Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-17

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 of rain shadow deserts as the moist air passes over the mountain.

overall, the process begins with the wind approaching the sea coast and ends with the formation of rain shadow desert on the leeward side. this happens when moist air rises and produces rainfall on the windward side and dry air descends over the other side.

wind approaches the coast and pushed upwards when they reached the upward side of mountain. the moist air rises and cools down which led to the formation of clouds. consequently, rain falls on this side, resulting in wetter and greener environment.

after crossing the mountain peak, the air becomes drier. it then descends into leeward side and reaches into inland areas. since most of the moisture has already fallen into windward side, little rainfall reaches this region. as a result inland region become extremely dry and eventually develop into rain shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response identifies the main sequence accurately: coastal winds are forced upwards, moist air cools and forms clouds, rain falls on the windward side, and drier air continues inland to create a rain-shadow desert. The overview also captures the contrast between the wetter windward side and the dry inland area. This covers the key features, while the explanation that the inland region becomes “extremely dry” and develops into desert adds a relevant outcome. Some details could be more precise: the diagram shows dry winds reaching inland, but does not explicitly show air descending, and the desert is located beyond the leeward side rather than simply “on” it. More exact reporting of the diagram’s stages and locations would strengthen the account further.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is organised into a clear introduction, overview, and two paragraphs describing the process in sequence. Linking expressions such as “consequently,” “after crossing,” and “as a result” help show cause and progression, so the reader can follow the formation process. The overall progression is coherent, though some connections are slightly mechanical and a few references are imprecise. For example, “this side” refers to the windward side, but the reference could be clearer, while “it then descends into leeward side” shifts from “air” to “it” without a fully natural link. Use more precise transitions and explicit references to the windward and leeward sides to make cohesion smoother.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

There is adequate vocabulary for describing the process, including “moist air,” “formation,” “windward side,” “leeward side,” and “rain shadow desert.” These terms help communicate the main stages and show some awareness of the topic’s specific language. However, several choices or combinations are imprecise or unnatural, such as “upward side of mountain,” “wetter and greener environment,” and “fallen into windward side.” Repetition of “side” and “air” also limits flexibility. Aim for more accurate process collocations and consistent use of the diagram’s labels; this would make the description more precise without requiring unnecessarily complex vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex forms, including the relative clause “which led to the formation of clouds” and the conditional explanation beginning “since most of the moisture…”. Meaning is generally clear, but some grammatical errors remain. In “wind approaches the coast and pushed upwards,” the verb forms do not agree; “when they reached” also has an unclear plural reference. Articles and prepositions are missing or awkward in phrases such as “over mountain,” “into leeward side,” and “reaches into inland areas.” There are also agreement errors in “inland region become.” Check subject–verb agreement, articles before singular countable nouns, and consistent tense when describing a process.

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

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