Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-16

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 when moist air from the coast passes over a mountain range.

Overall, the process involves seven main stages. Winds first approach the coast and then move upwards towards the mountains. As the moist air rises, it cools and forms clouds, resulting in rainfall on the windward side. In contrast, the air becomes dry as it crosses the mountains, eventually creating a desert on the leeward side.

Initially, winds from the sea approach the coast and are forced upwards by the mountains. As the moist air rises along the windward side, it cools and clouds develop. Further upward movement causes rain to fall on this side of the mountain. After passing over the peak, the air continues towards the leeward side, but it is now much drier. The dry air then descends and moves across the inland area. Consequently, very little rainfall reaches this region, leading to the formation of a rain-shadow desert. This explains the contrast in climate across the mountains.

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 key stages, from the initial moisture-laden winds approaching the coast to the final arid conditions on the leeward side. The overview provides a concise summary of the entire process, and the body paragraphs logically detail the progression. You have successfully highlighted the contrast between the windward and leeward sides, which is a crucial aspect of the diagram. The information is accurate and well-selected, covering all parts of the task without any significant omissions. The response is well-structured and fulfills the requirements of an Academic Task 1 report.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, an overview, and a detailed process description. The progression of ideas is smooth, moving logically from the coast to the mountain peak and finally to the inland desert. You have used cohesive devices effectively, such as 'In contrast', 'Initially', 'Further', and 'Consequently', to link sentences and ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed explanation. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between the different stages of the process is clearly articulated, making the text easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary appropriate for describing a natural process. Terms such as 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'descends', and 'arid' (or similar descriptive language) would enhance the response further. Your current word choice is precise and accurate, such as 'forced upwards', 'clouds develop', and 'climate across the mountains'. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, incorporating a few more sophisticated, topic-specific terms would elevate the response to a higher band. There are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'The diagram illustrates how a rain-shadow desert is formed when moist air from the coast passes over a mountain range.' You have maintained a high level of accuracy throughout the text, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your complex sentences. There is a good mix of simple and complex forms, and the control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The grammatical structures are used flexibly and accurately to convey the information.

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