Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-19

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 process diagram illustrates the formation of rain-shadow deserts.

Overall, this is a linear process consisting of seven steps, begining with sea winds approaching to coast and ending with the dry winds reaching inland areas. While moist air rises and produces rainfall on the windward side, dry air descends on the leeward side.

Initially, the winds approach the coast from the sea. As the winds approach the coast, they are pushed upwards towards the mountain. Once the winds reach the mountain, the moist air begins to rise. When the air reaches the higher parts of the mountain, it cools further. This results in cloud formation. Once the clouds develop, rainfall ocuurs on the windward side.

Subsequently, the remaining dry air crosses the mountain and decends on the leewars side. The air on the leeward side becomes increasingly dry as it moves inland. Finally, the dry winds reach inland areas, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear overview and summarizing the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. The key features, such as winds approaching the coast, moisture rising on the windward side, precipitation, and dry air descending on the leeward side, are accurately identified and reported. The response makes appropriate comparisons and references the relationship between the geographic features depicted in the diagram, such as the transition from the sea to the mountains and finally to the inland desert. The information is fully grounded in the visual data, and the overview captures the essence of the process well, satisfying the Band 7 level criteria.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The text is logically organized with a clear overall progression from the beginning of the process at the coast to its conclusion inland. Information and ideas are presented in a coherent sequence that mirrors the numbered steps in the diagram. Paragraphing is used appropriately, separating the introduction/overview from the detailed sequential steps. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Subsequently', and 'Finally' are employed to guide the reader through the stages of the process, though referencing and transition management are straightforward rather than highly flexible, aligning well with Band 7 descriptors.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate and generally appropriate range of vocabulary for this task, successfully incorporating terms related to geography and weather processes such as 'precipitation', 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'rain-shadow desert'. There are a few spelling and typographical errors, such as 'begining' instead of 'beginning', 'ocuurs' instead of 'occurs', 'decends' instead of 'descends', and 'leewars' instead of 'leeward'. Despite these occasional lexical and spelling slips, the vocabulary is sufficient to convey the process clearly and precisely, which fits the Band 6.0 to 6.5 profile, rounding appropriately.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing dependent clauses effectively (e.g., 'As the winds approach the coast, they are pushed upwards towards the mountain'). Grammatical control is generally good, and sentences are mostly clear, although there are minor mechanical slips and spelling errors. Complex structures are attempted with reasonable success, and punctuation is handled adequately. The errors present do not impede communication, making this performance sit comfortably at the Band 7 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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