Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-02

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 7.0)

The schematic diagram illustrates the formation of the specific rain-shadow desert from the winds of sea.

Overall, it is apparent that the process involves 7 different phases. Initially, the process begins when the sea wind goes upward on a mountain and experiences different transformations. Eventually, dry winds reach inland areas.

To begin with, in the first phase the winds from the sea approach the coast, it creates pressure hence the winds are pushed upwards to the top of a mountain and passes through the windward side. In between as winds flow upwards the moisture of air increases and the air becomes cool at the same time which contribute to the formation of clouds. As the rate of cloud formation increases, the clouds condenses and become more dense and initiates raining.

Furthermore, dry air gets separated from clouds at the peak of a mountain and continues to flow downward through the leeward side. In the last stage the dry winds finally reaches inland areas and causes formation of rain-shadow desert.

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 clearly outlined the movement of air from the sea, the ascent over the mountain, the condensation/precipitation phase, and the final descent of dry air. The overview is functional, though it could be improved by explicitly mentioning the contrast between the windward and leeward sides as a key feature of the process. The information is accurate and covers the diagram well, meeting the requirements for a clear summary of the provided visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized into an introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that follow the chronological stages of the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', and 'In the last stage' helps guide the reader through the sequence. However, some transitions are slightly mechanical, and the referencing could be smoother. For example, the phrase 'In between as winds flow upwards' is a bit clunky. Overall, the progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'schematic diagram', 'transformations', 'moisture', 'condensation', and 'leeward side'. There are some minor inaccuracies in word choice, such as 'winds of sea' (should be 'sea winds') and 'clouds condenses' (should be 'clouds condense'). While these errors do not impede communication, they prevent the vocabulary from reaching a higher band. To improve, focus on more precise collocations and ensure subject-verb agreement when using technical terms.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several grammatical errors, particularly with articles and verb forms, such as 'the specific rain-shadow desert' (should be 'a rain-shadow desert') and 'winds finally reaches' (should be 'winds finally reach'). Additionally, some sentences are slightly awkward, such as 'it creates pressure hence the winds are pushed upwards'. While these errors are noticeable, they do not cause significant difficulty for the reader. Increasing the variety of complex structures and proofreading for subject-verb agreement would improve the score.

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