Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-19

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 a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, the process involves seven main stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas. The mountains play an important role because they cause moisture to fall on the windward side, leaving the leeward side dry.

First, winds approach the coast from the sea and are pushed towards the mountains. As the most air rises up the windward side of the mountains, it becomes cooler. This causes clouds to form, and eventually rain falls on the windward side.

After losing much of its moisture, the air continues over the mountain towards the leeward side. As it descends, the air becomes dry. The dry air then continues inland, where there is very little rainfall. Consequently, a dry region known as a rain-shadow desert develops on the leeward side of the mountains.

Thus, the mountains range creates a clear contrast between the wetter windward side and the much drier leeward side.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully covers all key stages of the process, from the initial approach of winds to the final formation of the rain-shadow desert. You have clearly identified the main features and provided a logical summary of the transformation. The overview is effective, highlighting the crucial role of the mountains in the process. To reach a higher band, you could provide more specific detail regarding the temperature changes or the specific state of the air (e.g., moisture content) at each stage to further extend the description of the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a clear logical progression. Each paragraph focuses on a distinct phase of the process, which aids readability. You have used cohesive devices such as 'First', 'After', 'Consequently', and 'Thus' effectively to guide the reader through the sequence. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate for a process description. The flow between sentences is smooth, and the overall structure is coherent 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 side', 'leeward side', 'moisture', and 'descends'. The language is precise and appropriate for an academic report. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it lacks a few more sophisticated or less common lexical items that would demonstrate a wider, more flexible range. However, there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'As the most air rises up the windward side of the mountains, it becomes cooler.' There is a minor typo ('most' instead of 'moist'), but this is a rare slip and does not affect the clarity of the message. Punctuation is used correctly, and the sentence structures are varied enough to maintain interest and flow throughout the report.

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

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