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)

This diagram explains the formation of a rain-shadow desert, which comprises seven main stages, starting from the winds approaching the coastline and ending when the dry winds finally reach the inland areas.

Initially, wind blows around the coastline, which is thousands of kilometres away from the inland, and pushes upward over the mountains. At the third stage, with the rise in wind, the air expands and cools down. Next, clouds are formed on the windward side of the mountains.

Following the formation of clouds, the mountain experiences rainfall. Due to precipitation, dry air is released, and at the sixth stage, the dry air continues to blow on the leeward side of the mountain. Finally, the dry winds slowly move downward from the mountain and reach the inland area, which results in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response provides a clear overview of the process, identifying the main stages of rain-shadow desert formation. However, the response is under the 150-word minimum requirement, which limits the depth of the analysis. While the key features are mentioned, the description lacks sufficient detail regarding the specific environmental conditions at each stage, such as the moisture content or the specific temperature changes. To improve, you should expand on the descriptions of the process and ensure you meet the minimum word count to fully develop the explanation of the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction and a step-by-step progression through the stages of the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial, middle, and final stages. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'At the third stage', 'Next', 'Following', and 'Finally' are used effectively to guide the reader through the sequence. The flow of information is smooth and easy to follow, though the overall brevity of the text makes the structure feel somewhat thin.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a range of vocabulary appropriate for describing a scientific process, such as 'precipitation', 'windward', 'leeward', and 'coastal'. The terminology is accurate and relevant to the task. However, the range is somewhat limited due to the short length of the response. To reach a higher band, try to incorporate more precise descriptive language to explain the physical changes occurring, such as 'condensation', 'saturated', or 'arid conditions', rather than relying on simpler phrases like 'dry air'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The grammar is generally accurate, and the sentences are clear and easy to understand. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Due to precipitation, dry air is released, and at the sixth stage, the dry air continues to blow...'. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To improve, you could experiment with more varied sentence structures, such as using passive voice to describe the process (e.g., 'moisture is extracted from the air') to sound more academic.

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