Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-16

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 image illustrates the formation of a rain-shadow desert in seven stages. Overall, moist air from the sea approaches a mountain, rises and cools, resulting in rainfall on the windward side. The air then becomes dry and descends on the leeward side, creating a rain-shadow desert in the inland area.

Initially, winds carrying water vapour travel from the sea towards the mountain. When the moist air reaches the mountain, it is forced upwards. As it rises to a higher altitude, the air cools and clouds begin to form. The moist air continues to rise towards the mountain peak, where rainfall occurs on the windward side.

After the rainfall, the air loses most of its moisture and becomes dry. It then moves over the mountain and reaches the leeward side. As the dry air descends towards the inland area, there is very little rainfall. Consequently, a rain-shadow desert is formed on the leeward side of the mountain.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear summary of the seven stages involved in the formation of a rain-shadow desert. An effective overview is included in the first paragraph, highlighting the main mechanism of moist air cooling on the windward side and dry air descending on the leeward side. The body paragraphs successfully trace the progression from winds approaching the coast to the creation of the desert inland. The information is accurately reported without any major omissions or misinterpretations of the provided diagram. The response satisfies all criteria for a Band 7 or higher, demonstrating a clear understanding of the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The text displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped logically into three paragraphs, moving from an introduction and overview to the initial stage and finally the concluding stages. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'When', 'After the rainfall', and 'Consequently' are used effectively to guide the reader through the process. Referencing is well managed, and the overall arrangement of ideas is cohesive and easy to follow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct phases of the diagram.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary relevant to the diagram, such as 'water vapour', 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'altitude', and 'descends'. Word choice is generally precise, with correct collocations used throughout the response. Although there is little use of highly sophisticated or uncommon lexical items, the vocabulary is accurate and entirely adequate for the task. The phrasing is natural and allows the process to be described smoothly without any noticeable errors in spelling or word formation.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a good control of grammar and punctuation. The student successfully employs a variety of complex sentence structures, such as time clauses ('When the moist air reaches the mountain') and participial phrases ('As it rises to a higher altitude, the air cools...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the few minor imperfections that do occur do not impede communication. Tense usage is consistent and appropriate for describing a scientific or geographical process in the present tense.

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

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