Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-09

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 below depicts the process of formation of the rain-shadow desert through several stages. At a glance, it consists of seven distinct stages.

Initially, winds carrying moisture from the sea approach the coast and are forced upwards as they encounter a mountain range. As the moist air rises, it cools, leading to the formation of clouds. Subsequently, rainfall occurs on the windward side of the mountain. After losing much of its moisture, the air passes over the mountain and descends along the leeward side.

After previous stage, the air is dry, and it continues towards inland areas, where a rain-shadow desert forms.Once the air crosses the mountain, it descends along the leeward side and becomes increasingly dry. Finally, the dry winds continue towards the inland areas, where very little rainfall occurs, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

To sum up, the winds play a profound role for the formation of the rain-shadow deserts.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the main sequence accurately: moist winds approach from the sea, rise and cool, produce clouds and rain on the windward side, then continue inland as dry air. This gives the reader a relevant account of how the desert forms. However, the response does not provide a sufficiently clear, concise overview of the process as a whole; the opening only says there are seven stages, while the conclusion that winds play a “profound role” is general rather than a summary of the key contrast between rainfall on the windward side and aridity inland. Some details are also repeated, and the descent along the leeward side is stated although it is not specified in the diagram. Focus on the main cause-and-effect pattern and avoid unsupported additions.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable sequence, and paragraphing separates the initial stages from the inland outcome. Sequencing expressions such as “Initially,” “Subsequently,” and “Finally” help the reader follow the process. However, progression becomes repetitive: the air crossing the mountain and the dry winds moving inland are described twice, particularly in the second paragraph. “After previous stage” is also an awkward link, and “To sum up” introduces a broad conclusion rather than synthesising the stages. Organise the account once from coast to inland, using clear references between stages and a brief overview, so that cohesion feels less mechanical and the information advances consistently.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You use an adequate range of process vocabulary, including “moisture,” “windward,” “leeward,” “rainfall,” and “formation,” and these terms generally communicate the diagram’s stages clearly. There are also useful variations such as “approach,” “rise,” and “passes over.” Some choices are less natural or precise: “a profound role for the formation” is an awkward collocation, and “After previous stage” is not idiomatic. “Rain-shadow desert forms” is repeated rather than varied or integrated into a concise overview. To strengthen lexical control, choose natural process collocations and use the diagram’s terminology consistently, while avoiding inflated wording where a direct description is clearer.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

You show a useful mix of simple and complex structures, including the time clause “As the moist air rises” and the participial phrase “After losing much of its moisture.” Most sentences are understandable, and the sequence of events is conveyed without serious grammatical breakdown. Some errors remain, however. “After previous stage” needs a determiner, as in “After the previous stage,” and “where a rain-shadow desert forms.Once” has a missing space after the full stop. The final sentence also uses an awkward grammatical pattern in “play a profound role for the formation”; revise it to “play a role in forming” or “contribute to the formation of.” Proofreading articles, punctuation, and preposition patterns would improve accuracy.

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

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