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 the seven stages of the natural process by which a rain-shadow desert forms.

Overall, the process centres on a moist area losing its water content as it crosses the mountain range, resulting in heavy rainfall on one side and persistently dry air on the other, which extends for thousands of kilometers inland.

In the first stage, winds approach the coast coming from the sea and are pushed upwards as they meet the mountain range. As this moist air rises, it cools, causing clouds to form on the windward side of the mountains. This is followed by heavy rainfall, which specifically falls on the windward slopes.

Once the air has released its moisture through rainfall, it continues moving over the mountain peak. This dry air then descends the leeward side of the mountains and continues travelling inland as dry winds. As a result, the inland areas receive little to no rainfall, leading to the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear summary of the seven stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process. An effective overview is included in the second paragraph, capturing the essential mechanism of moisture loss across the mountain range and the resulting dry conditions inland. The key features—such as winds approaching the coast, rising and cooling to form clouds, precipitation on the windward side, and dry air descending on the leeward side—are all accurately reported and logically connected to the diagram's visual data. The response meets all requirements for Academic Task 1 without any notable omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response is logically sequenced and easy to follow. Ideas progress smoothly from the initial coastal winds to the final rain-shadow desert. Paragraphing is used appropriately and effectively, separating the introduction, overview, and individual stages into distinct, readable sections. Cohesive devices are managed well without being intrusive; phrases such as 'In the first stage' and 'Once the air has released its moisture' guide the reader naturally through the process. Referencing is clear throughout, contributing to an overall coherent arrangement.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for this task type, using precise terms related to weather and geography such as 'moist area', 'mountain range', 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'precipitation'. Less common lexical items are used with good awareness of style and collocation, as seen in expressions like 'persistently dry air' and 'releases its moisture'. Word choice is generally accurate, with no noticeable errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

A good variety of complex sentence structures is used effectively to explain the sequential stages of the diagram. The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating strong control over grammar and punctuation. Complex forms, such as participle clauses ('coming from the sea') and subordinate clauses ('As this moist air rises, it cools'), are handled accurately and fluently. Only very occasional minor slips might occur, but grammar never interferes with the clarity of the message.

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