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)

In this report, the flow chart shows the formation of rain shadow deserts which indicates that how the wind approaches the corner of the mountain and how it becomes the cause of rain and finally ends up into dry wind which reaches inland areas.

The Mountains are extended around thousands of kilometers on which the whole process of rain shadow deserts take place. Initially, the wind flows from the sea to the coast. After that, the wind is pushed towards the windward side converting itself into moist cool air. When the clouds are formed properly from moist air, then the rain falls from the clouds at the top of the mountains. When the rain is stopped, then the dry air continues flowing over mountain towards the leeward side which then transformed into dry winds which flows throughout the whole inland areas.

Overall, the flowchart illustrates that how winds flow from the sea towards windward side of the mountains which causes rain and then ultimately becomes the dry wind which flows in inland areas.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You cover the main sequence from winds approaching the coast to dry air reaching inland, and you identify the windward and leeward sides. The overview also captures the central contrast between rain on the mountain’s sea-facing side and dry conditions inland. However, some stages are not described precisely: the diagram shows moist air rising and cooling before clouds form, whereas you say the wind is pushed towards the windward side, “converting itself into moist cool air.” The role of the mountains in forcing the air upwards could be clearer, and the final extent of the dry winds across inland areas is somewhat generalised. Develop each stage in the diagram’s order and distinguish rising, cooling, cloud formation and rainfall more explicitly.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction, a description of the process, and a concluding overview. Sequencing expressions such as “Initially,” “After that,” and “When” help the reader follow the stages. However, the final paragraph largely repeats the introduction rather than adding a concise synthesis, and repeated “which” clauses make some relationships less clear, particularly in the final sentence of the process paragraph. The transitions “When the clouds are formed properly” and “When the rain is stopped” also create an unnecessarily conversational, step-by-step feel. Group the stages into a more purposeful progression and use clear references to the air, clouds and mountain to make cohesion less repetitive.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “windward side,” “leeward side,” “moist air,” “dry air” and “inland areas,” which makes the topic clear. There is also some range in verbs such as “approaches,” “continues” and “transformed.” However, several choices are imprecise or repetitive: “corner of the mountain” does not describe the mountain’s role accurately, and “the rain is stopped” is an awkward way to express the end of precipitation. “Properly” adds little to “clouds are formed,” while “flows” and “wind” recur frequently. Choose precise process verbs and natural collocations, such as air being forced upwards, cooling, and losing moisture as rain falls.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, using time clauses and relative clauses to connect stages. Most of the process remains understandable, but some grammatical errors recur. In the opening, “which indicates that how” combines two incompatible structures; use either “which shows how” or “indicates how.” Subject–verb agreement is inconsistent in “dry winds which flows,” and “the whole process … take place” also needs a singular verb. Articles and number are sometimes inaccurate, as in “over mountain,” while “the wind … converting itself” creates an unclear grammatical relationship between the actions. Aim for more controlled clause structures and check agreement, articles and singular/plural forms during revision.

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