Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-29

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 picture illustrates how one type of desert, called a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Overall, it is clear that before a rain-shadow desert is formed, it passes through 7 different stages. The process involves moist air rising and cooling on one side of a mountain, causing rainfall, while dry air descends on the opposite side.

The process begins when winds approach the coast. These winds are then pushed upwards by the mountain. This moist air rises and cools as it continues to ascend. After that, this causes cloud to form on the windward side of the mountain and then rain falls from these clouds.

Having lost its moisture, the air continues moving up and over the peak of the mountain, now in a dry state. It then descends rapidly down the opposite slope, known as the leeward side. As this dry air continues over the mountain, it travels across thousands of kilometres of inland territory. At last this leads to the formation of rain-shadow deserts.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by summarising the main stages involved in the formation of a rain-shadow desert. An effective overview is provided in the second paragraph, capturing the overarching process of moist air cooling and rising on one side of a mountain range, followed by dry air descending on the leeward side. The student accurately reports the progression from winds approaching the coast up to the final creation of the desert inland, referencing key features like the windward side, mountain peak, leeward side, and thousands of kilometres of inland territory. The data is accurately represented without major omissions or misinterpretations, fulfilling the requirements for Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped logically, moving smoothly from the introductory overview to the initial stages of the process and concluding with the final formation of the desert. Cohesive devices such as 'The process begins', 'After that', and 'Having lost its moisture' are used effectively to guide the reader through the sequence of events. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each stage of the diagram given its own logical space. Referencing is clear and unambiguous, ensuring seamless navigation through the text.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student employs a sufficient range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic process description, utilising terms such as 'moist air', 'ascend', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'descends rapidly'. There are appropriate attempts at less common lexical items, and word choices are generally precise. While the vocabulary is adequate and allows for clear communication, it occasionally relies on standard descriptive terms rather than a wider or more sophisticated range of academic collocations, keeping the score solidly within the Band 7 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including participial phrases ('Having lost its moisture, the air continues moving...') and relative clauses ('...known as the leeward side'). The grammar is well-controlled, with frequent error-free sentences and accurate punctuation. Minor slips are virtually absent, and the control over complex structures indicates strong grammatical competence. Tense consistency is well maintained throughout the description of the process, supporting a Band 7.5 level.

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