Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-28

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 as most air moves from the sea across a mountain range.

Overall, the formation of the desert occurs because moist air rises and cools on the windward side of the mountains, causing rainfall, while the descending air on the leeward side becomes progressively drier. Consequently, the inland area receives dry very little moisture and develops i a rain-shadow desert.

Initially, winds carrying moist air move inland from the sea towards the mountain range. As the air reaches the coast, it is forced upwards. The rising air cools, resulting in the formation of clouds. Once sufficient moisture has accumulated, rain falls on the windward side.

After passing over the mountain peak, the air descends on the leeward side. At this point, it is considerably drier because much of its moisture had already been released on the opposite side of the mountain. Eventually, these dry winds reach the inland region beyond the mountains. Since very little rainfall occurs there, the area become arid and develops into a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly identified the main features, such as the movement of moist air from the sea, the cooling and condensation on the windward side, and the subsequent arid conditions on the leeward side. The overview paragraph successfully synthesizes the key mechanics of the process, which is a requirement for a high band score. The information is logically sequenced and accurately reflects the provided diagram, ensuring the reader understands the causal relationship between the mountain range and the resulting desert climate.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, an overview, and two body paragraphs that follow the chronological flow of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'consequently', 'initially', 'after passing over', and 'eventually' are used effectively to guide the reader through the stages. Paragraphing is logical, with each section focusing on a distinct phase of the process. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text, making the information easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'moisture', 'accumulated', and 'arid'. These terms are used accurately and demonstrate a solid grasp of the topic-specific language required for this task. While the vocabulary is precise and fits the context well, there is room to incorporate slightly more sophisticated or varied synonyms to reach the highest band, though the current range is more than sufficient for a high score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The writing displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'As the air reaches the coast, it is forced upwards' and 'Since very little rainfall occurs there, the area become arid'. There are a few minor slips, such as 'the area become arid' (should be 'becomes') and 'receives dry very little moisture' (a slight word order error). However, these are rare and do not impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense is generally strong.

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

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