being pushed upwards to become moist and cool before forming clouds in the sky. Furthermore, the rain falls over the windward side of the mountains.

After the rain fall is over remaining dry air continues on the leeway side of the mountain to reach the lands. Finally, the dry winds reach the inland areas in the rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process, accurately outlining the transition from sea winds to inland arid conditions. However, the length requirement is not met, as the response contains only 103 words, falling short of the 150-word minimum. This results in an under-development of certain key stages in the diagram, such as the specific interaction between the rising air, the formation of clouds, and the distinction between the windward and leeward sides. To achieve a higher band, the description must be fully extended to cover all parts of the diagram in greater depth.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a clear overall arrangement, presenting the linear process in a logical sequence. Paragraphing is utilised to separate the introduction, the initial stages, and the final stages of the diagram. Cohesive devices are used to guide the reader through the process, such as 'Overall', 'Initially', 'Furthermore', and 'Finally'. However, some cohesive links and referencing feel slightly mechanical, and the connection between sentences could be smoother to fully achieve higher-level organizational flexibility. The progression of ideas is apparent from the sea to the inland desert, reflecting solid coherence.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, successfully incorporating process-specific terms such as 'flow chart', 'moist and cool', 'windward side', and 'inland areas'. There are some minor lexical inaccuracies and awkward phrasing, such as writing 'consists for seven steps' instead of 'consists of seven steps', and 'leeway side' instead of 'leeward side'. Less common vocabulary is attempted with mixed precision, but the errors do not impede communication. Expanding the range of descriptive verbs and academic collocations would help elevate the lexical score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over structure. There are instances of grammatical errors, such as missing articles and preposition choices, for example, 'spans over thousands of kilometres' and 'After the rain fall is over remaining dry air'. Punctuation is generally acceptable, though commas are occasionally omitted around transitional phrases. These errors are relatively infrequent and rarely impede communication, reflecting typical performance at this level.

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

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