Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-07-26

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The graph below shows the perceived danger and actual likelihood of being a victim of crime.

Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

Perceived and actual likelihood of being a victim of crime: by crime type

Student answer (Band 8.0)

The bar chart provides insights into the potential risks and likelihood of becoming a victim of crime, specifically focusing on three types: burglary, car crime, and violent crime. Notably, the perceived incidence of car crime in 2009/10 was considerably high, while actual burglary rates in 2010/11 represented a joint-lowest point.

Upon initial observation, the perceived rates for 2009/10 indicate that car crime ranked the highest at over 20 percent, whereas both burglary and violent crime had similar rates of approximately 15 percent each. Additionally, in the actual data for 2009/10, burglary accounted for the smallest proportion at just under 3 percent, with car crime rates slightly higher by about 1 percent.

From 2010 to 2011, a general downward trend in crime rates can be observed. The perceived likelihood of becoming a victim of car crime remained the highest, comprising around 17 percent. Conversely, perceived victims of burglary and violent crime saw a slight decline to approximately 13 percent in 2010/11. The actual number of car crime victims remained stable at around 4 percent, similar to the actual victims of violent crime, which amounted to approximately 3 percent. Finally, the rate of actual burglary victims constituted the lowest percentage, making up about 3 percent.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

You have successfully identified the main features of the graph and provided a clear overview of the data. You covered all three crime types and made relevant comparisons between perceived and actual likelihoods. The data is accurately reported, and you have highlighted the key trends, such as the general downward movement in rates. To reach a higher band, ensure that your overview is more distinct from the body paragraphs; it should ideally capture the most significant trend or contrast across the entire dataset rather than focusing on specific data points. Overall, you have addressed all parts of the task well.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.5

Your response is logically organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a concluding summary. The progression of ideas is smooth, and you use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'Notably,' 'Upon initial observation,' 'Additionally,' and 'Conversely' to link your sentences and paragraphs effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each section focusing on a specific aspect of the data. The referencing is clear throughout, and the information flows logically from the general overview to the specific details of the two time periods. This demonstrates a high level of coherence.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey information with precision. Phrases like 'perceived incidence,' 'general downward trend,' and 'constituted the lowest percentage' are used effectively. You avoid repetition and show an awareness of style appropriate for an academic report. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items could elevate the score further. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

You show good control over a variety of complex sentence structures. Your use of subordinate clauses and comparative structures is accurate and helps to maintain the flow of the report. The grammar is generally error-free, and your punctuation is used correctly to separate ideas. There are no significant grammatical errors that cause confusion. To achieve a higher band, you could aim for even greater variety in your sentence construction, perhaps by using more passive voice structures or more complex noun phrases to describe the data, but your current performance is very strong.

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