Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-07-30

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 7.0)

The given picture illustrates the process of formation of unique type of desert, also called as rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the total procedure is divided into seven stages. It starts when winds approach the coastal areas of sea and ends when dry winds again reach the inland areas after covering thousands of kilometers distance from the top of the mountains. Cloud formation took place in fourth step and rain falls in the fifth step.

The first five step completed in the windward side of the mountains. It includes winds approaching and pushing of winds upwards to the top of the mountains. As wind go up .the temperature decreases and moist air becomes cool. This leads to the formation of cloud and, after that rain starts falling on the top of mountains.

The remaining procedure take place in the leeward side of mountains. The air that is dry continues to move over mountains and after covering thousands of kilometers from the top of the mountains it finally reach inland areas. Here it forms the rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response provides a clear overview of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You successfully identified the main stages, such as the windward ascent, cloud formation, and the leeward descent. However, the description is somewhat mechanical, relying on a step-by-step list rather than a more integrated analysis of the geographical features. To reach a higher band, ensure you highlight the contrast between the windward and leeward sides more explicitly, perhaps by focusing on the change in moisture levels as a key feature of the process. The summary is accurate, but could benefit from more sophisticated synthesis of the information provided in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs focusing on the windward and leeward sides respectively. This structure is effective and easy to follow. Cohesive devices are used, such as 'Overall', 'The first five steps', and 'The remaining procedure', which help guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly repetitive or mechanical. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases and ensure that the connection between the sentences within paragraphs is smoother. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the report.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'coastal areas', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'moist air'. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'unique type of desert' (which is slightly redundant) and 'total procedure' (which is better expressed as 'the process'). While the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly, it lacks the more precise, academic collocations that would elevate the response to a higher band. Focusing on more precise terminology related to geography and climate would be beneficial.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical errors, such as 'Cloud formation took place in fourth step' (missing articles), 'As wind go up' (subject-verb agreement), and 'The first five step completed' (pluralization). These errors occur frequently enough to be noticeable but do not impede communication. To improve, pay closer attention to article usage (a/the) and subject-verb agreement. Incorporating more varied complex sentence structures would also help demonstrate better control over grammar.

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