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.

Overall, the process consists of seven main stages. It begins when winds carrying moisture move from the sea towards the coast, and it ends when dry winds reach inland areas and create a rain-shadow desert.

First, moist winds from the sea approach the coast and are pushed upwards by the mountains. As the air rises along the windward side of the mountain, it becomes cooler. This cooling causes clouds to form. After this, rain falls on the windward side, so much of the moisture is removed from the air.

Next, the remaining dry air moves over the top of the mountain and travels down the leeward side. As this air continues inland, it becomes increasingly dry. Finally, these dry winds reach areas that may be thousands of kilometres from the coast. Because very little moisture remains in the air, these inland areas receive little rainfall and gradually develop into 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 moisture-laden winds to the final development of the desert. The information is logically sequenced, and you have successfully highlighted the key transition points, such as the cooling of air on the windward side and the subsequent drying effect on the leeward side. The overview is concise and accurately reflects the core mechanism shown in the diagram. All parts of the task are addressed, and the information is well-selected to provide a clear, coherent summary of the process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear logical progression. You have used paragraphing effectively to separate the introduction, the initial stages of the process, and the final outcome. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'After this', 'Next', and 'Finally' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the stages of the diagram. The referencing is clear, and the flow of ideas is smooth, making the text easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the overall structure is highly coherent.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process accurately. Terms such as 'moisture', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'inland areas' are used correctly and demonstrate a good grasp of the subject-specific terminology required for this task. The language is natural and precise throughout. While the vocabulary is functional and accurate, it stays within a standard range; incorporating a few more sophisticated synonyms or collocations could elevate this further, but the current usage is entirely appropriate and error-free.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The writing displays a good variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences that effectively explain cause-and-effect relationships (e.g., 'Because very little moisture remains in the air, these inland areas receive little rainfall...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with no noticeable errors in tense, subject-verb agreement, or punctuation. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over complex structures is consistent. The clarity of your expression is excellent, and the grammatical choices support the logical flow of the explanation perfectly.

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