The diagram below shows how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Same questionCompare 12 different answers (Band 6–9)

Sample Response

1

The diagram depicts the sevenstage meteorological process that generates a rainshadow desert, a landscape forming over an expanse spanning thousands of kilometres from the coast to inland regionsfrom the coast. Overall, the formation of rainshadow deserts is a linear sevenstage process, which can be broadly divided into two major phases. Beginning with moist winds arriving from the ocean, the first phase produces rainfall on windward mountain slopes, whereas the second phase involves moisturefree air travelling inland and ultimately creating arid desert terrain. In the first stage, humidInitially, humid air currents travel from the sea towards the coastcoastline. Upon encountering a mountain range, these air currents are forced upwardsupward. As the moist air ascends and cools at higher elevations, condensation occurs to form clouds, whichand clouds develop, which subsequently release precipitation over the windward side of the mountainsmountain. Having shed most of its moisture through precipitation, the dry air mass crosses the mountain crest and descends the leeward slope. Devoid of water vapour, this dry air streamparched wind continues its journey inland acrossin the inland area across thousands of kilometres. With no moisture left to generate precipitation, dry environmental conditions prevail, and a rainshadow desert emerges.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 9.0

The response provides an exceptionally accurate and detailed description of the process, featuring a clear overview and sophisticated cohesive paragraphing. To achieve even greater polish, minor sentence transitions can be refined to ensure an effortless textual flow throughout the report. Maintaining this standard of grammatical precision and vocabulary will guarantee consistently outstanding descriptions of complex diagrams.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TA

Task Achievement

9.0
Scoring rule

The report thoroughly covers all seven stages of the visual prompt with complete accuracy and a clear summary overview.

Next step

Continue to present key features with exact technical accuracy while maintaining a concise summary structure.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

9.0
Scoring rule

Information is logically organised into well-defined paragraphs with seamless transitions connecting the stages.

Next step

Vary cohesive devices further to maintain an entirely natural progression across all complex sequences.

LR

Lexical Resource

9.0
Scoring rule

An extensive range of precise vocabulary and geographical terminology is used accurately throughout the essay.

Next step

Continue to employ sophisticated collocations while ensuring natural phrasing in diverse contexts.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

9.0
Scoring rule

A wide variety of complex sentence structures is used with complete control and precision.

Next step

Maintain this exceptional structural flexibility and error-free accuracy across different chart types.

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IELTS Academic Writing Task 1

The diagram below shows how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

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