Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-03

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 given image illustrates the rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, the process shows how winds approaching the coast are gradually transformed into a desert, with a mountain range playing a pivotal role throughout the transformation. This formation takes place in several stages around a mountain range that is thousands of kilometers wide. While the leeward side is mainly dry, the windward side is full of moisture.

Firstly, moist air originating from the sea approaches the coast which is pushed vertically upward along the mountain range. As the wind keeps rising, it eventually cools down due to lower atmospheric temperature which, therefore results in the formation of clouds. These four stages take place on the windward side of the mountain range.

Rain then starts to fall as a result of the clouds that have been formed. As the rainfall continues, the air becomes drier. The dry air moves over the mountain range towards the leeward side. Finally the dry wind reaches the inland area, where the desert is formed due to the lack of rainfall on this side of the mountain.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly distinguished between the windward and leeward sides and described the sequence of events, from the moist air rising to the eventual formation of the desert. The overview is concise and highlights the pivotal role of the mountain range. To reach a higher band, ensure that all key stages are described with equal detail; for instance, the transition from 'moist air' to 'dry air' could be linked more explicitly to the loss of moisture as precipitation. Overall, the response is accurate and covers the requirements of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a body paragraph for the windward side, and a final paragraph for the leeward side. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'As the wind keeps rising', 'As the rainfall continues', and 'Finally' helps guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the distinct stages of the formation. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The structure is effective and supports the overall clarity of the explanation.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'pivotal role', 'atmospheric temperature', 'windward', and 'leeward'. The language is precise and fits the scientific context of the diagram. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. To improve further, you could incorporate more sophisticated terminology related to meteorological processes, such as 'condensation' or 'precipitation', to demonstrate a wider and more flexible lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have successfully used complex sentences, such as 'As the wind keeps rising, it eventually cools down due to lower atmospheric temperature which, therefore results in the formation of clouds.' While there is a minor punctuation error (the comma before 'which' is unnecessary), the sentence structure is generally sound. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the use of passive voice ('is formed', 'are transformed') is appropriate for this type of task. The grammar is accurate and does not impede communication.

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