Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-31

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 natural process of the formation of rain-shadow deserts, showing the various stages involved, from winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland areas.

Overall, it is evident that the process consists of seven main stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas. The entire process is linear in nature.

Initially, winds approach the coastal area, after which they are pushed upwards by the mountain. Subsequently, moist air rises and cools, resulting in the formation of clouds. In the following stage, rain falls on the windward side of the mountain.

After the rainfall, the dry air continues over the mountain and moves down the leeward side. As it descends, the air becomes increasingly dry. Finally, dry winds reach the inland areas, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert. This is the natural process which take several years to form sand.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies and describes the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have provided a clear overview and followed the sequence logically from the coastal winds to the inland desert. All key features, such as the rising of moist air, cloud formation, rainfall on the windward side, and the descent of dry air on the leeward side, are accurately reported. The information is well-selected and covers all parts of the prompt effectively. To reach a higher band, ensure that you avoid adding external information not present in the diagram, such as the mention of the process taking 'several years to form sand,' which is not depicted in the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The report is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and a body paragraph detailing the process. The progression of ideas is smooth, aided by the use of temporal markers such as 'Initially,' 'Subsequently,' 'In the following stage,' and 'Finally.' These cohesive devices are used appropriately to guide the reader through the linear process. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the overview from the detailed description. The response is easy to follow, and the relationship between the different stages of the desert formation is clearly established throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process with precision. Terms such as 'coastal area,' 'windward side,' 'leeward side,' and 'inland areas' are used correctly and show an awareness of the specific terminology required for this task. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the context, it is somewhat functional. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or varied descriptive verbs to enhance the flow and academic tone of the report, though the current range is perfectly adequate for clear communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response displays a good control of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'After the rainfall, the dry air continues over the mountain and moves down the leeward side.' Punctuation is generally accurate, and the sentence structures are clear. There is a minor subject-verb agreement error in the final sentence ('process which take several years'), where it should be 'takes.' However, the majority of your sentences are error-free, and the grammatical control is consistent throughout the text, which is a strong feature of your writing.

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