Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-01

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 8.0)

The diagram shows how a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, moist air comes from the sea and brings rain on one side of the mountain, while the other side becomes dry and turns into a desert.

First, winds from the sea move towards the coast. When they reach the mountain, they are pushed upwards. As the air rises, it becomes cooler and clouds are formed. After that, the clouds produce rain on the windward side of the mountain. Because of this, most of the moisture is lost before the air crosses the mountain.

Next, the dry air continues to move over the top of the mountain and goes down the leeward side. It becomes warmer and drier as it travels inland. Finally, these dry winds reach places that are thousands of kilometres from the coast. Since there is very little rain in this area, a rain-shadow desert is created. This proccess explains why one side is wet but the other side is very dry.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response effectively summarizes the process of rain-shadow desert formation. You have clearly identified the main stages, from the initial movement of moist air from the sea to the final creation of the desert on the leeward side. The overview is concise and captures the essence of the diagram. You have successfully highlighted the contrast between the windward and leeward sides, which is a key requirement of the task. The information is accurate and well-selected, ensuring that all parts of the prompt are addressed without unnecessary detail. The logical flow of the process is easy to follow, making the summary highly effective.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the start of the process to the end. You have used appropriate cohesive devices such as 'First', 'After that', 'Next', and 'Finally' to guide the reader through the stages of the diagram. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the overview from the detailed process description. The relationship between the sentences is clear, and the information flows smoothly. There is no evidence of repetitive or mechanical referencing, and the overall structure is coherent and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately. Terms such as 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'inland' are used correctly and demonstrate a good grasp of the topic-specific terminology required for this task. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated synonyms to describe the movement and transformation of air. There is one minor spelling error ('proccess'), but this does not impede communication or affect the overall clarity of your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You have used passive voice effectively (e.g., 'clouds are formed', 'moisture is lost', 'a rain-shadow desert is created'), which is appropriate for describing a scientific process. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. The sentences are well-constructed, and punctuation is used correctly to support the flow of ideas. The control over complex structures is consistent, and the majority of your sentences are error-free, which demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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