Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-18

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 formation of a rain-shadow desert, showing how moist air from the sea passes over a mountain range and eventually creates an extremely dry region on its leeward side.

Overall, the process consists of several stages, beginning with moist air approaching the mountain from the sea and ending with the formation of a dry desert on the opposite side. The key feature of this process is that most of the moisture is released as precipitation on the windward side of the mountain, leaving the air considerably drier as it descends towards the inland area.

Initially, moisture-laden winds blow inland from the sea and are forced upwards as they encounter the mountain range. As the air rises to higher altitudes, it cools, causing condensation and the formation of clouds. Subsequently, precipitation occurs on the windward side of the mountains, where a substantial proportion of the air's moisture is released in the form of rain.

After losing much of its moisture, the now-dry air crosses the mountain range and descends on the leeward side. As it moves downward, the air becomes warmer and increasingly dry. Consequently, the inland region receives very little rainfall, resulting in arid conditions and, over time, the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Such deserts typically have sparse vegetation and support considerably less plant and animal life than the wetter, windward side of the mountain range. Thus, the rain-shadow effect is primarily caused by the interaction between moist maritime air, mountainous terrain, and the subsequent loss of moisture before the air reaches the inland region.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear and comprehensive summary of the process of rain-shadow desert formation. The response accurately details the stages from winds approaching the coast, rising and cooling over the windward side, releasing precipitation, and descending as dry air onto the leeward side to create a desert in the inland area. An appropriate overview is included in the second paragraph, capturing the main features of the diagram effectively without unnecessary word-for-word repetition. The information is fully supported by the visual data, demonstrating a high level of task fulfillment. Band score: 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The text is logically organized with a clear progression from introduction to overview, body paragraphs detailing sequential stages, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Subsequently', and 'Consequently' are used naturally and flexibly to guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is managed appropriately, with each stage of the diagram given a dedicated and logical space in the structure. Referencing is clear throughout, ensuring the text flows smoothly. Band score: 8.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for an Academic Task 1 response. Vocabulary items such as 'moisture-laden', 'condensation', 'precipitation', 'arid conditions', and 'sparse vegetation' are used accurately and with good collocation. There is skillful handling of less common phrasing, such as 'substantial proportion' and 'descends on the leeward side'. Word choice is precise, and there are no noticeable errors in spelling or word formation. Band score: 8.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex sentence structures, used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over punctuation and grammar is strong. Examples of complex structures include participial phrases ('leaving the air considerably drier as it descends') and subordinate clauses ('As the air rises to higher altitudes, it cools...'). Minor slips are virtually non-existent, reflecting a high level of grammatical control. Band score: 8.0.

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