Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-01

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 pictorial diagram illustrates the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, it can be seen that the process consists seven stages, beginning with the winds approach the coast which is near the mountain range and ending with the formation of a rain-shadow desert. Noticeably, the rain falls on the windward side, while the dry air reaches the leeward side, creating drier conditions.

Initially, the winds which approach the coast near the mountain range is pushed upwards along the windward side. As the humidity rises, the winds cools, creating the condition for cloud to be formed. As it reaches the top of the mountain range, the moisture in the cloud are enough to create rain. After rain falls, the moisture in the cloud are removed, creating drier air

When the dry air comes over the mountain, it reaches the leeward side, where the dry winds are formed. Afterwards, the dry winds continue to reach further the inland areas. Finally, it reaches the inland, where the condition are dry enough and the rain-shadow desert is formed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence of events from the wind approaching the coast to the final desert formation. The information is accurate and covers all stages shown in the diagram. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly compare the two sides of the mountain (windward vs. leeward) more effectively in the body paragraphs, rather than just listing the stages. Overall, the task is addressed well, and the key features are highlighted clearly.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. You have used a range of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Afterwards', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the stages of the cycle. However, some transitions feel slightly repetitive, and the flow between sentences could be improved by varying the structure of your cohesive links. The progression of ideas is clear, and the overall structure supports the information presented.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'humidity', 'windward', 'leeward', and 'moisture'. This demonstrates an awareness of the specific topic. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'pictorial diagram' (which is redundant) and 'winds approach' (should be 'winds approaching'). While the vocabulary is adequate for the task, incorporating more precise academic collocations would elevate the response. The current range is sufficient to convey the meaning clearly without significant errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. However, there are several subject-verb agreement errors that occur frequently, such as 'winds... is pushed', 'winds cools', 'cloud to be formed', and 'moisture... are removed'. These errors are noticeable but do not impede the overall understanding of the process. To improve, pay closer attention to pluralization and verb conjugation. While you attempt complex sentences, the accuracy of these structures needs to be more consistent to reach a higher band score.

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