Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

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

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 the rain - shadow desert is formed.

Overall, the process begins when the moist wind approaches the coast and ends with dry winds reaching

inland areas, where a rain-shadow desert develops. The mountain range acts as a barrier causing rainfall

on the windward side and dry conditions on the leeward side.

Initially, winds from the sea approach the coast and are pushed upwards when they encounter the mountain range. As the moist air rises, it cools, causing the clouds to form. Moving next, rainfall occurs on the windward side of the mountain, particularly around the higher slope.

After most of the moist has been released as rain, the air becomes dry and continues over the mountain.

It then descends the leeward side and becomes drier and warmer. Finally, these dry winds travel towards the inland areas which maybe thousands of kilometers from the coast. As very little moisture reaches this region, a rain-shadow desert is formed.

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 clearly identified the main stages: the moist air approaching the coast, the mountain barrier, the precipitation on the windward side, and the resulting dry conditions on the leeward side. The overview is concise and captures the essence of the diagram. All key features are covered, and the comparison between the windward and leeward sides is well-integrated. The response is well-developed and provides a clear, logical progression of the process, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, a body paragraph detailing the process, and a concluding summary of the outcome. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Moving next', 'After', and 'Finally' creates a smooth flow of information. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction from the process description. The referencing is clear, and the relationship between the different stages of the process is easy to follow, demonstrating a good command of organizational structure.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'moist wind', 'barrier', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'descends'. There is a minor error in the phrase 'most of the moist has been released', where 'moisture' would be the correct noun form. However, this does not impede communication. The vocabulary is generally precise and fits the academic context of the task well, showing a good level of flexibility and control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the grammar is generally accurate. There is a minor punctuation error in the first sentence ('rain - shadow' should be 'rain-shadow') and a slight awkwardness in 'maybe thousands of kilometers', which would be better as 'may be thousands of kilometers'. These are minor slips that do not affect the clarity of the writing. The control over complex structures, such as participial phrases ('causing rainfall on the windward side'), is commendable.

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