Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-07

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 process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed on the leeward side of a mountain.

overall, it is often that the process involves seven main stages, begin with winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas, where a rain- shadow desert develps. Rainfall occurs mainly on the windward side of the mountains.

Initially, winds from the sea approach the coast and are pushed upwards as they reach the mountains. As the moist air raises, it becomes cooler. This cooling causes clouds to form on the windward side of the mountains. As the air continues to rise, more clouds develop and eventually rain falls on this side of the mountain. consequently, much of thr moisture is released before the air crosses the mountain.

After passing over the mountains, the remaining air becomes dry and continues towards the leeward side. It then moves down the slope and reaches inland areas as dry winds , Because there is very little moisture left in the air , almost nonrainfall occurs in these areas. As s result a dry region known as a rain shadow desert is formed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response covers the main sequence accurately: winds approach from the sea, rise and cool, clouds form, rain falls on the windward side, and dry air continues inland to create the desert. The opening and concluding summaries also identify the process and its outcome. This shows the clear overview and relevant coverage expected at this level, with some features developed in detail. However, the explanation that “more clouds develop” as air continues to rise is not clearly stated in the diagram, and the description could make the contrast between the wet windward side and dry leeward side more precise. The horizontal scale of thousands of kilometres is omitted, though it is less central than the process itself.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The information is arranged in a sensible sequence, moving from the coast and windward slope to the inland desert. Paragraphing separates the overview from the stages, and linking expressions such as “Initially,” “After passing over the mountains,” and “As a result” help the reader follow the process. This creates coherent overall progression. Cohesion is not always controlled, however: the repeated use of “As” and “side” makes parts of the account feel mechanical, while the comma before “Because” in “dry winds , Because…” disrupts the connection between clauses. Improve the flow by varying transitions and checking punctuation, and ensure each paragraph develops one clear part of the process.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The response uses relevant process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “windward side,” “leeward side,” “precipitation” (implicitly through rain), and “moisture,” so the meaning is generally clear. There is some attempt at more specific language, such as “released” to describe moisture leaving the air. However, noticeable spelling and word-form errors reduce accuracy: “develps,” “thr,” and “s” are misspelled, and “nonrainfall” is not a natural expression. Some phrasing is also imprecise, such as “the air raises” and “rain-shadow desert is formed.” Build a more reliable range by learning accurate process collocations and proofreading spelling and word forms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentences, including clauses beginning “As the moist air…” and “Because there is very little moisture left…”. Most relationships between stages remain understandable. Some grammatical errors are present, though: “the process involves seven main stages, begin with” needs a parallel verb form (“beginning with”), and “As the moist air raises” should use the intransitive form “rises.” The final sentence also has a faulty clause connection: “It then moves down the slope and reaches inland areas as dry winds, Because…” should be separated or restructured. Capitalisation and punctuation are inconsistent, particularly at sentence starts and around commas. More accurate verb forms and clause boundaries would improve control.

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