Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-20

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 specific type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed over a span of thousands of kilometres.

Overall, the formation involves a seven-step sequence of events driven by coastal winds, mountain ranges, and precipitation patterns, ultimately leading to arid conditions on the leeward side.

Initially, moisture-laden winds approach the coastline from the sea and ascend the windward slope of a mountain range. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, leading to cloud formation and subsequent rainfall on the windward side. This orographic precipitation strips the air of its moisture.

Subsequently, the now-dry air continues over the mountain peak and descends along the leeward side, warming as it drops. This dry wind reaches inland areas, creating a rain-shadow desert. The process is continuous, with repeated cycles over many decades resulting in the desert's expansion and persistence.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The student successfully covers all main features of the rain-shadow desert formation diagram, providing a clear overview that outlines the seven-step sequence from coastal winds to arid inland conditions. All key stages—such as moisture approach, orographic uplift, cooling, cloud formation, precipitation, and the dry air descent over the leeward side—are accurately reported and well-integrated. However, a strict length check reveals the response contains 145 words, falling short of the required 150-word minimum. This minor negative aspect impacts the task achievement profile, preventing a higher band score due to the length penalty.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped logically into coherent paragraphs, moving from an introduction and overview to the windward processes, and finally the leeward descent and desert creation. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'As the air rises', 'Subsequently', and 'with repeated cycles' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through the linear stages of the diagram. Paragraphing is used effectively, ensuring that each phase of the formation process is distinctly separated and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student displays a sufficient and precise range of vocabulary suitable for an academic process description. Less common lexical items are used effectively and accurately, including terms like 'moisture-laden', 'orographic precipitation', 'leeward side', 'arid conditions', and 'persistence'. Word choice and collocations are generally natural and sophisticated (e.g., 'ascend the windward slope', 'warming as it drops'). There are no noticeable spelling or word choice errors, demonstrating strong control over vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing exhibits a wide range of complex sentence structures, incorporating participial phrases (e.g., 'ultimately leading to arid conditions'), subordinate clauses ('As the air rises, it cools and condenses'), and relative clauses with high accuracy. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, demonstrating excellent control of grammar, tense consistency, and punctuation. The grammatical structures enhance the flow and sophistication of the response without impeding communication at any point.

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

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