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 given diagram depicts how a special kind of desert, known as rain-shadow is formed.

Overall, seven stages are there in the process of formation of rain-shadow desert which includes the main stages like approaching of winds towards coastal region, formation of clouds and raining then dry air in inland areas.

The process of formation of rain-shadow desert starts with approaching of winds in the direction of costal region then winds pushed upward because of obstacle in their path like mountains. Due to low temperature at high altitude, moist air rises upward and cools down and this is how clouds are formed.

When these clouds get too heavy then they starts raining and because of this the dry air continues to blow downside the mountain which is known as the leeward side of air and after when the dry reaches to inland areas then it becomes too much hot and make heatwaves. As because mountain becomes obstacle in the path of rain, only dry air reaches to inland areas and formes rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You identify the process as a sequence and give a relevant overview, noting the movement of winds, cloud formation, rainfall and the arrival of dry air inland. The description also correctly distinguishes the windward and leeward sides and explains that the mountains contribute to the desert’s formation. Some details, however, are less accurate or developed: the diagram shows dry air continuing over the mountain and dry winds reaching inland, but it does not show the air becoming “too much hot” or causing “heatwaves.” The explanation that rain is blocked by the mountain also oversimplifies the process, which involves moist air rising, cooling and precipitating on the windward side. More precise reporting of these stages would strengthen the response.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall arrangement: an introduction, an overview and a chronological account of the process. Paragraphing helps separate the summary from the details, and sequencing expressions such as “starts with,” “then” and “when” guide the reader through the stages. The progression is generally understandable, but some links are mechanical or unclear. For example, “and after when the dry reaches to inland areas” makes the sequence difficult to follow, while the final sentence repeats the idea that dry air reaches inland. Use more precise transitions and avoid repeating information; grouping the mountain-side stages and the inland outcome into a cleaner sequence would make cohesion more controlled.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “coastal region,” “leeward side” and “rain-shadow desert,” which gives the account an appropriate subject-specific range. There are also attempts to vary wording, such as “obstacle in their path.” However, several word choices and collocations are inaccurate or awkward, including “approaching of winds,” “the dry reaches,” “too much hot” and “make heatwaves.” “Leeward side of air” also misuses the geographical term: it refers to the mountain’s sheltered side. Spelling errors such as “costal” and “formes” further reduce precision. Aim for natural process phrases such as “winds approach,” “dry air descends” and “rainfall occurs.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including clauses beginning “because” and “when,” and the main sequence can usually be understood. However, errors in agreement, verb forms and sentence construction are noticeable. For example, “they starts raining” should be “they start raining” or, more naturally, “rain begins to fall”; “the dry air continues to blow downside” has an awkward verb pattern; and “after when” creates an incorrect clause connection. The final sentence beginning “As because” is also structurally faulty. Articles and phrasing need attention in “known as rain-shadow” and “the dry reaches.” Practise building shorter, accurate sentences before combining stages with subordinate clauses.

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