Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-13

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The table shows the number of fatal, serious and slight injuries resulting from gun and knife crime in Great Britain from 1998 to 2007 and the percentage increase for each degree of injury over the period.

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

Great Britain - Gun and Knife Crime statistics - 1998-2007

Student answer (Band 8.0)

The table illustrates the number of fatal, serious and slight injuries resulting from gun and knife crime in Great Britain between 1998 and 2007, as well as the percentage change for each category over the period.

Overall, slight injuries accounted for the highest number of cases, whereas serious injuries represented a considerably smaller figure. By contrast, fatal injuries recorded the lowest number of cases.

Looking first at serious and slight injuries, both categories generally increased over the period. The number of serious injuries rose from 162 in 1998–99 to 476 in 2005–06, despite some fluctuations. Similarly, slight injuries increased substantially, from 653 to 3,296 over the same period. The latter reached a peak of 3,424 in 2004–05 before declining slightly in the following year. Overall, slight injuries recorded the largest percentage increase, at 405%, while serious injuries rose by 194%.

Turning to fatal injuries and the overall total, a different pattern can be observed. The number of fatal injuries fluctuated considerably, rising from 49 in 1998–99 to a peak of 95 in 2001–02. It subsequently fell to 49 in 2005–06 before increasing slightly to 58 in 2006–07. Overall, however, fatal injuries recorded the smallest percentage increase, at just 18%.Meanwhile, the total number of injuries increased markedly from 864 in 1998–99 to 3,821 in 2005–06, representing an overall increase of 342%.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

You have provided a comprehensive summary of the data, effectively highlighting the main trends and making relevant comparisons. You successfully identified the key features, such as the significant rise in slight injuries and the contrasting fluctuation of fatal injuries. The inclusion of specific data points, such as the peak of 3,424 for slight injuries and the 405% increase, demonstrates a strong ability to select and report key information. The overview is clear and accurately reflects the overall trends in the data. You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt, ensuring a balanced and analytical response.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The response is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving from an overview to specific categories of injuries. You use cohesive devices effectively, such as 'By contrast', 'Similarly', and 'Turning to', which help guide the reader through the data. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the information flows smoothly. There is a consistent use of referencing, and the relationship between the different data points is clearly articulated. The structure is logical and supports the overall analysis well.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic report. Phrases like 'accounted for', 'recorded the lowest number', 'fluctuated considerably', and 'increased markedly' are used accurately and naturally. You avoid repetition and use a variety of terms to describe trends and changes. While the vocabulary is precise and fits the context well, there is room to incorporate slightly more sophisticated or academic collocations to reach the highest band. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey complex information with precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your writing displays a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('despite some fluctuations', 'before declining slightly'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and grammar is strong. You handle the reporting of statistics and time periods with accuracy. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To improve further, you could experiment with even more diverse sentence structures, such as using passive voice or inversion to add variety to your reporting style.

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