Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-27
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 8.0)
The diagram illustrates the process by which a rain-shadow desert is created over a span of thousands of kilometres, moving from the sea across a mountain range to inland areas.
Overall, the process consists of seven sequential stages, beginning with moist winds moving from the ocean and ending with dry air creating a desert on the inland side of the mountain. The overall journey is divided into two primary phases: cloud formation and precipitation on the windward side, followed by the descent of dry air on the leeward side.
Initially, winds originate over the sea and approach the coast. As they encounter the mountain range, the air masses are forced upward. As this moist air ascends along the windward side, it cools down, causing condensation and the subsequent formation of clouds. Continued upward movement leads to precipitation, where rain falls over the upper slopes and peak of the mountain.
Once the air releases its moisture as rain, the remaining dry air continues over the mountain peak. In the final stages, this moisture-depleted air moves down the leeward side and reaches the inland region. Due to the lack of remaining moisture in the air, rainfall does not occur here, ultimately leading to the formation of a rain-shadow desert.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 8.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 8.0 |
| Overall | 8.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0
The student fully addresses all parts of the prompt by providing a clear and comprehensive summary of the rain-shadow desert formation process. The response effectively reports the main features and stages, moving logically from the initial winds over the sea, through the coastal and mountain ascent phases, to the creation of the rain-shadow desert inland. Key geographical labels such as 'windward side', 'leeward side', and 'thousands of kilometres' are appropriately integrated. The overview paragraph successfully highlights the core sequence and two primary phases, meeting all requirements of Task 1 with precision and no significant omissions.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5
The text demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information is expertly divided into logical paragraphs: an introduction, an overview, a description of the first phase (windward side), and a conclusion covering the final stages (leeward side and desert formation). Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'As they encounter', 'Once the air', and 'Due to the lack of' are used naturally and flexibly without being mechanical. Paragraphing is used skillfully and appropriately to guide the reader through the sequential diagram.
Lexical Resource: Band 7.5
The student exhibits a wide and flexible lexical range suitable for an academic task. Less common vocabulary items and scientific terminology are employed with good control and appropriate collocation, such as 'condensation', 'precipitation', 'moisture-depleted', and 'sequential stages'. Word choices are precise, and there are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors, allowing the response to read very smoothly and naturally.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0
A wide range of complex grammatical structures is used with a high degree of accuracy. The response features sophisticated dependent clauses and participial phrases, such as 'As this moist air ascends along the windward side, it cools down, causing condensation...' and 'Once the air releases its moisture as rain, the remaining dry air continues over the mountain peak.' Punctuation is flawless, and the vast majority of sentences are completely error-free, reflecting full control over complex syntactic forms.
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