Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-05

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)

Introduction

The diagram illustrates the process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overview

Overall, the process consists of seven stages, beginning with moist winds blowing inland from the sea and ending with the formation of a dry desert on the opposite side of the mountain. The key stages involve the cooling and condensation of moist air on the windward side and the movement of dry air towards the leeward side.

Body Paragraph 1

Initially, winds approach the coast from the sea. As these winds reach the mountains, they are forced upwards along the windward side. While rising, the moist air gradually cools, causing clouds to form. As the air continues to cool, rain falls over the windward side of the mountain, making this area relatively wet.

Body Paragraph 2

After releasing most of its moisture, the air becomes dry and continues to move over the mountain towards the leeward side. It then descends and reaches the inland regions as dry winds. Since very little moisture remains in the air, little or no rainfall occurs in these areas. Consequently, a rain-shadow desert is formed, which can extend for thousands of kilometres inland.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response is excellent. You have clearly identified the main features of the process, including the movement of air, the cooling/condensation phase, and the resulting climatic difference between the windward and leeward sides. The overview is concise and effectively highlights the key stages. You have successfully selected the most relevant information from the diagram and presented it in a logical, step-by-step manner. The comparison between the wet windward side and the dry leeward side is well-articulated, fulfilling the requirement to make comparisons where relevant. The response is fully developed and accurate throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression from the initial wind movement to the final formation of the desert. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the two distinct phases of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'As', 'After', and 'Consequently' are used naturally to link ideas and guide the reader through the sequence. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is smooth throughout the text. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the structure supports the overall clarity of the explanation.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a range of vocabulary appropriate for a scientific process description. Terms such as 'moist winds', 'condensation', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'descends' demonstrate a good command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is precise and used accurately to describe the geographical and meteorological phenomena. While the range is sufficient and effective, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band, but it is certainly well above the requirements for a high score. There are no spelling or word-choice errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The grammar is highly accurate, with a variety of complex sentence structures used to describe the process. You effectively use subordinate clauses (e.g., 'As these winds reach the mountains, they are forced upwards') and participle phrases (e.g., 'causing clouds to form') to maintain a formal and academic tone. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is handled correctly. The control over tense and aspect is consistent throughout the description. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication or detract from the professional quality of the writing.

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