Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-04

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.

Overall, the process consists of seven main stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas, where a rain-shadow desert is created. The formation mainly occurs as moist air rises over mountains, cools and produces rainfall on the windward side.

Initially, winds from the sea approach the coast and are pushed upwards towards the mountains. As the moist air rises, it becomes cooler. When it reaches a higher altitude, clouds form on the windward side of the mountains. Subsequently, rain falls from these clouds, causing most of the moisture to be removed from the air.

After crossing the mountain peak, the air continues towards the leeward side. Since it has already lost much of its moisture, it becomes increasingly dry as it descends. Finally, these dry winds travel further inland and result in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the key difference between the two sides of the mountains is that the windward side receives rainfall, whereas the leeward side remains dry, creating desert conditions over thousands of kilometres.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response effectively covers all stages of the process shown in the diagram. You have clearly identified the main features, such as the movement of air from the sea, the cooling process on the windward side, and the resulting dry conditions on the leeward side. The overview is concise and provides a clear summary of the entire mechanism. By contrasting the windward and leeward sides in the final paragraph, you have successfully met the requirement to make comparisons. The information is accurate, well-selected, and logically presented, ensuring the reader fully understands the formation process.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-structured with a logical progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a clear focus, moving from the introduction and overview to the specific stages of the process. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Initially', 'Subsequently', 'After crossing', and 'Finally', which help guide the reader through the sequence of events. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate for a process description. The flow of information is smooth and natural, making the text easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a scientific process description, such as 'altitude', 'windward', 'leeward', and 'moisture'. The word choice is precise and contributes to the clarity of the explanation. There are no spelling errors, and the terminology is used correctly in context. While the vocabulary is accurate and functional, incorporating a few more sophisticated or academic collocations could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey the information with precision and ease.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response demonstrates a high level of grammatical control. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively, such as 'As the moist air rises, it becomes cooler' and 'Since it has already lost much of its moisture, it becomes increasingly dry'. Punctuation is accurate, and there are virtually no grammatical errors. The sentences are well-constructed and error-free, which allows for clear and fluent communication. The control over complex structures is consistent throughout the text, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

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