Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-28

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 given diagram depicts the sequential process of the formation of rain-shadow deserts, which receive less rainfall than the windward side, on the leeward side of mountains.

Overall, this multistage process begins with the arrival of winds at coastal areas and concludes with the creation of rain-shadow deserts, while five different stages act as an intermediate steps. In addition, the windward side of mountains receives the higher amount of precipiation than the leeward side.

To initiate this process, winds blow over the sea, to absorb moisture, and are pumped upward on the windward side of mountains. As a result, moist air rises and condenses to form clouds, which move to the peak of mountains and cause heavy rainfall on the windward side.

Afterwards, the dry air continues over mountains on the leeward side and are pushed in a downward direction to reach inland areas, which eventually leads to the formation of rain-shadow deserts. Furthermore, in this whole process winds travel the distance of thousands of kilometers.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student provides a clear and accurate overview of the diagram, successfully capturing the main stages of rain-shadow desert formation. All key features from the visual data are covered, including the initial approach of winds from the sea, the rising and cooling of moist air over the windward side, cloud formation, precipitation, and the subsequent descent of dry air on the leeward side leading to the inland desert. The comparison regarding precipitation levels between the windward and leeward sides is well made. The response is fully developed and well-grounded in the provided visual data, meeting all requirements for this task successfully.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression from start to finish. The introduction establishes the topic well, and the overview sentence effectively summarizes the entire process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overall summary, and the detailed stages of the diagram. Cohesive devices such as 'To initiate this process,' 'As a result,' and 'Afterwards' are employed naturally to guide the reader through the sequential steps without feeling mechanical or obtrusive.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is appropriate and demonstrates a good range relevant to a process diagram. The student successfully utilizes terms such as 'sequential process,' 'intermediate steps,' 'condenses,' 'precipitation,' and 'leeward side.' While there is a slight awkwardness in phrases like 'pumped upward' (where 'forced' or 'pushed' might be more natural in context), the overall lexical control is strong. There are minor slips, such as spelling 'precipiation' and using 'the higher amount,' but these do not impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, incorporating relative clauses and participial phrases effectively (e.g., 'which receive less rainfall than the windward side' and 'winds blow over the sea, to absorb moisture, and are pumped upward'). Control of grammar is generally good, though there is a minor subject-verb agreement error with 'dry air... and are pushed' where the plural verb agrees incorrectly with 'air'. Punctuation is accurate, and the majority of sentences are error-free.

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

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