Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-16

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 by which rain-shadow deserts are formed.

Overall, the process consists of seven stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas. Notably, rainfall occurs on the windward side of the mountain, whereas the leeward side remains dry.

Initially, winds approach the coast before being pushed upwards along the mountain. As the moist air rises to a higher altitude, it becomes cooler, causing clouds to form. The increasing concentration of clouds eventually leads to rainfall on the windward side of the mountain. Thereafter, rain falls on this side, while the air continues across the mountain range.

Following this, the air gradually loses its moisture as it passes over the mountain and becomes increasingly dry. It then continues towards the leeward side before descending. Finally, dry winds reach inland areas, where the lack of rainfall results in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively summarizes the process of rain-shadow desert formation. You have successfully identified the key stages, from the initial approach of moist winds to the final dry conditions on the leeward side. The overview is clear and highlights the main contrast between the windward and leeward sides, which is essential for this task. All parts of the prompt are addressed, and the information is accurately derived from the diagram. To reach a higher band, you could provide more specific detail regarding the physical changes mentioned in the diagram, such as the specific altitude or the temperature drop, to further enrich the description.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the beginning of the process to the end. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the overview from the detailed description. You have employed a range of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Thereafter', 'Following this', and 'Finally', which help guide the reader through the sequence of events. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the windward and leeward sides is clearly established. The structure is coherent throughout, and the use of referencing is accurate and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately, including terms like 'windward', 'leeward', 'altitude', and 'moisture'. 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 incorporate more sophisticated collocations or descriptive verbs to add variety. For example, instead of 'increasing concentration of clouds', you might use 'cloud condensation' or 'saturated air masses'. Overall, the lexical range is adequate and supports the clear communication of the process.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'As the moist air rises to a higher altitude, it becomes cooler, causing clouds to form.' The punctuation is accurate, and there are very few grammatical errors. The sentences are well-constructed and easy to read. To reach the highest band, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex sentence structures, such as using more passive voice constructions, which are often preferred in scientific or process-based descriptions to maintain an objective tone.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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