Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-10

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 diagram illustrates the process of how rain-shadow deserts are formed.

Overall, it is clear that the formation of a rain-shadow desert involves several stages, beginning with moist air rising up towards a mountain range and ending with the creation of a dry desert area on the leeward side of the mountain.

At the first stage, warm and moist air from the ocean moves towards the land and reaches a mountain range. As the air rises up, it becomes cooler, which causes condensation and leads to the formation of clouds. Consequently, precipitation occurs on the windward side of the mountain, where it receives rainfall.

In the next stages, after losing most of its moisture, the air passes over the mountain and moves down the opposite side. During this process, the air becomes drier and warmer, resulting in a lack of rainfall in this region. Eventually, a rain-shadow desert is formed on the leeward side of the mountain due to the dry conditions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively addresses the task by clearly describing the process of rain-shadow desert formation. You have identified the main features, such as the movement of moist air, condensation, precipitation on the windward side, and the subsequent dry conditions on the leeward side. The information is logically sequenced and covers all stages shown in the diagram. The overview provides a concise summary of the entire process, which is a key requirement for Task 1. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more precise technical terminology related to the diagram, such as 'orographic lift' or 'adiabatic warming', to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the scientific process described.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear introduction, a body paragraph for the initial stages, and a concluding paragraph for the final outcome. The progression of ideas is logical and easy to follow. You have used cohesive devices such as 'At the first stage', 'Consequently', 'In the next stages', and 'Eventually' to link your sentences and paragraphs effectively. The referencing is clear throughout, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the length of the text. The flow of information is smooth, and the structure supports the reader's understanding of the process without any confusion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately, including terms like 'condensation', 'precipitation', 'windward', and 'leeward'. The word choice is generally precise and appropriate for an academic report. While the vocabulary is functional and clear, it is somewhat standard. To achieve a higher band, you could aim for more sophisticated collocations or academic phrasing. For example, instead of 'the air becomes drier and warmer', you might use 'the air undergoes adiabatic warming and desiccation'. Overall, the lexical range is adequate and there are no errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'As the air rises up, it becomes cooler, which causes condensation and leads to the formation of clouds.' The punctuation is accurate, and the sentence construction is generally error-free. The control over complex structures is consistent, and there are no significant grammatical slips that hinder the reader's understanding. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy throughout the text.

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