Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-12

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 how a rain-shadow desert is formed as moist air passes over a mountain range.

Overall, the process begins when winds carrying moist air approach the coast and are forced upwards by the mountains. The air then cools and produces rainfall on the windward side, before dry air descends on the leeward side and eventually creates a rain-shadow desert inland.

Initially, winds carrying moist air approach the coast before being pushed upwards by the mountains. As the moist air rises along the windward side, it cools, resulting in the formation of clouds.

Subsequently, rainfall occurs when the clouds become saturated, causing precipitation on the windward side of the mountain range.

After the rainfall, the remaining dry air continues over the mountain towards the leeward side. It then descends the mountain and reaches the inland areas as dry winds. As a result, very little rainfall occurs in these areas, leading to the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully covers all parts of the visual prompt by outlining the complete process of rain-shadow desert formation. The overview statement effectively captures the essence of the process, noting how moist air transitions over a mountain range into dry air and desert conditions. Key features such as coastal winds, rising moist air, cloud formation, windward precipitation, and the descent of dry air onto the leeward side are all accurately reported and logically connected. The student avoids copying the prompt verbatim and successfully paraphrases the core information. No key stages are omitted, and the information is appropriately summarised without unnecessary raw data. This corresponds closely to the Band 7 and Band 8 descriptors for task achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression from the introduction to the overview, and then through the sequential stages of the diagram. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with distinct paragraphs handling separate phases of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Subsequently', 'After the rainfall', and 'As a result' are employed effectively to guide the reader through the cause-and-effect stages of the cycle. Referencing throughout the text is clear, ensuring that pronouns and transitional phrases correctly link back to previously mentioned elements like the moist air and mountain ranges. Cohesion is smooth and contributes to a very readable, well-structured response that meets Band 7.5 criteria.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for this task, successfully incorporating subject-specific terminology such as 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'precipitation', and 'rain-shadow desert'. Word choice is generally precise and natural, with appropriate use of collocations like 'cools, resulting in the formation of clouds' and 'clouds become saturated'. While the range of vocabulary leans heavily towards standard descriptive terms rather than highly sophisticated uncommon lexical items, it is more than adequate for the task. Spelling and word formation are entirely accurate throughout, supporting smooth communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response exhibits a strong command of grammatical structures, successfully blending simple and complex sentences. The writer employs participial phrases and subordinate clauses effectively, as seen in structures like 'winds carrying moist air approach the coast and are forced upwards' and 'As the moist air rises along the windward side, it cools'. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and punctuation is handled with precision. There are no noticeable grammatical or structural errors that impede readability. This level of syntactic variety and accuracy firmly positions the writing in the Band 8 range.

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

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