Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-05

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 gives information on how one type of desert, known as a rain-shadow desert, is formed.

Overall, it is a linear process with seven stages. The process commences with moist winds approaching the coast and ends with dry winds reaching the inland areas. Additionally, a mountain acts as a burrier between the windward side where it receives rain and a leeward side that has no rainfall.

Initially, moist winds from the sea approach the coast. They are then pushed up the mountain where the moist air masses rises. As these moist air masses continue to rise up the mountain, it cools to form clouds. In the penultimate stage, the clouds condense to form rain and eventually rainfall is received on the windward side.

As it is raining on the windward area, dry air continues over the mountain on the leeward side, and flows downwards to the inland areas. When these dry winds reach the inland areas, a rain-shadow desert is formed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response successfully identifies the main features of the rain-shadow desert formation process. You have clearly outlined the progression from moist winds to the formation of the desert on the leeward side. The overview is effective, and the key stages are logically presented. To reach a higher band, ensure that you explicitly mention the specific terminology provided in the diagram (such as 'windward' and 'leeward') more consistently to demonstrate a full grasp of the visual information. The summary is accurate and covers all parts of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, overview, and body paragraphs that follow the chronological stages of the process. You have used cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'As', 'In the penultimate stage', and 'When' to guide the reader through the sequence. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the overview from the detailed description. The flow of information is smooth, and the relationship between the windward and leeward sides is clearly established, making the text easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a good range of vocabulary appropriate for a process description, such as 'commences', 'moist air masses', 'condense', and 'penultimate'. There is a minor spelling error ('burrier' instead of 'barrier'), but this does not impede communication. The use of technical terms like 'windward' and 'leeward' is accurate. To improve, try to incorporate more varied synonyms for 'formed' or 'approaching' to demonstrate a wider lexical range and avoid slight repetition.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a good control of complex sentence structures, such as 'As these moist air masses continue to rise up the mountain, it cools to form clouds.' There is a minor subject-verb agreement issue ('moist air masses... it cools' should be 'they cool'). However, the majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally accurate. The variety of structures used is sufficient to convey the process clearly and effectively.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.