Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-14

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 how a rain-shadow desert is formed as moist air moves from the sea across a mountain range.

Overall, the process involves seven main stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast to dry wind reaching inland areas. The key feature is the contrast between the windward side of the mountain, where rainfall occurs, and the leeward side, which remains dry and eventually develops into a rain shadow desert.

At the first stage, wind carrying moist air approaches the coast from the sea. When they move to the mountain range, the winds are pushed upwards, and as the air rises and cools down, it eventually leads to cloud formation. This is followed by rainfall, which occurs mainly on the windward side. Consequently, much of the moisture is removed from the air before it crosses the mountain.

By contrast, the air continues to move down the leeward side of the mountain as the moisture is already lost; the air is dry as it seems. It then continues over the mountains, and a dry wind reaches the inland areas of the mountains. Unlike the windward side, the leeward side receives little or no rainfall at all. As a result, the inland region becomes dry and forms a rain shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the process shown in the diagram. You have clearly identified the main features, such as the contrast between the windward and leeward sides, and provided a logical summary of the formation process. The overview is concise and accurately reflects the progression from moist air at the coast to the formation of the rain-shadow desert inland. The information is well-selected and relevant, meeting the requirements of the task fully. No significant omissions are present, and the comparison between the two sides of the mountain is handled well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a summary paragraph, and two body paragraphs that follow the chronological flow of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'At the first stage', 'This is followed by', 'By contrast', and 'As a result' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial process from the final outcome. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately, including terms like 'windward', 'leeward', 'moist air', and 'inland areas'. The language is precise and appropriate for a technical description. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band. For instance, phrases like 'as it seems' are a bit informal and vague. Overall, the lexical range is good and supports the clear communication of the scientific process described in the diagram.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'When they move to the mountain range, the winds are pushed upwards' and 'As the air rises and cools down, it eventually leads to cloud formation.' Grammar is generally accurate, with only minor slips, such as the pronoun reference 'they' in 'When they move' (referring back to 'wind', which is singular). Punctuation is used correctly to support the flow of ideas. The majority of sentences are error-free, showing a strong command of grammatical structures.

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