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 shows how a rain-shadow desert forms when moist air passes over a mountain.

Overall, the process starts when moist air come from the sea and ends with a dry area forming on the other side of the mountain.

First, moist air moves from the sea towards the mountain. When the air moves up the mountain, it becomes cooler. Then, clouds form in the sky, and rains falls on this side of the mountain. This side gets rain from the clouds.

After that, the air crossing the top of the mountain and moves down the other side. During this process, the air loses much of its moisture and become dry. As a result, very little rain falls on this side. The land becomes very dry, and a rain-shadow desert forms. This is how moist air from the sea helps to create a desert on the other side of a mountain.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You cover the main sequence and give a clear overview: moist air comes from the sea, rain falls on the windward side, and a dry area develops beyond the mountain. These points match the diagram, and the response stays focused on the process. However, some stages are compressed or omitted: the winds are pushed upwards by the mountain, and the diagram specifically shows the air rising and cooling before clouds form. The final movement of dry winds into inland areas is also less clearly described. To strengthen the account, report each key stage more precisely and distinguish the windward and leeward sides, rather than relying mainly on general descriptions such as “the other side.”

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall arrangement, with an overview followed by the windward-side stages and then the dry, inland side. Sequencing expressions such as “First,” “Then,” and “After that” help the reader follow the process. The progression is generally logical, though some links are repetitive or mechanical: “This side gets rain from the clouds” repeats the preceding statement, and the final sentence restates the overall explanation. References such as “this side” and “the other side” are understandable but could be more precise. Use the diagram’s terms “windward side” and “leeward side” to make connections clearer, and combine repeated information so each sentence advances the description.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

Your vocabulary is sufficient to explain the basic process, and terms such as “moist air,” “mountain,” “moisture,” and “rain-shadow desert” are relevant. However, the range is limited, with repeated general words such as “air,” “side,” and “dry,” and some phrasing is not natural or precise. “Rains falls” is an inaccurate expression, while “the air crossing the top” could be expressed more clearly using the diagram’s process language. More specific terms, including “windward,” “leeward,” “precipitation,” and “inland,” would help you describe the stages accurately and avoid repetition. Aim to use these terms naturally rather than adding vocabulary that does not clarify the process.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You use a mix of simple sentences and some longer structures, including “When the air moves up the mountain, it becomes cooler” and “As a result, very little rain falls on this side.” Meaning is generally clear, but several errors in verb forms and agreement reduce accuracy. For example, “moist air come” should be “moist air comes,” “rains falls” should be “rain falls,” and “the air crossing the top … and moves down” needs parallel verb forms, such as “the air crosses the top … and moves down.” Similarly, “the air … become dry” should be “becomes dry.” Check subject–verb agreement and keep verb forms consistent when joining actions. Greater accuracy across these structures would make the description more controlled.

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