The diagram below shows how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.
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Sample Response
Thehe diagram illustrates how a rain-shadow desert is created.
Overall, the process consists of seven main stages, beginning when winds approachwinds arrive at the coast and finishing with the formation of the desert inland. The whole sequence happens over thousands of kilometres, from the sea to the land behind the mountainsbehind mountains.
In the first phase on the windward side of the mountains, winds blow from the sea towardswinds come towards the coast and are then pushed up the mountain slope. As the moist air rises, it cools down. This cooling causes clouds to form, leading to rain thatand after that, rain falls on this side of the mountains.
Following this, the dry air descends over the mountain onto the leeward sidemoves across the mountain to the leeward side. The dry winds then travel further and reach inland regions. With no moisture left in the air, a rain-shadow desert is produced in these regionsin these inland areas.
Why this response received Band 7.0
The response presents a clear and accurate description of the process, featuring a well-structured overview and logical sequencing across stages. The main limitation is that the text is slightly under the recommended minimum length, leaving key descriptions somewhat brief. Expanding slightly on descriptive details or comparative features of the windward and leeward sides will help secure higher task achievement.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Achievement
All seven key stages of the process are accurately identified and outlined with a clear overview.
Elaborate slightly more on each stage to ensure the response fully meets the expected word count and provides richer detail.
Coherence and Cohesion
Information is organized logically into distinct paragraphs with smooth transitions between sequential steps.
Maintain this logical flow while integrating slightly more varied transitional expressions to link stages.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is accurate and effective, successfully using key terms from the diagram such as windward side and leeward side.
Incorporate a wider range of academic synonyms for movement and weather processes to demonstrate broader vocabulary control.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Sentences demonstrate good grammatical control and complex structure with very few noticeable errors.
Proofread carefully before finalizing to eliminate minor typographical slips in opening capitalization.