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 the process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed in an inland area beyond a mountain range.

Overall, the process involves seven main stages, beginning with winds carrying moist air from the sea towards the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas. The key feature is that moisture is released as rainfall on the windward side of the mountains, leaving the air considerably drier on the leeward side.

Initially, winds approaching the coast from the sea carries moist air towards the mountains. As the winds reach the mountain range, they are forced upwards, As a result, clouds form on the windward side of the mountains. When sufficient condensation occurs, rain falls on this side, causing much of the moisture to be lost from the air.

After the rainfall, the now-dry air continues over the mountains towards its leeward side. As it descends, it remains dry and eventually develops into dry winds. These winds then travel further inland, where the lack of moisture creates extremely dry conditions. Over time, this area becomes a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively summarizes the process of rain-shadow desert formation. You have clearly identified the main stages, from the initial moist air movement to the final arid conditions on the leeward side. The overview is concise and highlights the core mechanism—the loss of moisture on the windward side—which is essential for a high band score. You have successfully selected and reported the main features without unnecessary detail, meeting the requirements of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a summary paragraph, and a step-by-step description of the process. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving logically from the sea to the inland desert. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'As a result', 'After the rainfall', and 'eventually' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed process, 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, such as 'condensation', 'moisture', 'leeward', and 'windward'. The language is precise and natural. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, incorporating a few more sophisticated or varied synonyms could elevate the response further, but the current range is sufficient for a high band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively. There is a minor subject-verb agreement error in the third paragraph ('winds... carries' should be 'winds... carry'). However, this is a minor slip and does not impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally accurate, supporting clear communication throughout the text.

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

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