Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

The diagram illustrates the process of how rain-shadow deserts are formed over a distance of thousands of kilometres.

Overall, it is a natural, cyclical process involving 7 stages, starting with winds approaching from the sea and ending with the creation of a desert on the leeward side of a mountain range.

The process begins when winds approach the coast from the sea (Step 1). As they reach the mountains, they are forced to rise upwards along the windward side (Step 2). During this ascent, the moist air rises and cools (Step 3), which leads to the formation of clouds (Step 4).

Subsequently, the moisture in the clouds falls as rain on the windward side and at the top of the mountain (Step 5). This is a crucial stage because after the rain falls, the air becomes dry. This dry air then continues to move over the mountain to the leeward side (Step 6).

Finally, the dry winds travel down the leeward side and reach inland areas (Step 7). Since these winds contain very little moisture, no rain falls inland, which results in the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully and accurately addresses all parts of the task. The student successfully reports the main features and stages of the rain-shadow desert formation diagram, tracking the process logically from winds approaching the coast (Step 1) to the creation of the desert on the leeward side. An effective overview is provided in the second paragraph, capturing the natural and cyclical nature of the 7-stage process across thousands of kilometres. Key spatial relationships, such as the windward and leeward sides of the mountain range, are correctly integrated. The information is fully grounded in the provided visual data with no misinterpretations or omissions of critical steps.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information is grouped logically by stages across well-managed paragraphs. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally to guide the reader through the sequence, such as 'The process begins', 'During this ascent', 'Subsequently', and 'Finally'. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with an introductory sentence, an overview paragraph, and distinct body paragraphs detailing the sequential steps. Referencing is clear and unambiguous, ensuring seamless reading without noticeable mechanical errors in cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The vocabulary is accurate, natural, and well-suited to an Academic Task 1 response describing a scientific process. The student demonstrates a good range of appropriate lexical items, including 'cyclical process', 'ascent', 'moisture', 'crucial stage', and 'precipitation-related concepts' without relying heavily on repetition. Less common vocabulary is used with precision and correct collocation, such as 'leeward side', 'windward side', and 'inland areas'. Spelling and word choice are entirely accurate throughout the text.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, utilizing complex forms skillfully, such as relative clauses ('where rain-shadow deserts are formed') and adverbial clauses of time and condition ('As they reach the mountains, they are forced to rise upwards'). Verb tenses (simple present) are handled consistently and correctly for describing a scientific process. Punctuation is flawless, contributing to the overall clarity and readability of the writing.

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