Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-31

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 step by step process of how the rain shadow deserts form in the Leeward side of the mountain range. The process starts from moist air being cooled, formation of clouds, then rainfall and drying out of air.

Overall, the process involves some sequential steps like upward movement of winds which become moist and forms clouds. Then the clouds turn into rainfalls and dry air flows downwards the mountain reaching the Inland.

Firstly, from the sea level, wind flows towards the mountain and is pushed upwards along the Windward side. Then the wind becomes moist, cool down and forms clouds. The cloud then turns into rainfalls dries out and flows downwards the mountain along the Leeward side. Ultimately, dry air reaches the Inland areas and forms Rain shadow desert.

So, we can see the wider picture of the process of formation of the Rain shadow desert from the diagram very well.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You identify the main sequence and give an overview, including the movement of air from the sea over the mountains and the formation of a desert inland. This covers the central process, and the reference to the windward and leeward sides shows some attention to the diagram’s labels. However, several stages are not reported accurately: the air is pushed upwards, then moist air rises and cools; clouds form and rain falls on the windward side before dry air continues over the mountain. The claim that the wind “becomes moist” after being pushed upwards is unclear, and “the clouds turn into rainfalls” misrepresents the process. The final sentence adds no information. More precise coverage of these stages and their locations would make the account more complete and developed.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction and overview are followed by a chronological account. Sequencing expressions such as “Firstly,” “Then,” and “Ultimately” help the reader follow the process. However, the overview partly repeats the introduction, and the final “So” sentence is a general comment rather than a useful concluding feature. Some links between stages are also unclear: “The cloud then turns into rainfalls dries out” compresses several events without showing their order or relationship. Use separate, clearly connected sentences for cloud formation, rainfall, and the movement of dry air over the mountain. More precise referencing and less repetition would make the progression smoother.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “Windward side,” “Leeward side,” “moist air,” “rainfall,” and “Inland,” so the topic is generally clear. There is also some attempt to vary wording with phrases such as “step by step process” and “flows downwards.” However, several choices are imprecise or awkward: “clouds turn into rainfalls” does not accurately describe precipitation, while “wider picture … very well” is vague and adds little. Capitalisation of common terms such as “Inland” and “Rain shadow desert” is inconsistent. Aim for precise process collocations and use the diagram’s terminology consistently; this would improve clarity and show more controlled vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentence forms, including a sequence linked with “Then” and a sentence beginning “Firstly.” The main meaning is usually understandable, but some grammatical errors affect accuracy. For example, “the process starts from moist air being cooled, formation of clouds” mixes grammatical forms; “the wind becomes moist, cool down” has a verb-form error; and “the clouds turn into rainfalls dries out” lacks a clear grammatical structure. There are also agreement and article issues in “winds which become moist and forms clouds” and “forms Rain shadow desert.” Use parallel forms when listing stages, check subject–verb agreement, and make each process step a complete clause. Greater control of these patterns would strengthen the response.

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

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