Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

A chart provides detailed data about the formation of rain-shadow desert. The diagram represents different steps that lead to this complex phenomenon.

Overall, rain-shadow deserts are the result of seven consecutive natural events that involve all three of the sea, the inland and the mountains.

In fact, this phenomenon starts at the level of the sea and ends up, past the mountains, thousands of kilometres away in the inland. For that to be achieved, winds coming from the sea approach the coast and are redirected upwards by the high mountains. That leads to the formation of clouds as moist air starts to cool when it reaches high altitudes. Hence, making the rain to start pouring at the windward side. After that, a continuous flow of dried air reaches the leeward side of the mountain and paves the way to the seven and final natural step. As a matter of fact, the dry air leads to extreme winds over the inland creating what is known as the rain-shadow deserts.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly outlined the sequence of events from the sea to the inland. The overview is effective in summarizing the core mechanism. However, to reach a higher band, you could provide more specific detail regarding the interaction between the air moisture levels and the specific mountain geography. While you mention the seven steps, explicitly linking these to the visual stages would strengthen the response. Overall, the task is well-addressed with a clear focus on the process described in the diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, moving chronologically through the stages of the process. You use cohesive devices such as 'In fact', 'Hence', and 'After that' to guide the reader through the explanation. Paragraphing is present, though the response could benefit from a more distinct separation between the introduction/overview and the body of the process description. Referencing is generally clear, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process, using terms like 'phenomenon', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'moist air'. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'the seven and final natural step' (should be 'seventh') and 'the sea, the inland and the mountains' (which sounds slightly unnatural). However, the vocabulary is generally precise enough to convey the scientific process clearly. Expanding your use of more sophisticated collocations related to meteorology would help elevate this score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. There are some minor grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'making the rain to start pouring' (should be 'causing the rain to start' or 'making the rain start') and 'the sea, the inland and the mountains' (which lacks appropriate article usage or phrasing). Despite these slips, the meaning is never obscured, and the majority of your sentences are clear and grammatically sound. You have good control over punctuation and sentence flow.

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