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 diagram illustrates how a rain-shadow desert is formed over a long period through atmospheric processes.

Overall, the process shows how wind travels thousands of kilometer from the sea to inland areas that receive little or no rainfall. It consists of seven sequential stages, which finally result in the formation of a rain-shadow desert. The wind moves from the windward side of the mountain to the leeward side

The process begins when winds blowing from the sea reach the coast and meet a mountain range. These winds already carry water vapour picked up from the sea. The moist air is then forced to rise up the windward slope, where the water vapour cools and condenses into clouds. These clouds produce heavy rainfall, so the air loses most of its moisture. As the air descends on the leeward side, it becomes warm and dry.

Finally, when this dry air reaches the inland areas, it brings little or no rainfall, which leads to the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear overview of the rain-shadow desert formation process. The response accurately outlines the key stages presented in the diagram, from the winds approaching the coast to reaching inland areas. The overview correctly captures the essence of the process, noting the horizontal scale ('thousands of kilometres') and the ultimate outcome. Key features such as the windward slope, moisture condensation, cloud formation, rainfall, and the dry leeward descent are all reported accurately. The information is well-selected and directly grounded in the visual data provided, with no significant omissions or misinterpretations.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression from introduction to body paragraphs and conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader through the seven sequential stages without being obtrusive. Paragraphing is used appropriately, separating the introduction/overview, the detailed mechanism of the process, and the final outcome. However, there is a minor omission of a full stop at the end of the second paragraph ('leeward side'), which slightly disrupts cohesion. Overall, the logical sequence and clear referencing make the text very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for an Academic Task 1 response, successfully employing subject-specific terms such as 'water vapour', 'condenses', 'descends', and 'leeward slope'. Less common items are used with some awareness of style and collocation, as seen in phrases like 'atmospheric processes' and 'sequential stages'. There is one minor grammatical/lexical slip ('thousands of kilometer' instead of 'kilometers'), but overall, the lexical resource is adequate to convey precise meanings smoothly and effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, demonstrating control over grammatical forms. Examples of complex structures include 'Overall, the process shows how wind travels...' and 'As the air descends on the leeward side, it becomes warm and dry.' The majority of sentences are error-free, with accurate punctuation and tense consistency throughout the narrative. Minor flaws, such as the missing plural 's' in 'thousands of kilometer', do not impede communication. The grammatical control supports clear and precise reporting of the diagram.

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