Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-29

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 process by which a rain-shadow desert is formed on the leeward side of a mountain range.

Overall, the formation involves moist air from the ocean being forced to rise over mountains, where it cools and precipitates, leaving dry air to descend on the opposite side and create arid conditions.

Initially, water evaporates from the ocean, producing warm, moist air. Prevailing winds then drive this air mass towards the coast and over land towards a mountain range. As the air approaches the mountains, it is forced upwards. With increasing altitude, the air cools, causing water vapour to condense and form clouds. This leads to precipitation on the windward side of the mountain, which supports vegetation and forests in that area.

Consequently, by the time the air mass reaches the summit and begins to descend on the leeward side, it has lost most of its moisture. As it descends, the air becomes warmer and drier. It absorbs rather than releases moisture, preventing cloud formation and rainfall. As a result, the land on this side of the mountain receives very little rain, leading to the formation of a desert landscape, characterized by dry, barren conditions. This area in the "rain shadow" of the mountain remains arid despite being relatively close to the ocean.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student provides a clear, well-developed overview and successfully covers all key stages of the rain-shadow desert formation process, from moist air approaching the coast to the creation of arid conditions inland. The main features—such as the windward side precipitation and the leeward side rain shadow—are accurately reported and contrasted without any unsupported information. The response fully satisfies the requirements of Academic Task 1 by effectively summarizing the visual data.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Information is logically sequenced following the stages of the diagram, beginning with an introduction and overall statement, followed by step-by-step body paragraphs. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Consequently', and 'As a result' are used effectively and naturally to guide the reader through the process. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the initial evaporation and ascent phase from the descent and rain-shadow creation phase.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The vocabulary used is precise, fluent, and well-suited to an academic description of a natural geographical process. The student demonstrates a wide lexical range with appropriate use of less common items such as 'precipitation', 'condense', 'altitude', 'leeward side', and 'arid conditions'. Word choices and collocations are accurate throughout, reflecting a strong command of topic-specific terminology without unnatural or forced phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response features a wide range of complex structures, including participial phrases ('leaving dry air to descend') and subordinate clauses ('As the air approaches the mountains...'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, showcasing excellent grammatical control and punctuation. The few minor structural attempts are handled smoothly, and syntax never impedes communication, matching the criteria for a high band score.

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

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