Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-24

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 stages involved in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process involves seven stages, beginning with the winds from the sea approaching the coast on the windward side of the mountain and ending with dry winds reaching the inland areas on the leeward side of the mountain, where rain-shadow desert is formed.

Initially, wind from the sea approaches the coast and this wind is pushed upwards along the windward side of the mountain. In the next stage, as the moist air rises, it gradually cools, which causes clouds to form above the mountain. After sufficient clouds are formed, rainfall occurs in the windward side of the mountain. Consequently, this side of mountain receives considerably more precipitation than the other side of the mountain.

After rainfall, the remaining air continues over the mountain towards the leeward side. Having lost much of its moisture, the air becomes increasingly dry as it descends. These dry winds then continue inland over thousands of kilometers. Since there is no rainfall reaches this region, the land on the leeward side becomes extremely dry, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses the prompt by clearly summarizing the stages of rain-shadow desert formation. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the windward precipitation and the leeward aridity, and made appropriate comparisons between the two sides of the mountain. The overview provides a concise summary of the process, which is a key requirement for Task 1. The information is well-selected and logically presented, covering all parts of the diagram without omitting significant details. The development of ideas is consistent and accurate throughout the report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose, moving from the introduction to the windward process and finally the leeward outcome. You have used cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'In the next stage', 'Consequently', and 'After rainfall' effectively to guide the reader through the sequence. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the different stages of the process is easy to follow, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process with precision. Terms such as 'windward', 'leeward', 'precipitation', and 'moisture' are used correctly in context. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the task, it remains somewhat functional. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms to describe the movement of air or the intensity of the climate. However, the current range is flexible enough to convey the information clearly without any noticeable errors in word choice.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response displays a good variety of complex structures, such as 'Having lost much of its moisture, the air becomes...' and 'Since there is no rainfall reaches this region...'. While there is a minor grammatical slip in the latter ('there is no rainfall reaches' should be 'no rainfall reaches'), the majority of your sentences are error-free. You show good control over punctuation and sentence construction. The mix of simple and complex sentences is effective for this type of report, and the minor errors do not impede communication or cause any confusion for the reader.

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

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