Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-02

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 when moist air passes over a mountain range. Overall, the process shows how rain fall occurs on the windward side while the leeward side remains dry.

Initially, moist air from the ocean is carried inland by prevailing winds. As this air rises up the winward slope of the mountain, it cools and condenses, producing clouds and heavy rainfall. This explains why the windward side is usually green and fertile.

After crossing the mountain peak, the air decends on the leeward side. At this stage, it becomes warmer and drier because mostof its moisture has already been released. As a result, little or no rainfall occurs, creating arid conditions.

In summary,the diagram highlights the contrast between the wet windward slope and the dry leeward slope, demonstrating how mountains can directly influence desert formations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response satisfies the basic requirements of an academic task by providing an overview of how a rain-shadow desert is formed, successfully outlining the main stages from ocean moisture to inland arid conditions. All key features of the diagram are covered, such as the windward slopes receiving rainfall and the leeward side remaining dry. However, the response falls slightly short of the minimum 150-word requirement, clocking in at 142 words. This minor length penalty prevents a higher score. While the main features are reported accurately, some details could be further extended to fully bridge into the higher band territory.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped logically into well-defined paragraphs that transition smoothly from the introduction to the initial oceanic stage, the mountain crossing, and finally the resulting arid inland conditions. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, such as 'Initially', 'As this air rises', 'After crossing', and 'As a result', ensuring the sequence of the natural process is easy to follow. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, guiding the reader naturally through the steps of the diagram.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task and demonstrates an attempt to use less common items relevant to geography and meteorology, such as 'prevailing winds', 'condenses', 'leeward side', and 'arid conditions'. However, there are a few noticeable spelling errors that prevent a higher score, such as 'winward' (windward), 'decends' (descends), 'mostof' (most of), and 'summary,the' (summary, the). These lexical slips slightly reduce precision, though they do not impede overall communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over grammatical structures. Complex sentences with subordinate clauses are used effectively, such as in 'As this air rises up the winward slope of the mountain, it cools and condenses'. There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation and verb forms are generally well controlled. A few minor errors persist, but good grammatical control overall allows the complex scientific process to be explained clearly and accurately.

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