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 the process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed through a series of seven stages.

Overall, the process begins when moist air from the sea is forced upwards over a mountain, causing it to cool and produce rainfall. The resulting dry air then continues towards the leeward side and eventually reaches inland areas, creating a rain-shadow desert.

Initially, winds from the sea approach the coast and are forced upwards by the mountains. As the moist air rises, it cools, resulting in the formation of clouds. These clouds then produce rainfall on the windward side of the mountain.

Following the rainfall, the remaining air becomes dry and continues over the mountain towards the leeward side. As it descends, dry winds travel towards the inland areas. Eventually, these winds reach the region beyond the mountains, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert. This process creates extremely dry conditions on the leeward side.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student successfully covers all key features of the diagram detailing the formation of a rain-shadow desert. The overview clearly outlines the overarching process from the initial moist air to the resulting desert, and the body paragraphs logically sequence the seven stages. Features such as the moist air from the sea, the windward side rainfall, and the dry descending air on the leeward side are all accurately reported. The task is fully addressed, demonstrating a clear understanding of the visual information without unnecessary extraneous detail. Therefore, the response aligns strongly with the Band 8 descriptor for Task Achievement due to its well-developed overview and accurate summarisation of the main features.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is coherently sequenced, moving smoothly from the introduction to the overview, and then following the chronological stages of the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately, separating the distinct phases of the diagram into manageable sections. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Following the rainfall', and 'Eventually' are used flexibly and effectively to guide the reader through the mechanism of rain-shadow desert formation. Referencing is clear and accurate, ensuring that the relationships between ideas are easily followed. This warrants a solid band 7.0 for Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient lexical range for the task, successfully using topic-specific vocabulary such as 'moist air', 'leeward side', 'windward side', and 'descends'. There is good awareness of style and collocation appropriate for an academic task, with accurate usage of terms like 'extremely dry conditions'. While the vocabulary is largely functional rather than highly sophisticated or exceptionally uncommon, it allows for precise reporting of the scientific process without repetitive phrasing. Minor inaccuracies are absent, and communication flows smoothly. This performance corresponds to a Band 7.0 in Lexical Resource.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response exhibits a good variety of complex structures, such as participial phrases ('causing it to cool and produce rainfall') and adverbial clauses of time and manner ('As the moist air rises, it cools'). The majority of sentences are error-free, showcasing strong control over grammar and punctuation. There is no evidence of serious grammatical breakdowns or awkward phrasing that impedes communication. The control demonstrated over complex sentence forms and accurate tense usage places this response firmly at the Band 7.0 level for Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

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

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