Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-12

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.

Overall, the process consists of seven stages, beginning with moist winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas, where a rain-shadow desert is formed. The formation of the desert occurs as moist air rises over the mountains, resulting in rainfall on the windward side and dry air descending on the leeward side.

Initially, winds carrying moist air approach the coast from the sea and are forced upwards as they reach the mountains. As the moist air rises along the windward side, it cools, leading to the formation of clouds. These clouds subsequently produce rainfall on the windward side of the mountain.

After the rain falls, the remaining air becomes dry and continues over the mountain towards the leeward side. As it descends the mountain, the dry air moves towards inland areas. Eventually, these dry winds reach the inland region, creating a dry environment in which a rain-shadow desert is formed, thousands of kilometres from the sea.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses the prompt by clearly outlining the process of rain-shadow desert formation. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the moist air rising, the cooling process, the resulting rainfall on the windward side, and the subsequent dry air descending on the leeward side. The overview provides a concise summary of the entire process, which is a key requirement for Task 1. The information is accurate and logically sequenced, covering all stages depicted in the diagram without any significant omissions. The response is well-developed and provides a clear, coherent explanation of the scientific process described.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a well-structured overview, and distinct body paragraphs that follow the chronological progression of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'As', 'subsequently', and 'Eventually' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial approach of the winds from the subsequent cooling and rainfall, and finally the formation of the desert. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the different stages is clearly articulated, ensuring the reader can easily follow the sequence of events.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have used a range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'approaching', 'forced upwards', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'descending'. The terminology is accurate and fits the context of the task well. While the vocabulary is functional and precise, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated synonyms or collocations to demonstrate a wider range. For instance, instead of 'producing rainfall', you could use 'precipitating' or 'releasing moisture'. Overall, the lexical control is good, and there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as 'As the moist air rises along the windward side, it cools, leading to the formation of clouds.' The use of participial phrases and subordinate clauses adds variety and sophistication to your writing. The grammar is accurate throughout, with no noticeable errors in tense, subject-verb agreement, or punctuation. The sentences are well-constructed and contribute to the overall clarity of the explanation, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

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