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 the process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed when moist air passes over a mountain range.

Overall, the formation of a rain-shadow desert involves several stages. Moist air rises on the windward side of a mountain, where it cools and produces precipitation. After crossing the mountain, the air descends, becomes warmer and drier, and eventually creates a dry desert environment on the leeward side.

Initially, moist air from the ocean is blown towards a mountain range. As the air reaches the mountain, it is forced upwards and gradually cools. The cooling causes water vapour to condense, resulting in clouds and rainfall on the windward side of the mountain. Consequently, this side receives a relatively large amount of precipitation.

After passing over the mountain peak, the air begins to descend on the opposite, leeward side. As it moves downwards, it becomes warmer, causing the remaining moisture to evaporate. Therefore, little or no rainfall occurs on this side.

Eventually, the descending air reaches the land below as warm, dry air. Because the area receives very little precipitation, the ground becomes increasingly dry and develops into a desert. This dry region is known as a rain-shadow desert because it lies in the mountain’s rain shadow.

Thus, mountains create a clear contrast between the wet windward side and the dry leeward side, leading to the formation of a desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses the prompt by clearly describing the process of rain-shadow desert formation. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the windward and leeward sides, and explained the causal relationship between moisture, altitude, and temperature. The overview is concise and provides a clear summary of the process, which is essential for a high band score. The information is logically sequenced, moving from the initial moist air intake to the final desert environment, ensuring all key stages of the diagram are covered accurately and comprehensively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-structured with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The progression of ideas is logical and easy to follow. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'consequently', 'after passing over', and 'therefore', which help to link the stages of the process smoothly. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different phases of the formation process, and referencing is clear throughout. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between the windward and leeward sides is well-managed through effective transition markers.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have demonstrated a strong command of vocabulary, using precise terminology such as 'windward', 'leeward', 'condense', 'precipitation', and 'water vapour'. The language is natural and appropriate for an academic report. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, there is room to incorporate a few more sophisticated or less common collocations to reach the highest band. However, the current range is sufficient to convey the information with precision and clarity, and there are no errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'As the air reaches the mountain, it is forced upwards...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense consistency is excellent. You have used passive voice appropriately to describe the scientific process, which is a key requirement for Academic Task 1. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the overall control of language is highly consistent throughout the response.

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