Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-07-31

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 7.5)

The illustration given shows the step-by-step formation of rain-shadow deserts with small yet informative labels to assure full understanding of the process.

According to the image, it is stated that the first step in this lengthy operation is the mere passing of moist wind across the surface of the sea as it approaches the coast before rushing up the mountain. As altitude increases, the temperature of this air drops slowly until it is cold enough to allow voluminous clouds form.

Soon after that, as the cloud gets heavier and heavier, rain falls atop the Windward side of the mountain, and the couds are reduced to dry air that continues to travel down the opposing side of the mountain, known as the Leeward side. This dry wind continues to make its way downwards until it reaches inland areas. This newly released dry air heats the land, resulting in what is known as Rain-shadow deserts. The entire process happens across a couple thousand kilometres.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response successfully identifies the key stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly described the movement of moist air, the cooling process, precipitation on the windward side, and the subsequent dry air descent on the leeward side. The overview is functional, and the main features are highlighted. To reach a higher band, ensure that the relationship between the stages is more explicitly linked to the visual data provided, perhaps by mentioning the specific transition points or the contrast between the two sides of the mountain more sharply. Overall, the task is well-addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear progression from the initial movement of air to the final formation of the desert. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction from the process description. Cohesive devices such as 'Soon after that', 'As altitude increases', and 'This dry wind' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the sequence. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between ideas is clear throughout the text, meeting the requirements for a Band 7 score.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately, using terms like 'voluminous', 'altitude', 'precipitation' (implied), and 'leeward'. There are some slightly informal or imprecise word choices, such as 'lengthy operation' or 'mere passing', which are not ideal for a technical description. However, the vocabulary is generally precise enough to convey the intended meaning without difficulty. To improve, focus on using more academic collocations related to geography and meteorology.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. There are some minor grammatical slips, such as 'allow voluminous clouds form' (should be 'allow voluminous clouds to form') and 'a couple thousand kilometres' (which is slightly informal). However, these errors do not impede communication. The control of punctuation and sentence structure is generally good, and the majority of sentences are error-free, which supports a solid score in this criterion.

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