Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-11

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 represents how a rain-shadow desert is formed. The sea, mountains and wind play a major role in its formation. The process starts from the sea and eventually ends with the formation of a desert.

Initially, winds approach the coast and push moist air upwards. As the air rises, it cools and reaches the windward side of the mountain, where water vapour condenses and forms clouds. At the top of the mountain, rainfall occurs because of the high altitude and low temperature. After this, the dry air continues over the mountain and moves towards the leeward side. As it descends, the air becomes warmer and drier. Finally, the dry winds reach the inland areas, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert. These areas receive very little rainfall and therefore remain dry.

Overall, the process shows how mountains and changing air conditions result in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully identifies the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly described the movement of air from the sea, the condensation on the windward side, and the subsequent dry conditions on the leeward side. The overview is concise and effectively captures the essence of the diagram. To reach a higher band, you could have included more specific comparative language or highlighted the contrast between the windward and leeward sides more explicitly, perhaps by mentioning the difference in precipitation levels or vegetation potential implied by the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a body paragraph detailing the process, and a summary. The progression of ideas is easy to follow, moving chronologically from the sea to the inland desert. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'As', 'After this', and 'Finally' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is appropriate for the length of the response. The text flows well, and there is a clear sense of progression throughout the description.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'condenses', 'water vapour', 'altitude', and 'leeward side'. The terminology is accurate and fits the context of the diagram well. While the vocabulary is sufficient and precise, it is functional rather than sophisticated. To aim for a higher band, you could incorporate more varied descriptive adjectives or more precise scientific collocations to demonstrate a wider, more flexible range of lexical items.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'As the air rises, it cools and reaches the windward side of the mountain, where water vapour condenses and forms clouds.' The punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The control over complex sentence structures is consistent, and the grammar is generally error-free throughout the text.

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

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