Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 provided diagram illustrates the process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed, from moist sea winds to dry inland winds.

Overall, the formation involves four main stages across the coastline, windward side, leeward side, and inland areas, with the entire process covering thousands of kilometres.

Firstly, moist winds from the sea approach the coast and are forced upwards along the steep slope of the windward side. As the air rises to higher altitudes, the temperature drops, causing the moisture in the air to condense and form clouds. When these clouds reach the mountain peak, rainfall occurs on the windward side.

Subsequently, the now dry air, having lost most of its moisture, continues over the mountains and descends down the leeward side. As this dry wind moves towards the inland areas, it carries particles of sand and dust, which gradually accumulate to form the rain-shadow desert in the leeward region.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively summarizes the process of rain-shadow desert formation. You have successfully identified the key stages: the movement of moist air, the condensation process, the precipitation on the windward side, and the subsequent dry air descent on the leeward side. The overview is clear and provides a logical summary of the entire process. All parts of the prompt are addressed, and the information is accurately derived from the diagram. The report is well-structured, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the sequence of events from the sea to the inland desert region.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the initial stage to the final outcome. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Subsequently', and 'As this dry wind moves' helps to guide the reader through the process smoothly. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction and overview from the detailed description of the stages. The relationship between the ideas is clear, and the flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'condense', 'altitudes', 'accumulate', and 'leeward'. The terminology is precise and fits the context of the diagram well. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling. While the vocabulary is accurate and functional, incorporating a few more sophisticated or varied synonyms for common verbs could elevate the response further, though the current range is sufficient for a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. You have successfully used a variety of complex sentence structures, such as participial phrases ('having lost most of its moisture') and subordinate clauses ('As the air rises to higher altitudes'). The punctuation is accurate, and there are no noticeable grammatical errors. The sentences are well-constructed and contribute to the overall clarity and professional tone of the report. The majority of the sentences are error-free, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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