Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-13

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 diagram illustrates how a rain-shadow desert is formed thousands of kilometres away from the sea. This process occurs across various landforms like the sea, coast, mountains and the inland area as well.

Overall, the formation of a rain-shadow desert is a seven step process. Every step is an indispensable part of the process and omission of even a single step would halt the creation of a rain-shadow desert.

Firstly, winds from the sea approach the coast. From the coast, these winds get pushed upwards due to the mountains obstructing their path. Next, due to the formation of water vapours, the air becomes moist. This moist air rises up the windward side of the mountains and upon elevation, it cools down. Consequently, clouds are formed.

Moving further, as the clouds reach even higher altitudes, precipitation occurs at the apex of mountains. Furthermore, the dry air continues over the mountain and moves to its leeward side. After the wind has travelled thousands of kilometres, the dry wind finally reaches the inland areas where it forms a dry and arid rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response covers all key stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process, from the sea to the inland area. You have successfully identified the main features and provided a logical summary. However, the description of the process is slightly over-simplified. For example, the statement that 'omission of even a single step would halt the creation' is an unnecessary subjective comment that does not add to the objective reporting required in Task 1. To reach a higher band, focus on describing the physical changes (e.g., moisture loss, temperature drop) more precisely rather than adding commentary on the process itself. Overall, the main features are clearly presented and the information is accurate based on the provided diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and a sequential description of the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Next', 'Consequently', and 'Moving further' helps guide the reader through the stages effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed process. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text. To improve further, ensure that the transition between the overview and the body paragraphs is slightly more integrated, but overall, the structure is coherent and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, including terms like 'indispensable', 'obstructing', 'precipitation', and 'arid'. There is a good attempt to use topic-specific language. However, some word choices could be more precise; for instance, 'the formation of water vapours' is slightly inaccurate as water vapor is already present in the air. Using more precise collocations like 'moisture-laden air' or 'orographic lift' would demonstrate a higher level of lexical control. The vocabulary is generally accurate and appropriate for the task, with no significant errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as 'As the clouds reach even higher altitudes, precipitation occurs at the apex of mountains.' Punctuation is generally accurate, and there are very few grammatical errors. The sentence structures are varied, which helps maintain the flow of the report. While the grammar is strong, incorporating a wider variety of passive voice constructions (e.g., 'moisture is extracted from the air') would be beneficial for a process description, as it is a more standard way to describe scientific phenomena in an academic context.

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