Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-26

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 process of how a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, the process consists of seven stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas. It is a linear process involving the sea, mountains, clouds and rainfall.

First, winds approach the coast from the sea. Next, the winds are pushed upwards when they reach the mountains. Subsequently, the moist air rises and cools. Following this, clouds form on the windward side of the mountains. After this, rain falls on the windward side as the moist air loses its moisture.

Continuing, the dry air moves over the mountain towards the leeward side. As it descends, the air becomes increasingly dry. Finally, these dry winds continue towards the inland areas. As a result, the inland region receives very little rainfall and a rain-shadow desert is formed. Thus, the mountains play an important role in creating this type of desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The student has successfully covered all main parts of the diagram, accurately detailing the process of rain-shadow desert formation from the sea across the mountains to the inland area. The overview clearly identifies the seven distinct stages and outlines the main geographical features involved, such as the sea, mountains, and the windward and leeward sides. Key stages like moisture loss, cloud formation, and dry winds reaching inland are reported correctly and in proper sequence. The response is fully relevant to the prompt and successfully meets all requirements of Task 1 without any significant omissions.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The report is logically sequenced and easy to follow. The information flows smoothly from the initial stages at the coast to the final desert formation inland. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, overview, and the specific stages of the process. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'Next', 'Subsequently', and 'Finally' are utilized effectively to signal progression, though some linking expressions feel slightly mechanical ('After this', 'Continuing'). Overall, the progression of information is clear and well-managed throughout the response.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses an adequate and appropriate range of vocabulary relevant to process diagrams and geography, such as 'windward side', 'leeward side', 'moisture', and 'descends'. While the lexical resource is generally functional and precise enough to convey the scientific process accurately, it lacks the broader flexibility and skilful manipulation of uncommon lexical items seen at higher band levels. Word choice is mostly natural, though some phrases lean towards a slightly repetitive narrative style rather than advanced academic reporting.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation. The student uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures correctly, such as 'As it descends, the air becomes increasingly dry' and 'rain falls on the windward side as the moist air loses its moisture.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and complex forms are handled with good accuracy. Punctuation is sound throughout, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

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