Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-28

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 natural geological and meteorological process responsible for the formation of a rain-shadow desert.

Overall, the process is a two-sided meteorological phenomenon driven by topographical barriers. Moist maritime air releases its precipitation on the windward slope of a mountain range, resulting in arid conditions on the opposing leeward side that stretch for thousands of kilometers inland.

Initially, moisture-laden winds blow from the sea toward the coastline. Upon encountering a mountain range, these air currents are pushed upward along the windward side. As this moist air ascends, it cools, causing water vapor to condense into clouds. Consequently, heavy rain falls on the ocean-facing side of the mountains, depleting the air mass of its moisture.

Once over the mountain crest, the process reverses in moisture content. The now dry air passes over the peak and descends down the leeward slope. These dry winds proceed past the mountains and traverse inland areas across thousands of kilometers. Lacking humidity, this air stream prevents rainfall, ultimately creating and maintaining a hyper-arid region known as a rain-shadow desert.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear and comprehensive summary of the process shown in the diagram. The overview effectively captures the two-sided nature of the meteorological phenomenon and its topographical drivers, noting how moist maritime air leads to precipitation on the windward slope and arid conditions on the leeward side. Key stages—from winds approaching the coast and being pushed upwards, to condensation, cloud formation, precipitation, and the descent of dry air inland over thousands of kilometers—are reported accurately and logically without omitting vital information or introducing irrelevant data. The details provided closely match the visual reference and are fully developed, meeting all requirements for a Band 8 level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and flow naturally from the introduction of the process, through the overview, into the detailed step-by-step progression of the stages. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct function (introduction/overview, windward side mechanics, and leeward side consequences). Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Upon encountering', 'As this moist air ascends', 'Consequently', and 'Once over the mountain crest' are managed skillfully and enhance the clarity of the text without appearing mechanical or repetitive. Referencing and substitution are handled smoothly, maintaining clear progression throughout.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The candidate demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report on a natural process. Less common items such as 'meteorological phenomenon', 'topographical barriers', 'maritime air', 'condensation', 'depleting', and 'hyper-arid region' are used naturally and accurately. Collocations and word choices are generally precise (e.g., 'moisture-laden winds', 'mountain crest', 'traverse inland areas'), though there is a very minor slip in phrasing ('reverses in moisture content' is slightly awkward, though fully understandable). Overall, the vocabulary enables fluent expression and meets the criteria for Band 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The text displays a wide range of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. Examples include participial phrases ('Upon encountering a mountain range, these air currents...') and subordinate clauses ('As this moist air ascends, it cools...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and control over grammar and punctuation is consistently strong. There are only rare minor slips that do not impede communication or affect the smooth flow of the reading experience. This level of grammatical control comfortably aligns with a Band 8 score.

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