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 illustrates the process by which a rain shadow desert is formed.

Overall, moist air from the sea is forced to rise over a mountain range, causing rainfall on the windward side. As a result, the air loses most of its moisture and becomes dry, creating arid conditions on the leeward side where a rain shadow desert develops.

At the first stage, winds carrying moist air approach the coast from the sea. When these winds reach the mountain range, they are pushed upwards along the windward slope. As the air rises, it cools, leading to the formation of clouds. continued cooling causes condensation, and eventually precipitation occurs over the mountain.

Following this rainfall, the air contains much less moisture. The now dry air passes over the mountain peak and descends the leeward side, no significant cloud formation or rainfall takes place during this stage. Instead, the dry air continues moving towards inland region.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response effectively summarizes the process of rain-shadow desert formation. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the movement of moist air, the cooling process, precipitation on the windward side, and the resulting arid conditions on the leeward side. The overview is clear and provides a good summary of the entire process. All parts of the prompt are addressed, and the information is accurate based on the provided diagram. To reach a higher band, ensure that every stage is described with slightly more detail regarding the transition between the windward and leeward sides, though your current coverage is already quite strong.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, moving chronologically from the initial stage of moist air movement to the final formation of the desert. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the overview from the detailed process. Cohesive devices such as 'As a result', 'At the first stage', 'Following this rainfall', and 'Instead' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the sequence of events. The progression of ideas is clear throughout the text, and there is a good balance between the different stages of the process.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, including terms like 'windward slope', 'condensation', 'precipitation', and 'arid conditions'. The language is precise and fits the context of a geographical process well. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. To improve further, you could incorporate more sophisticated linking phrases or slightly more varied descriptive verbs to describe the movement of air or the formation of clouds, but the current vocabulary is sufficient for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as 'When these winds reach the mountain range, they are pushed upwards along the windward slope.' Punctuation is generally accurate, and the sentences are easy to follow. There is a minor error in the final sentence: 'towards inland region' should be 'towards the inland region'. However, the majority of your sentences are error-free, and the grammatical control is consistent throughout the piece.

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

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