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 how rain shadow desert is formed while moist air passes over a mountain range.

Overall, the process consists of seven stages, beginning with wind carrying moist air approach the cost and ending when dry air reach the island areas on the opposite side of mountain. most rainfall occurs on the windward side while leeward side remains dry form and desert.

Initially, winds from the sea approach the coast and move upward towards the mountain. As the moist air rises, it cools, resulting in the formation of clouds on the windward side. when the air reaches high level, rain fall on the windward side of mountain.

After passing over the mountain peak, the remaining dry air the top of the mountain and moves down the leeward side. the air becomes warmer and drier. Finally, the dry air reaches the inland areas, where there is very little rainfall. Consequently, a rain-shadow desert is formed on the leeward side of the mountains, far from the coast.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You cover the main sequence from winds approaching the coast to dry air reaching inland, and your overview identifies the contrast between rainfall on the windward side and dry conditions beyond the mountains. These are relevant features and the process is generally represented accurately. However, some details are less fully explained: the diagram specifically shows moist air rising and cooling before clouds form, followed by rain, while the description of what happens after the peak is somewhat unclear. The claim that the air becomes warmer is not stated in the visual, so avoid adding unsupported process details. To strengthen the response, describe the transition from moist to dry air precisely and keep the overview focused on the windward/leeward contrast and the desert’s inland location.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction and overview are followed by the windward stages and then the leeward stages. Sequencing expressions such as “Initially,” “After passing over,” and “Finally” help the reader follow the process. The progression is therefore coherent, although some links and references are not fully clear. For example, “the remaining dry air the top of the mountain” makes the movement after the peak difficult to follow, and “the air” is repeated without always clarifying which stage or air mass is meant. Capitalisation after full stops is also inconsistent, which interrupts the flow. Use complete, clearly linked stage descriptions and consistent paragraphing and punctuation to make the sequence smoother.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a suitable range of process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “windward side,” “leeward side,” “formation of clouds,” and “inland areas.” These terms show awareness of the diagram’s subject and generally communicate the stages. Some word choices and collocations are inaccurate or imprecise, however: “approach the cost” appears to mean “approach the coast,” “island areas” does not convey “inland areas,” and “dry form” is unclear. “Rain shadow desert” would also be more natural as “rain-shadow desert.” Aim for precise geographical terms and check spelling and collocation, especially in the overview, where errors can obscure the main contrast. The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but greater accuracy would make the description more fluent and exact.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex structures, including “As the moist air rises, it cools, resulting in the formation of clouds” and “Consequently, a rain-shadow desert is formed…”. These constructions help explain cause and sequence, and the meaning is usually recoverable. Some grammatical errors remain, particularly with verb forms, articles, and sentence completeness. For example, “winds … approach” should be “winds … approaching” in the overview, “dry air reach” needs subject–verb agreement, and “the remaining dry air the top of the mountain” lacks a verb. Several sentences also begin with lowercase letters after full stops. Review agreement and ensure each clause has a complete verb structure; this would improve accuracy while preserving your useful range of sentence forms.

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