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 how a rain-shadow desert is formed as moist air from the sea passes over a mountain range and loses most of its moisture before reaching the inland area.

Overall, the process involves a series of stages, beginning with moisture-laden air moving inland and rising over the mountains, and culminating in the formation of an extremely dry region on the leeward side. The key feature is that most precipitation occurs on the windward slope, leaving the air considerably drier as it descends on the opposite side.

Initially, warm, moist air from the sea is driven towards the mountain range and forced upwards upon reaching the windward slope. As the air rises, it cools, causing water vapour to condense and clouds to form. This is followed by precipitation, during which a substantial amount of moisture is released as rain on the windward side of the mountains.

Having lost much of its moisture, the air then passes over the mountain range and descends towards the leeward side. As it moves to lower altitudes, it becomes warmer and progressively drier. Consequently, very little rainfall reaches the inland region, resulting in increasingly arid conditions and eventually giving rise to a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by providing a clear and comprehensive summary of the rain-shadow desert formation process. The overview is well-crafted, capturing the essence of the process from moisture-laden air to the creation of an arid region on the leeward side. Key features, such as the precipitation occurring predominantly on the windward slope and the subsequent dryness of the air descending on the opposite side, are accurately reported and supported by the visual data. There is no irrelevant information included, and the progression of stages is logically selected and reported.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. The student effectively uses paragraphing, with each paragraph dedicated to a distinct phase of the diagram, starting from the introduction to the overview, the initial rising air, and finally the descending dry air. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'This is followed by', and 'Consequently' are used naturally and flexibly to guide the reader through the stages of the process without any mechanical feel. Referencing is consistently clear and effective.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student exhibits a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for an academic task. Less common and precise vocabulary items are used skilfully, including terms such as 'moisture-laden', 'culminating', 'precipitation', 'condense', and 'arid conditions'. Word choice and collocations are accurate throughout, and there are no spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. The vocabulary allows for precise reporting of the scientific process depicted in the diagram.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, showcasing excellent control over participial phrases (e.g., 'Having lost much of its moisture...') and complex clauses. Punctuation is handled correctly to separate clauses and manage the flow of information. Only very occasional, minor flaws could be conceived, but overall grammatical command is exceptionally strong for this task type.

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