Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-20

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 8.0)

The diagram illustrates the formation of a rain shadow desert. Overall, there are seven stages involved in this natural process, beginning with moist air moving from the sea towards the coast and ending with the formation of a dry desert on the leeward side of a mountain.

Initially, winds carrying moisture move from sea level towards the coast and rise as they approach the mountain. As the air is forced upwards on the windward side of the mountain, it becomes cooler, causing the moisture to condense and form clouds. These clouds subsequently produce rainfall on the windward side.

After losing most of its moisture, the dry air moves over the mountain and descends along the leeward side. As it moves downward, the air becomes warmer and drier. Finally, this dry air reaches the inland area beyond the mountain, where a rain shadow desert is formed due to the lack of rainfall.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response effectively covers all stages of the process shown in the diagram. You have successfully identified the key features, such as the movement of moist air, the condensation process, the rainfall on the windward side, and the resulting dry conditions on the leeward side. The overview is clear and provides a concise summary of the entire process. The information is well-selected and logically presented, ensuring the reader understands the progression from the sea to the rain-shadow desert. No key information from the diagram has been omitted, and the comparison between the two sides of the mountain is handled accurately.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction followed by a chronological description of the process. Each paragraph focuses on a distinct phase of the formation, which aids readability. You have used cohesive devices such as 'initially', 'subsequently', 'after', and 'finally' to guide the reader through the stages effectively. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction from the body of the explanation, contributing to a coherent and well-structured response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'condense', 'leeward', 'windward', and 'moisture'. The terminology is accurate and used in the correct context. While the vocabulary is sufficient and precise, it remains largely functional. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or varied synonyms to describe the movement and transformation of the air. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing demonstrates a good command of complex sentence structures, such as the use of participial phrases ('winds carrying moisture move...') and subordinate clauses ('As the air is forced upwards...'). 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 flow is natural. You have successfully balanced simple and complex structures to maintain a professional and academic tone throughout the report.

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

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