Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-17

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 moist air moves from the sea towards inland areas across a mountain range.

Overall, the process consists of seven main stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with the formation of a dry desert on the leeward side of the mountains. The windward side receives rainfall, whereas the opposite side remains dry.

Initially, winds carrying moist air approach the coast and are forced upwards by the mountains. As the air rises, it becomes cooler, causing clouds to form. Subsequently, rain falls on the windward side of the mountain, removing much of the moisture from the air. After this, the now-drier air passes over the mountain and descends along the leeward side. As it continues to move downhill, the air becomes warmer and increasingly dry. Finally, the dry winds reach the inland areas, where very little rainfall occurs. Over thousands of kilometres, these conditions result in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses the task by summarizing the process of rain-shadow desert formation. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the movement of moist air, the cooling effect of rising air, precipitation on the windward side, and the subsequent warming and drying on the leeward side. The overview is clear and provides a logical summary of the entire process. All key stages are covered, and the comparison between the windward and leeward sides is well-integrated. The response is accurate and fulfills the requirements of an Academic Task 1 report by focusing on the key stages of the provided diagram.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear progression from the initial stage to the final outcome. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Subsequently', 'After this', and 'Finally' creates a smooth flow between sentences and paragraphs. The paragraphing is appropriate, separating the introduction and overview from the detailed process description. Each sentence follows logically from the previous one, making the information easy to follow. The referencing is clear, and the overall structure is coherent throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately. Terms like 'moist air', 'leeward side', 'windward side', and 'precipitation' (implied by 'rainfall') are used correctly in context. The language is precise and appropriate for a scientific or geographical description. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common technical terms to reach the highest band. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task and demonstrates good control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as 'As the air rises, it becomes cooler, causing clouds to form.' The punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The use of participial phrases and subordinate clauses adds variety to the writing, contributing to a natural and fluent tone.

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