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 gives information on how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Overall, it is a linear process with seven stages. The process commences with moist winds approaching the coast and ends with dry winds reaching the inland areas. Additionally, there is a windward side where it receives rain and a leeward side that has no rainfall.

Initially, moist winds from the sea approach the coast. They are then pushed up the mountain where the moist air masses rises. As these moist air continue to rise up the mountain, it cools to form clouds. In the penultimate stage, the clouds condense to form rain and eventually rainfall is received on the windward side.

As it is raining on the windward area, dry air continues over the mountain on the leeward side, and flows downwards to the inland areas. When these dry winds reach the inland areas, a rain-shadow desert is formed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly outlined the progression from the windward side to the leeward side, effectively summarizing the key stages. The overview provides a good summary of the linear nature of the process. To reach a higher band, ensure that all technical details are fully integrated; for instance, you could have explicitly mentioned the role of the mountain as a physical barrier earlier in the description to provide a more comprehensive overview of the mechanism involved. 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, an overview, and a step-by-step description of the process. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'In the penultimate stage', and 'As it is raining' helps guide the reader through the stages effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed process. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the windward and leeward sides is clearly established. The structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a range of vocabulary appropriate for describing a scientific process, such as 'moist air masses', 'condense', 'penultimate', and 'leeward'. These terms are used accurately and contribute to the formal tone required for an Academic Task 1. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling. To improve further, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or precise scientific terminology to describe the movement of air, such as 'orographic lift' or 'precipitation', which would 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 these moist air continue to rise up the mountain, it cools to form clouds.' There are a few minor subject-verb agreement errors, such as 'these moist air continue' (should be 'this moist air continues') and 'moist air masses rises' (should be 'rise'). Despite these occasional slips, the majority of your sentences are error-free, and the meaning is never obscured. The punctuation is generally accurate, supporting the clarity of your writing.

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