Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-24

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 stages involved in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process involves seven stages, beginning with the winds from the sea approaching the coast on the windward side of the mountain and ending with dry winds reaching the inland areas on the leeward side of the mountain, where a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Initially, wind from the sea approaches the coast, and this wind is pushed upwards along the windward side of the mountain. In the next stage, as the moist air rises, it gradually cools, which causes clouds to form above the mountain. After sufficient clouds are formed, rainfall occurs on the windward side of the mountain. Consequently, this side of the mountain receives considerably more precipitation than the other side of the mountain.

After rainfall, the remaining air continues over the mountain towards the leeward side. Having lost much of its moisture, the air becomes increasingly dry as it descends. These dry winds then continue inland over thousands of kilometres. Since there is no rainfall reaches this region, the land on the leeward side becomes extremely dry, resulting in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly identified the main stages of the rain-shadow desert formation, from the initial moisture-laden winds to the final arid conditions on the leeward side. The overview is well-constructed, highlighting the key transition from the windward to the leeward side. You have successfully selected and reported the main features, making appropriate comparisons between the two sides of the mountain. The information is accurate and logically presented, fulfilling the requirements of an Academic Task 1 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose: the introduction/overview, the windward process, and the leeward process. You have used a variety of cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'In the next stage', 'Consequently', and 'After rainfall' to link your ideas smoothly. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the task. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to describe the process with precision. Terms such as 'moist air', 'precipitation', 'leeward side', and 'arid' (or similar descriptive language) are used correctly. There is a good level of flexibility, and your word choices are appropriate for a scientific or technical description. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band, but it is certainly effective and precise for this task.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writing displays a good variety of complex structures, such as 'Having lost much of its moisture, the air becomes...' and 'Since there is no rainfall reaches this region...'. However, there is a minor grammatical error in the final paragraph: 'Since there is no rainfall reaches this region' should be 'Since no rainfall reaches this region' or 'Since there is no rainfall reaching this region'. Despite this, the majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and sentence structure is strong.

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

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