Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-11

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 through a series of natural processes involving wind, mountains, and rainfall.

Overall, the process begins when winds carrying moist air approach the coast and ends with dry winds reaching inland areas, where a rain-shadow desert develops. The mountain range plays a crucial role in causing rainfall on its windward side.

First, winds move from the sea towards the coast and are then pushed upwards as they encounter the mountains. As the moist air rises, it cools, causing clouds to form. Subsequently, rain falls on the windward side of the mountains. After losing much of its moisture, the air passes over the mountain peak and continues down the leeward side. During this descent, the air becomes increasingly dry. Finally, these dry winds travel towards inland areas, where very little rainfall occurs. Consequently, the region on the leeward side becomes extremely dry and forms a rain-shadow desert over a long period of time.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly identified the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process, including the movement of air, the role of the mountain range, and the resulting climatic conditions on both sides of the mountain. The overview provided in the second paragraph is concise and accurately captures the essence of the diagram. The information is logically sequenced, and the comparison between the windward and leeward sides is well-developed. You have successfully selected the key stages of the process without including irrelevant information, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized and follows a logical progression. You have used a clear paragraph structure, with an introduction, an overview, and a detailed body paragraph. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Subsequently', 'After', and 'Consequently' are used effectively to guide the reader through the process. The flow of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the different stages of the formation is easy to follow. The use of referencing is accurate, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the task type.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing a scientific process. Terms such as 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'natural processes' are used accurately. The language is precise and fits the context of the task well. While the vocabulary is sufficient and natural, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated or academic collocations to reach the highest band. However, there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'As the moist air rises, it cools, causing clouds to form' and 'After losing much of its moisture, the air passes over the mountain peak'. The grammar is accurate throughout, and there are no significant errors in punctuation or syntax. The majority of your sentences are error-free, demonstrating a high level of control. The use of participial phrases and subordinate clauses adds sophistication to your writing, contributing to a strong performance in this criterion.

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

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