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 diagram illustrates the process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed. It shows how moist winds from the sea travel towards inland areas over a range of mountains, eventually resulting in the formation of a desert.

Overall, the process involves seven stages, beginning with moist winds approaching the coast and rising over the mountains, and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas and creating a rain-shadow desert.

Initially, moist winds approach the coast from the sea and are pushed upwards as they encounter the mountains. As the air rises on the windward side, it cools and clouds begin to form. This is followed by rainfall on the windward side of the mountains. After the rain falls, the air becomes dry and continues over the mountain towards the leeward side. As the dry air descends, it continues towards the inland areas. As a consequence, there is very little rainfall in these areas, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly outlined the progression from the moist winds at the coast to the arid conditions inland. The overview is effective, and the key stages are logically sequenced. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more specific terminology related to the diagram, such as 'windward' and 'leeward' slopes, and perhaps elaborate slightly more on the physical changes occurring at each stage, such as the condensation process or the specific temperature changes that lead to the rain-shadow effect. Overall, the response is accurate and covers the requirements of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-structured with a clear introduction, an overview, and a body paragraph that follows the chronological order of the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'As', 'This is followed by', and 'As a consequence' helps the reader follow the progression of the process smoothly. Paragraphing is appropriate, and the information is presented in a logical sequence. The flow of ideas is consistent, and there is no repetition of information. The transition between the stages of the process is handled effectively, making the text easy to read and follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately. Terms like 'moist winds', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'arid' (or similar descriptive language) are used correctly. While the vocabulary is functional and appropriate for the task, it lacks some of the more sophisticated or precise technical collocations that would elevate the response to a higher band. For instance, instead of 'pushed upwards', you could use 'forced to ascend' or 'orographic lift'. The spelling is accurate throughout, and the word choice is generally precise enough to convey the intended meaning without ambiguity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good control of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as 'As the air rises on the windward side, it cools and clouds begin to form.' The punctuation is generally correct, and there are very few grammatical errors. The sentences are clear and easy to understand. To improve further, you could experiment with more varied sentence structures, such as using passive voice to describe the process (e.g., 'The air is cooled as it is forced over the mountains'), which is often preferred in scientific or process-based descriptions.

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

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