Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-22

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 provided diagram illustrates the process by which a rain-shadow desert forms on the leeward side of a mountain range.

Overall, the formation starts from the sea coast which is thousands of kilometers away from the location of rain-shadow desert and involves seven crucial stages involving winds approaching coastal area, moving upward, condensation, cloud formation, rainfall, subsequent drying of air on the leeward side of mountain and dry winds reaching the inland areas.

At the first step, winds carrying the moisture from the sea approach the coastal area and they are pushed upward along the mountains windward slope. As the moist air rises, it cools leading to condensation and formation of clouds. The next step includes the precipitation or rainfall at the windward side of the mountain. As a result of rainfall, the dry air continues over the mountain crest and flows downard along the leeward slope of the mountain. Finally, the dry air continues towards the inland areas due to which the areas receive little or no rainfall, leading to the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student provides a clear and well-structured overview of the process by which a rain-shadow desert forms. All seven key stages of the process are accurately identified and reported in a logical sequence, from winds approaching the coast to dry winds reaching inland areas. The response successfully incorporates relevant spatial relationships and features, such as the sea, the windward and leeward slopes of the mountains, and the inland rain-shadow desert. The main features are fully developed, and comparisons or directional movements are handled accurately according to the provided diagram. The task is fully and effectively addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression from introduction to overview, and finally to the detailed description of the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overall summary, and body details. Cohesive devices are employed smoothly to guide the reader through the stages, using transitions such as 'At the first step,' 'As the moist air rises,' and 'Finally.' Referencing is clear throughout, ensuring that the relationships between the sea, mountains, and inland areas remain easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The student demonstrates an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary suitable for describing a geographical process, incorporating terms like 'leeward side,' 'condensation,' 'precipitation,' and 'mountain crest.' There are some minor awkward phrasings, such as 'starts from the sea coast' and 'seven crucial stages involving winds approaching coastal area' (which lacks an article before 'coastal area'). However, the lexical resource is flexible enough to allow precise communication of scientific concepts without impeding understanding.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writing features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as participial phrases ('carrying the moisture from the sea') and subordinate clauses ('As the moist air rises, it cools...'). Grammatical control is generally strong with many error-free sentences, though there are a few minor slips in punctuation and prepositions, such as 'downard' (spelling typo for downward) and missing articles. These errors do not impede communication, and the overall grammatical range is well-suited to an Academic Task 1 response.

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