Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-09-28

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 7.5)

The provided bar chart compares the public’s perceived risk of falling victim to three different types of crime (burglary, car crime, and violent crime) against the actual probability of these events occurring during two periods: 2009/10 and 2010/11.

Overall, it is abundantly clear that the perceived danger of crime was significantly higher than the actual likelihood for all crime types across both timeframes. Additionally, while the public's fear of crime decreased slightly in the second year, the actual crime rates remained consistently low and virtually unchanged.

Car crime registered the highest levels of public concern. In 2009/10, just over 20% of people believed they would be a victim of this crime, although the actual rate was only around 5%. By 2010/11, the perceived danger of car crime had dropped notably to roughly 17%, yet the actual incidence remained stagnant at roughly 5%.

A similar, albeit lower, pattern was observed for both violent crime and burglary. In 2009/10, the perceived risk for violent crime and burglary stood at approximately 16% and 14%, respectively. Both figures saw a slight decline in 2010/11, falling to roughly 14% and 13%. Despite these exaggerated fears, the actual likelihood of falling victim to either violent crime or burglary remained exceptionally low at approximately 4% and 3% respectively—showing almost no fluctuation between the two years.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The student fully addresses all parts of the task by providing a well-constructed summary of the main features shown in the bar chart. An appropriate and clear overview is provided, highlighting the striking contrast between perceived danger and actual likelihood across all categories. Key features are accurately selected, such as car crime recording the highest levels of public concern (around 20% in 2009/10) compared to its actual rate of 5%. Data is reported accurately and comparisons are effectively made between the two years (2009/10 and 2010/11) and among the crime types. The response easily meets the criteria for a high band score through its thorough coverage and precise data reporting.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas from the introduction to the overview, followed by detailed body paragraphs. Paragraphing is used effectively, with each body paragraph focusing on specific data subsets. Cohesive devices are managed skilfully and naturally without being intrusive, as seen with phrases like 'Overall, it is abundantly clear', 'Additionally', and 'A similar, albeit lower, pattern'. Referencing and substitution are handled smoothly, maintaining clear links throughout the text. The overall structure follows the standard conventions of an Academic Task 1 report seamlessly.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical resource appropriate for an Academic Task 1 response. Less common vocabulary items and precise collocation are used effectively, such as 'perceived risk', 'actual incidence', 'stagnant', and 'exceptionally low'. Word choices are precise and natural, contributing to the professional tone of the report. Although there are no major lexical errors, the vocabulary range is slightly more standard than what is typically required for a top-band 9.0, placing it comfortably at band 8.0 for its fluent and precise phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring sophisticated syntactic constructions such as participial phrases ('falling victim to three different types of crime') and concessive clauses ('despite these exaggerated fears, the actual likelihood... remained exceptionally low'). Punctuation and control of grammar are consistently strong throughout. Only very occasional minor slips or limitations prevent a top band, but the overall grammatical control is robust and polished.

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

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