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 provided diagram illustrates the natural process of how rain-shadow deserts are formed. Overall, the process involves several sequential stages, beginning from the sea and ending in inland areas behind a mountain range.

To begin with, moist winds approach the coast from the sea (steps 1 and 2). As these winds hit the mountains, they are pushed upwards along the windward side (step 3). Because the air rises to higher altitudes, it cools down and clouds are formed (step 4). Consequently, heavy rain or precipitation falls on this windward side of the mountain (step 5).

After releasing most of its moisture, the dry air continues to move over the top of the mountain and descends down the leeward side (step 6). Finally, these dry winds reach the inland areas (step 7). Because the air has already lost its moisture, very little rain reaches this side, which ultimately results in the creation of a dry rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student provides a clear, well-structured overview of the diagram illustrating the formation of rain-shadow deserts. All seven key stages are accurately reported and sequenced logically, starting from the sea, moving up the windward side of the mountains where clouds and precipitation form, and concluding with the dry winds descending the leeward side into inland areas. The response covers all parts of the task effectively, presenting the main features and mechanics of the process without any significant omissions or misinterpretations of the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear and logical progression throughout. Information is organized coherently across three paragraphs, moving from an introductory overview to the moist wind stage, and finally to the dry wind and desert formation stage. Cohesive devices are used appropriately and naturally, such as 'To begin with', 'Consequently', 'After releasing most of its moisture', and 'Finally'. Paragraphing is logical, and referencing between sentences is well managed, ensuring smooth transitions from one step of the process to the next without mechanical over-use.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary relevant to a geographical process, including terms such as 'sequential stages', 'altitude', 'precipitation', 'moisture', and 'descends'. There are also successful attempts at less common lexical items and collocations, such as 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'rain-shadow desert'. Word choice is generally precise, and spelling is accurate throughout, reflecting a good level of lexical control suitable for an Academic Task 1 response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

A good mix of simple and complex sentence structures is employed to describe the process, featuring effective subordinate clauses introduced by conjunctions such as 'As these winds hit', 'Because the air rises', and 'which ultimately results in'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical control over tense and voice (such as passive forms like 'are pushed upwards' and 'clouds are formed') is handled accurately. Punctuation is correct and supports the readability of the text.

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