Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-24

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 process of making a rain-shadow deserts. Overall, the process of making a rain-shadow desert consist of 7 steps, starting from wind approach coast to ending at dry winds reach inland areas.

In the first step the wind is coming from the ocean and hits the mountains located on coastal area. The coastal mountains becomes the reason of pushing wind in upward direction, and at certain height wind become moist and cool. While, the cool air helps in the formation of clouds and these clouds becomes the reason of rainfall on top of the mountains.

After the rainfall on top of mountains the dry air comes towards the leeward side while blewing over the mountains. Finally the dry wind reaches at the inland area covering the distance of thousands of kilometers, from over the sea to crossing the mountains until, it reaches the inland area. The given diagram only discuss the formation of rain-shadow desert specifically.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You cover the main sequence and give an overall summary, noting that the process has seven steps and moves from winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland. The account also correctly identifies cloud formation and rainfall on the windward side, followed by dry air crossing the mountains. This is relevant and generally accurate. However, some stages are compressed or unclear: the diagram shows moist air rising and cooling before clouds form, whereas “at certain height wind become moist and cool” does not clearly explain that sequence. The final statement that the diagram “only discuss[es]” the formation adds little, and the role of the leeward side and the rain-shadow desert could be stated more explicitly. Develop these key features with greater precision and a clearer overview of the cause-and-effect process.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response follows the process in a sensible order, using “In the first step,” “After the rainfall,” and “Finally” to guide the reader. The paragraphing also separates the overview from the detailed stages, so the overall arrangement is coherent. However, some links are mechanical or awkward, and the long final sentence repeats the idea that the wind travels inland: “reaches at the inland area covering the distance…” followed by “until, it reaches the inland area.” The transition “While,” at the start of a sentence does not connect the ideas clearly. Improve cohesion by using concise links that show cause and sequence, and avoid repeating information. A more direct progression from rising air, to precipitation, to dry air descending on the leeward side would make the explanation easier to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use a suitable range of process vocabulary, including “coastal,” “leeward side,” “formation,” and “rainfall,” and the meaning is generally clear. Some attempts at more specific wording are useful, but several choices are inaccurate or unnatural: “making a rain-shadow deserts,” “wind approach coast,” and “blewing over the mountains.” “The coastal mountains becomes the reason of pushing wind” is also an awkward way to describe the wind being forced upwards. These choices limit precision even though the reader can usually understand the intended meaning. Use standard process collocations such as “the formation of a rain-shadow desert,” “winds approach the coast,” and “air is forced upwards.” Take care to use the correct form of words and avoid repeating “reason” when describing cause and effect.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentences, including clauses beginning with “while” and “after,” and the sequence remains understandable. However, some grammatical errors recur. Subject–verb agreement is inaccurate in “the process … consist,” “mountains becomes,” and “these clouds becomes.” Articles and plurals are also inconsistent in “a rain-shadow deserts” and “on coastal area.” The sentence “at certain height wind become moist and cool” omits needed articles and has an incorrect verb form. Punctuation is sometimes misplaced, as in “While,” and “until, it reaches.” These errors do not usually prevent understanding, but they reduce control. Practise checking agreement, singular and plural forms, and article use, and divide the final long sentence into clearer clauses.

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