Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-11-02

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)

This is an image representing how one type of desert named rain shadow is formed. Its is a process with seven steps and each step are important for the formation. However, this process is carried through thousands of kilometers starting from sea coast to an inland.

It begins with the wind approaching from sea towards coast which is then pushed upwards. This moist air rises and lowers its temperature which makes the transformation of air to clouds. Once the clouds are formed and gets occupied the rain falls.

The dry gases passing through mountains are not paused on the leeward side, it continues to the bottom of the inland and eventualy reaches the inland areas. At the end of the process rain shadow desert is been observed.

Overall, the process is divided into two sides windward and leeward among which most of the process takes place on the first side. Wind from sea cost is the main factor in the formation of desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

You identify the process as having seven stages and describe its broad movement from the sea, over the mountains, and towards inland areas. You also include the key outcome: a rain-shadow desert forms beyond the mountains. However, some stages are not reported precisely. For example, “the transformation of air to clouds” skips the distinct point that clouds form after moist air rises and cools, while “dry gases” does not clearly convey that dry air continues over the mountain and reaches inland. Your overview notes the windward and leeward sides, but could more clearly summarise the central contrast: rain falls on the windward side, leaving dry air to create arid conditions inland. This covers the task, though some features are less fully explained.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response has a clear overall structure: an introduction, a description of the early stages, a paragraph on the later stages, and a concluding overview. Sequencing phrases such as “It begins,” “Once,” and “At the end” help the reader follow the process. However, some links are awkward or unclear. In “Once the clouds are formed and gets occupied the rain falls,” the relationship between cloud formation and rainfall is difficult to follow. The final paragraph also repeats the wind’s role rather than adding a distinct summary of the process. Improve cohesion by using precise stage links, such as “As the air rises, it cools and forms clouds; consequently, rain falls on the windward slope,” and ensure each paragraph advances the explanation.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use relevant process vocabulary, including “moist air,” “leeward side,” “windward,” and “inland,” which helps communicate the diagram’s main concepts. There is also some attempt to vary wording, for example “approaching” and “reaches.” However, several choices are inaccurate or unnatural for this topic: “dry gases” should be “dry air,” “gets occupied” does not express cloud formation or rainfall, and “rain shadow” is more accurately presented as “rain-shadow desert.” Spelling errors such as “eventualy” and “cost” (for “coast”) also reduce precision. Aim for accurate collocations and consistent technical terms, such as “moist air rises,” “condenses,” and “rain falls on the windward side.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including a relative clause in “which is then pushed upwards” and a time clause beginning “Once.” The main sequence is generally understandable, but some grammatical errors make individual relationships unclear. Examples include “Its is a process,” “each step are important,” and “the dry gases … it continues,” where agreement or pronoun reference is faulty. In “the clouds are formed and gets occupied,” the verb form and sentence construction are also problematic. Practise checking subject–verb agreement and keeping the subject consistent across clauses. For instance: “The winds are forced upwards, causing the moist air to cool and form clouds.” This would make your complex sentences clearer and more controlled.

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

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