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 diagram illustrates how a rain-shadow desert is formed as a result of the movement of moist air over a mountain range.

Overall, the process involves moist air rising on the windward side of a mountain, where it cools and produces precipitation. In contrast, the leeward side receives very little rainfall, resulting in the formation of a dry desert area.

Initially, moist air from the sea is carried towards the mountain. As it reaches the windward slope, the air is forced to rise. The higher it rises, the cooler it becomes, causing condensation and the formation of clouds. Consequently, heavy rainfall occurs on this side of the mountain.

After crossing the mountain peak, the air descends on the leeward side. As it moves downwards, it becomes warmer and increasingly dry. This creates an area of low humidity and very little precipitation. Over time, the persistent lack of rainfall causes a desert to develop on the leeward side, which is therefore known as a rain-shadow desert.

Thus, while the windward side is relatively wet because of rising, cooling air and rainfall, the leeward side is dry because of descending, warming air .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the process shown in the diagram. You have clearly identified the main features, such as the movement of moist air, the cooling process on the windward side, and the subsequent warming and drying on the leeward side. The comparison between the two sides of the mountain is well-integrated throughout the text, providing a clear summary of the formation of a rain-shadow desert. The overview provided in the second paragraph is concise and accurately captures the essence of the process, which is a key requirement for a high band score in Task 1.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a summary overview, and a step-by-step description of the process. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the initial movement of air from the subsequent cooling and warming phases. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'As it reaches', 'Consequently', and 'After crossing' are used naturally to guide the reader through the sequence of events. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the windward and leeward sides is consistently maintained, ensuring the text is easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a scientific process description, including terms like 'windward', 'leeward', 'condensation', 'precipitation', and 'humidity'. The word choices are precise and contribute to the formal tone required for an Academic Task 1 response. There are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation, and the collocations used, such as 'persistent lack of rainfall' and 'moist air', are natural and accurate. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the information with clarity and precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a strong command of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a variety of complex sentences, such as 'As it reaches the windward slope, the air is forced to rise' and 'The higher it rises, the cooler it becomes'. Punctuation is accurate, and the sentence structures are varied, which helps maintain the reader's interest. The majority of the sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the essay.

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