Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-26

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 natural process that leads to the formation of a rain-shadow desert over thousands of kilometres. Overall, it is a cyclical process driven by prevailing winds, where moisture is lost on the windward side of a mountain range, resulting in dry conditions on the leeward side.

The process begins when winds from the sea approach the coast . As they reach the land, they are forced upwards by the presence of mountains . As the moist air rises, it cools down and condenses , which leads to the formation of clouds on the windward side of the mountains. Consequently, precipitation occurs, with rain falling on the windward slopes.

After losing its moisture, the air becomes dry and continues to move over the top of the mountain to the leeward side. This dry air then descends and moves inland as dry winds . Because these winds contain very little moisture, they do not produce rain in the inland areas, which eventually leads to the creation of an arid region known as a rain-shadow desert, located thousands of kilometres away from the coast.

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 key stages: the movement of moist air from the sea, the orographic lifting over mountains, the resulting precipitation on the windward side, and the subsequent descent of dry air on the leeward side. The overview is concise and captures the essence of the diagram. All parts of the task are addressed, and the information is logically selected and reported. The comparison between the windward and leeward sides is well-handled, providing a clear contrast that explains the phenomenon accurately.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is well-organized with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph serves a distinct purpose: the introduction provides an overview, the second paragraph details the windward process, and the third explains the leeward outcome. Cohesive devices such as 'consequently', 'after losing its moisture', and 'this dry air' are used effectively to link sentences and stages of the process. Paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of information is smooth, making the text easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'prevailing winds', 'orographic', 'condenses', 'precipitation', and 'arid region'. The terminology is precise and used correctly in context. There is a natural flow to the language, and the choice of words demonstrates a good level of sophistication. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the task well, incorporating a few more varied synonyms for 'dry' or 'moisture' could further enhance the lexical range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The grammatical control is strong, with a variety of complex sentence structures used to explain the causal relationships in the process. For example, the use of subordinate clauses like 'As the moist air rises, it cools down...' and 'Because these winds contain very little moisture...' is accurate. Punctuation is generally correct, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of sentences are error-free, reflecting a high level of accuracy and a good command of complex grammatical forms.

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