Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 formation process of a rain-shadow desert across thousands of kilometers from the sea coast to the inland areas of a mountain.

Overall, the process contains seven steps. Another key point is that the formation of a rain-shadow desert largely depdnds on the right area which inlcudes a mountain close to a sea coast.

At the starting of this process, winds apporach the sea at the coast level and are pushed upwards toward the top of the mountain. At this windward side of the mountain, the wind converts into moist air and its temprature drops down. This drop in temperature causes cloud formation which is followed by clouds raining at the top of the mountain.

After the rain falls down, the dry air continues to travel down the leeward side of the mountain until it reaches the inland area. While following down the dry air transforms into a dry wind which makes it settle in the lower ground of the area. This wind is depostied inside the sand and thus a rain-shadow desert starts forming in the area.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You cover the main sequence and provide an overview that identifies seven stages and the relationship between the sea, mountain and inland desert. The account correctly describes air rising on the windward side, cooling, cloud formation and rainfall, followed by dry air moving inland. However, some details are unclear or not supported by the diagram: winds approach from the sea rather than “approach the sea,” and the diagram does not show dry wind settling in lower ground, being deposited in sand, or the desert starting to form through that process. The overview’s claim that the process “largely depends on the right area” is also vague. For a fuller response, describe the contrast between rainfall on the windward side and dry conditions beyond the leeward side, while avoiding invented mechanisms.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall structure: an introduction and overview are followed by the stages in sequence, with paragraphing that separates the initial ascent and rainfall from the inland movement. Connectors such as “At the starting of this process,” “which is followed by,” and “After the rain falls down” help the reader follow the chronology. This coherent progression is a strength. Some links are less precise or slightly mechanical, however, and the final paragraph combines the diagram’s sequence with an unsupported explanation about air settling and sand deposition. The overview also uses “Another key point” without clearly stating the key relationship. To make cohesion more flexible and precise, use direct stage links and clear references to the windward and leeward sides.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “windward side,” “leeward side,” “moist air,” “cloud formation” and “inland areas,” which helps communicate the diagram’s subject. There is also some attempt to vary wording, such as “formation process” and “temperature drops.” However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or awkward: winds “approach the sea” rather than come from it, air does not “convert into” moist air, and “deposited inside the sand” does not describe the diagram. Spelling errors such as “depdnds,” “apporach,” “temprature” and “depostied” are noticeable and reduce control. Aim for precise process verbs and check spelling; for example, say that air rises, cools, and loses moisture as rain falls.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple and more complex sentence forms, including a relative clause in “which is followed by clouds raining” and a time clause beginning “After the rain falls down.” Most of the sequence remains understandable, and the sentences generally communicate the intended stages. Some grammatical patterns are inaccurate or awkward, though. “At the starting of this process” is not a natural construction, and “the wind converts into moist air” uses an unsuitable verb pattern. In “While following down the dry air transforms,” the opening phrase does not clearly attach to the subject, while “it reaches” has an unclear reference. Practise forming clauses with an explicit subject and use consistent, clear references to air and wind. More accurate complex sentences would improve control.

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

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