Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-17

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 how rain-shadow deserts are formed when moist air passes over a mountain range.

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 develops.

First, winds carrying moist air move from the sea towards the coast. As they approach the mountains, the winds are pushed upwards along the windward side. As the air rises, it gradually becomes cooler. This causes clouds to form near the top of the mountain. Eventually, rain falls on the windward side as the moisture in the air is released.

After most of the moisture has fallen as rain, the remaining air becomes much drier. This dry air then moves over the mountain and descends along the leeward side. As it continues towards the inland areas, the air remains dry and produces very little rainfall. Consequently, the region on the leeward side receives limited precipitation and a rain-shadow desert is formed.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear and accurate summary of the process of how rain-shadow deserts are formed. The response successfully incorporates all key stages from the visual data, including winds approaching the coast, being pushed upwards over the windward side, cooling to form clouds and rain, and dry air descending on the leeward side to create the desert. An effective overview is provided in the second paragraph, outlining the overall seven-stage process. The information is fully supported by the diagram without any noticeable omissions or inaccuracies, demonstrating a strong understanding of the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically sequenced and easy to follow. Information and ideas flow smoothly from the initial stages at the sea and coast, through the mountain peak, down to the inland desert. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with a clear introductory sentence, an overall summary paragraph, and distinct body paragraphs separating the windward and leeward processes. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'After most of the moisture', 'This dry air', and 'Consequently' are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the sequence of events without becoming mechanical.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary used is appropriate and natural for an Academic Task 1 response. The student successfully employs subject-specific terminology relevant to the diagram, such as 'moist air', 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'precipitation', and 'rain-shadow desert'. Less common lexical items and collocations are used with good awareness of style, for instance, 'descends along the leeward side' and 'produces very little rainfall'. Word choice and spelling are accurate throughout, contributing to clear communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a very good range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('As they approach the mountains, the winds are pushed upwards...' and 'After most of the moisture has fallen as rain, the remaining air becomes much drier'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and control of tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. Punctuation is accurate, and punctuation errors are virtually absent. The command of grammar easily supports clear and precise communication.

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