Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-05

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 on the leeward side of the mountain range.

overall, information involves a series of stages, beginning with moist winds approaching the coast and ending with the dry air reaching inland areas, where a rain-shadow desert develops. The windward side receive rainfall, whereas the leeward side remains dry.

Initally, winds from the sea approach the coast and are forced upwards as they encounter mountains. As the moist air rises along the windward side, it cools, causing clouds to form. Subsequently, rainfall occurs, removing much of the moisture from the air.

After crossing the mountain peak, the now-dry air descends on the leeward side. As it moves downward, it becomes warmer and increasingly dry. This dry air then continues across the mountain and eventually reaches inland areas. Consequently, the lack of moisture and rainfall on this side creates the characteristic rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully identifies the key stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly distinguished between the windward and leeward sides, which is essential for this task. The overview provides a concise summary of the process, and the body paragraphs logically detail the transition from moist air to dry air. To reach a higher band, ensure that all technical details from the diagram are fully integrated; for instance, mentioning the specific elevation or the cooling effect as a direct consequence of the altitude would add depth. Overall, the response is accurate and covers all parts of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-structured with a clear introduction, overview, and logical body paragraphs. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving chronologically from the moist winds to the final desert formation. You have used cohesive devices such as 'Subsequently', 'After crossing', and 'Consequently' effectively to link the stages of the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different phases of the cycle. The flow is natural, and the relationship between the windward and leeward sides is clearly maintained throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a scientific process, such as 'leeward', 'windward', 'moist', and 'characteristic'. The terminology is accurate and helps convey the information precisely. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or precise scientific terms could elevate the response further. For example, instead of 'removing much of the moisture', you could use 'depleting the moisture content'. There are no spelling errors, and the word choice is consistently appropriate for the academic context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'As the moist air rises along the windward side, it cools, causing clouds to form.' Punctuation is generally accurate, and the sentence construction is clear. There is a minor subject-verb agreement error in the second paragraph ('The windward side receive rainfall' should be 'receives'), and a minor capitalization error ('Initally'). However, these are rare slips and do not impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free.

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

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