Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-07

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)

Th provided illustration shows the formation of a specific type of desert known as the rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the formation involves a series of natural atmospheric processes over thousands of kilometres, from sea to inland, including the arrival of moist winds followed by upward movement of moist air on Windward side and lastly the descent of dry air on Leeward side.

Initially, high-speed winds from the sea approach the coastline and collide with a gigantic mountain. The winds follow an upward trajectory on the steep slope absorbing most of the moisture. Once the significant amount of moisture is retained, it leads to formation of clouds resulting in heavy rainfall on the Windward side.

After reaching the summit, the air has lost moisture and becomes dry. Dry air now descends on the other side of the mountain namely the Leeward side with almost no or little rainfall. The air mostly carries sand and dust particles with it. The air then approaches the inland areas allowing the formation of the rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the process shown in the diagram. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the movement of moist air from the sea, the orographic rainfall on the windward side, and the subsequent dry conditions on the leeward side. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the entire process. The information is well-selected and logically presented, ensuring the reader understands the mechanism of rain-shadow desert formation. No parts of the diagram were overlooked, and the comparison between the two sides of the mountain is handled well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that follow the chronological sequence of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Once', 'After reaching', and 'The air then' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial atmospheric conditions from the final desert formation. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a scientific process description, such as 'atmospheric processes', 'upward trajectory', 'orographic' (implied by context), and 'leeward side'. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'Once the significant amount of moisture is retained', which is slightly awkward; it would be more accurate to say 'Once the moisture is released'. However, the vocabulary is generally precise and demonstrates a good level of control, allowing for a clear explanation of the technical process.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the grammar is generally accurate. There are a few minor slips, such as 'Th provided illustration' (a typo) and 'namely the Leeward side', which could be punctuated better with commas. However, these errors are rare and do not impede communication. The use of participial phrases like 'allowing the formation of' shows a good command of complex structures, which is a positive feature of your writing.

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