Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-14

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, showing how moist air from the sea eventually produces a dry area on the inland side of a mountain range.

Overall, the process consists of seven main stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas. The key feature is that rainfall occurs on the windward side of the mountains, leaving the leeward side dry.

Initially, winds from the sea approach the coast and are pushed upwards when they reach the mountains. As the moist air rises, it cools, causing clouds to form. The clouds then produce rain on the windward side of the mountains. As a result, much of the moisture is removed from the air.

After crossing the mountain, the remaining air becomes dry and continues down the leeward side. It then travels inland as dry winds. Because there is very little moisture in this air, the inland region receives little rainfall. Over time, this dry area develops into what is known as a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the formation of the desert is mainly caused by the movement of moist air over mountains, rainfall on the windward side, and the subsequent arrival of dry air on the leeward side.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully and accurately covers all parts of the task. It provides a clear overview of the diagram detailing the formation of a rain-shadow desert, noting the transition from moist air on the coast to dry conditions inland. The student successfully identifies all seven key stages depicted in the visual data, specifically highlighting the crucial contrast between the windward side where rainfall occurs and the leeward side where dry air descends. The overview captures the main trends effectively without getting bogged down in unnecessary minor details, fully meeting the requirements for a Band 8 under Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and progress naturally from the coastal approach of the winds through to the final formation of the desert. Paragraphing is used effectively, with each paragraph handling a distinct phase of the process, such as the initial approach, the ascent and rainfall, and the subsequent descent and rain-shadow effect. Cohesive devices like 'Initially', 'As a result', and 'After crossing the mountain' are employed smoothly to guide the reader through the explanation. Referencing is clear throughout, contributing to an overall coherent piece of writing that reads easily and naturally.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is sufficiently wide and precise for the task. The student successfully incorporates topic-specific terminology appropriate for a geographical process, such as 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'rain-shadow desert'. There is good control over word choice and collocation, with phrases like 'pushed upwards', 'cooling', and 'subsequent arrival' demonstrating a natural range. While the vocabulary is not excessively complex, it is used accurately and flexibly to describe the cyclical process clearly, fitting the Band 7 profile well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating subordinate clauses effectively (e.g., 'showing how moist air from the sea eventually produces a dry area', 'As the moist air rises, it cools, causing clouds to form'). The majority of the sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled well throughout. Grammatical control is strong, with accurate tense usage for describing a continuous natural process. While the variety of complex structures is somewhat standard for this task type, the high degree of accuracy and natural flow support a solid Band 7 score.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.