Formation of a Rain-Shadow Desert Diagram

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.

Cambridge IELTS 21 Academic Test 3 Writing Task 1 visual

Annotated response

8 correction notes

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The provided illustration depicts the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, involves seven distinct stages, and culminating with the .

The process begins as winds from the sea blow towards the coast. Upon encountering a mountain range, these winds are forced upwards along the windward side. to higher altitudes, close to the summit, the moist air cools down, causing the condensation of water vapour and on the windward slope. This depletes the air of its moisture.

Having lost the moisture, the dry air the leeward side. As the dry winds reach the low-lying inland regions, they create . The persistent shortage of rainfall , as a result, induces the development of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 8.5

The strongest aspect is the accurate, well-sequenced coverage of all seven stages with clear linking and precise vocabulary. The main limitation is a small data slip, misreading 'thousands of kilometres' as a rainfall-shortage span rather than the distance scale, together with slightly compressed treatment of some stages.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

Task Achievement

8.0

The response covers all seven stages in accurate sequence with a clear overview of the process start and finish; only the treatment of 'thousands of kilometres' as a rainfall span rather than a distance scale slightly reduces precision.

Coherence and Cohesion

8.5

The account progresses logically through the stages with cohesive devices such as 'Upon encountering' and 'Having lost the moisture' used naturally, showing strong control of sequencing with no visible strain.

Lexical Resource

8.5

Vocabulary is precise and naturally applied to a process, with terms like 'condensation of water vapour', 'depletes the air of its moisture', and 'devoid of moisture' demonstrating flexible, topic-appropriate usage.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

8.5

A wide range of structures, including participial clauses and complex sentences, is used flexibly and accurately, with errors rare and non-impeding throughout.

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