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 how a rain-shadow desert is formed.

Overall, the formation of a rain-shadow desert involves a series of stages, beginning with winds approaching the coast and ending with dry winds reaching inland areas on the leeward side of a mountain range. The windward side receives rainfall, whereas the leeward side remains dry.

Initially, winds from the sea approach the coast and are pushed upwards as they encounter the mountains. As the air rises along the windward side, it becomes cooler and more moist. This leads to the formation of clouds at higher altitudes. Subsequently, rainfall occurs on this side of the mountains as the moisture-laden clouds release precipitation.

After losing much of its moisture, the air passes over the mountain range and continues down the leeward side. As it descends, the air becomes warmer and drier. Finally, these dry winds reach the inland areas beyond the mountains, where very little rainfall occurs. Consequently, a rain-shadow desert is formed in this region.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student covers all parts of the task well, providing a clear summary of the process of how a rain-shadow desert is formed. The response accurately details the sequence of events from winds approaching the coast, rising and cooling on the windward side of the mountains, producing precipitation, and finally descending onto the leeward side to create inland arid conditions. A clear overall trend is presented in the second paragraph, highlighting the contrast between the wet windward side and the dry leeward side. The information is fully grounded in the visual data provided, with no significant omissions or inaccuracies. This meets the criteria for a strong performance.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response is logically organised and easy to follow. Ideas are sequenced clearly, reflecting the chronological and spatial progression shown in the diagram. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the introduction, the overall summary, the initial windward stages, and the final leeward outcomes. Cohesive devices such as 'Initially', 'Subsequently', 'After losing much of its moisture', and 'Consequently' are used smoothly and appropriately without feeling mechanical. Reference words are handled well, ensuring smooth progression throughout the text.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic process description. Phrases such as 'moisture-laden clouds', 'precipitation', 'descends', and 'arid conditions' (or similar thematic terms like 'rain-shadow desert') show good control. Word choice is generally precise, as seen in expressions like 'winds approach the coast' and 'pushed upwards as they encounter the mountains'. There are no noticeable spelling or word-choice errors, though the vocabulary range is slightly more standard than what would be required for a Band 8 or 9.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as 'As the air rises along the windward side, it becomes cooler and more moist' and 'After losing much of its moisture, the air passes over the mountain range and continues down the leeward side.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled accurately throughout. Control of grammar is strong, with appropriate use of present tense forms suitable for describing a natural process.

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

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.