Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-13

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 provided diagram illustrates the sequential geographical process behind the formation of a rain-shadow desert.Overall, the process is driven by the interaction between prevailing oceanic winds and a significant mountain barrier. It is characterized by a stark climatic contrast, where moisture is entirely released on the windward side facing the sea, resulting in an extremely arid environment on the opposite, leeward side.Initially, the process begins on the coast, where prevailing winds carry moisture over the sea toward the land. Upon encountering a mountain range that spans thousands of kilometers, the oncoming air mass is forced upward along the windward slopes. As this humid air rises into higher altitudes, it cools significantly, leading to condensation. This cooling and condensation cause cloud formation, which eventually results in heavy precipitation on this side of the mountain.Once the air mass passes over the mountain peak, its characteristics change dramatically. Having lost its moisture content, the dry air continues its journey over the summit and descends along the leeward side. As these dry winds move downward, they advance further inland, creating a perennially dry zone known as a rain-shadow desert, completely deprived of oceanic precipitation.Would you like me to analyze the specific vo

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response covers all parts of the diagram well, successfully summarizing the main features of how a rain-shadow desert is formed. You provide a clear overview statement right at the beginning, noting the interaction between oceanic winds and the mountain barrier. The progression of the process is accurately reported, from the coastal moisture to the windward precipitation, and finally to the dry leeward conditions. The key stages are well developed and supported by the visual data, with no major omissions. Your selection of main features is appropriate and meets all the requirements of an Academic Task 1 response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Your ideas are logically sequenced and progress very smoothly from the coast across the mountain range to the leeward side. You make effective use of cohesive devices to guide the reader through the stages, such as 'Initially', 'Upon encountering', 'Once the air mass passes', and 'As these dry winds move downward'. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with an introductory overview paragraph followed by well-structured developmental paragraphs that track the geographical sequence. Referencing is clear throughout, contributing to a seamless and coherent reading experience.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic process description. You employ precise terminology such as 'prevailing oceanic winds', 'windward slopes', 'condensation', 'precipitation', and 'leeward side'. Word choice is generally natural and accurate, allowing you to convey complex geographical concepts with ease. There are only occasional minor lapses, though overall the lexical control is strong. Your ability to integrate less common lexical items significantly enhances the quality of the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

You display a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with participial phrases and subordinate clauses, such as 'As this humid air rises into higher altitudes, it cools significantly, leading to condensation.' The majority of your sentences are entirely error-free, demonstrating a high level of control over punctuation and grammar. There are only very occasional minor issues, and the abrupt ending of the response cuts off a sentence fragment ('Would you like me to analyze the specific vo'), but your grammatical control in the body of the text is robust and accurate.

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