Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-13

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 process diagram illustrates how the rain-shadow deserts formed.

Overall, it is clear visible that this process consists of seven stages.In the beginning the cold and moist air from the ocean mixes together leads to rainfall then dry air result in occurence of the rain-shadow desert.

The process commences as moist and cold air approches at coast of the sea under certain pressure winds pushed upwards then, the air cools adiabatically results in formation of the clouds due to condensation process. Subsequently, rainfall occurs at windward side of the mountain range.

Furthermore, air becomes dry and warm continue to move downward at other side of the mountain range.In the final step, dry wind reaches the inland area as a result the rain-shadow desert formed at the leeward side of the mountain.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You identify the diagram as a seven-stage process and cover its main sequence: moist air approaches the coast, rises and cools, clouds form, rain falls on the windward side, and dry air moves inland to create a desert. However, the overview is unclear and partly inaccurate: “cold and moist air from the ocean mixes together leads to rainfall” does not explain the key role of the mountains in forcing the air upward. The final location is also imprecise; the desert is inland beyond the leeward side, rather than simply “at” that side. Some stages are compressed, and the response is 19 words below the required minimum. Add a fuller overview and explain the transition from rising moist air to descending dry air.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure, with an overview followed by a description of the process, and the stages are generally presented in the correct order. Sequencing expressions such as “The process commences,” “Subsequently,” and “In the final step” help guide the reader. However, some links are mechanical or unclear. For example, “then dry air result in occurence” makes the relationship between rainfall and the desert difficult to follow, while “Furthermore” does not clearly signal the next stage in the process. Missing spaces after full stops also interrupt the flow. Use clearer cause-and-effect links and separate each stage with accurate punctuation to make the progression smoother.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “windward side,” “mountain range,” “condensation,” and “leeward side,” which helps convey the diagram’s subject. There is also an attempt to use more technical language in “cools adiabatically.” However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or awkward, such as “mixes together,” “air becomes dry and warm continue to move downward,” and “the rain-shadow desert formed.” Spelling errors in “approches” and “occurence” also reduce accuracy. Aim for precise process verbs and natural collocations, while checking spelling and word forms. For example, describe air as “rising,” “cooling,” and “descending,” and state that the desert “forms” inland.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentence forms, including a sequence of clauses describing how air rises, cools, and produces clouds. The overall meaning is usually recoverable, but some errors affect clarity. In “the cold and moist air from the ocean mixes together leads to rainfall,” the clauses are not joined correctly; “dry air result in occurence” has subject–verb agreement and sentence-structure problems. The final sentence also needs a finite verb: “the rain-shadow desert formed” should be “the rain-shadow desert forms” or “is formed.” Articles and punctuation need attention, as in “at coast” and the missing spaces after full stops. Practise building accurate complex sentences with clear subjects and verbs.

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