Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · IELTS Momentum Workout · 2026-08-24

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 5.5)

The table shows the percentage increase of fatal, serious and minor injuries over a period from 1998 to 2007 in Great Britain.

Overall, the number of injuries have increased from 1998 to 2007 with the highest cases of total 3912 in the year between [redacted phone].

In comparison to fatal, serious and slight injuries slight injuries have dramatically increased over the period. In the years between 1998 and 1999 reported injuries were 653 and these injuries have gradually increased over the period with the highest numbers in 2005 and 2006 and then there a substantial decrease in the following year 2005 and 2006. The number of injuries in 2006 and 2007 are not mentioned.

The fatal injuries shows a gradual increase in numbers till 2004 but they were fluctuating between 2004 to 2007.

Serious injuries on the other hand increased significantly over the period. The percentage of increase from 1998 to 2007 total to 194.

In conclusion, the total numbers have dramatically increased over the period of time with no figures mentioned for serious and slight injuries in 2006 and 2007 so a complete conclusion could not be drawn out.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.0

The response addresses the task but lacks precision in reporting data. While you identify the overall trend, the description of specific figures is often inaccurate or confusing. For example, you mention a 'substantial decrease' in 2005 and 2006, which contradicts the data trends, and you state that figures for 2006 and 2007 are not mentioned, despite them being present in the table. The summary of the 'total' figures is also vague. To improve, ensure you accurately extract and compare specific data points rather than making general observations that may be factually incorrect based on the provided table.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay is organised into paragraphs, which helps the reader follow the structure. However, the logical progression is hindered by contradictory statements, such as claiming data is missing when it is actually provided. Cohesive devices are used, but they are sometimes mechanical or misused, such as the transition 'In comparison to fatal, serious and slight injuries', which does not effectively introduce the comparison. The conclusion is also weak as it focuses on the perceived lack of data rather than summarising the main features of the information presented.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

The vocabulary is generally adequate for the task but lacks the precision required for a higher band. You rely on basic descriptors like 'increased' and 'numbers' repeatedly. There are also issues with word choice and collocation, such as 'total to 194' instead of 'totalled 194' or 'amounted to 194'. The range is limited, and there is little attempt to use more sophisticated or academic vocabulary to describe trends, such as 'fluctuated', 'peaked', or 'remained stable'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5

There is a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but the accuracy is inconsistent. You have several subject-verb agreement errors, such as 'the number of injuries have increased' (should be 'has increased') and 'The fatal injuries shows' (should be 'show'). Punctuation is generally functional, but there are awkward phrasings that occasionally impede clarity. To reach a higher band, focus on ensuring that your subjects and verbs agree and that your sentence structures are grammatically sound.

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

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