Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-06

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 8.5)

The diagram illustrates how a rain-shadow desert is formed as moist ocean air interacts with a mountain range.

Overall, the process begins with moisture-laden winds blowing inland from the sea and ends with dry air creating arid conditions on the opposite side of the mountains. The windward slope receives abundant rainfall, whereas the leeward side remains extremely dry.

Initially, winds carrying moisture approach the coast from the sea. As these air masses encounter the mountains, they are forced to rise along the windward side. During this upward movement, the air expands and cools, causing water vapour to condense into clouds. As condensation increases, precipitation occurs, and most of the moisture falls as rain on the windward slope.

After releasing its moisture, the air continues over the mountain summit and descends the leeward side. Unlike the rising air, the descending air becomes warmer and significantly drier, preventing further cloud formation or rainfall. These dry winds travel across inland regions for thousands of kilometers, ultimately creating a rain-shadow desert, where vegetation is scarce due to the lack of precipitation.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses the prompt by clearly explaining the stages of rain-shadow desert formation. You have successfully identified the main features, such as the moisture-laden winds, the condensation process on the windward slope, and the resulting arid conditions on the leeward side. The overview provided in the second paragraph effectively synthesizes the process, and the comparison between the windward and leeward sides is well-integrated throughout the text. All parts of the task are covered with a logical progression of ideas, meeting the requirements for a high-band response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, a concise overview, and two body paragraphs that follow the chronological sequence of the process. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'Initially', 'During this upward movement', 'After releasing its moisture', and 'unlike'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial stage from the final outcome. The flow of information is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout, ensuring the reader can easily follow the scientific process described.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and precise range of vocabulary appropriate for a scientific description. Terms such as 'moisture-laden', 'condense', 'precipitation', 'leeward', and 'arid' are used accurately and in the correct context. The language is sophisticated and natural, showing a high level of control. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary effectively conveys the technical nature of the diagram without being overly repetitive.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.5

The writing exhibits a wide range of complex structures, including participial phrases ('winds carrying moisture approach', 'the air continues over the mountain summit and descends') and well-constructed subordinate clauses. The grammar is highly accurate, with no significant errors in tense, subject-verb agreement, or punctuation. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over complex sentence forms is consistent throughout the response, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence.

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

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