Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Complete Catalyst · 2026-09-12

IELTS Writing Task 1 question

The graphs below show the number of drivers in Britain who have been caught driving too fast by speed cameras placed on roads, and the number of people killed in road accidents, over an eight-year period since the introduction of speed cameras. The tables show the results of a survey on people's opinions on speed cameras.

Write a report for a university lecturer describing the information below.

SPEED CAMERA FINES and ROAD ACCIDENT FATALITIES

Student answer (Band 7.5)

The graphs compare the number of speed-camera fines and road accident fatalities over an eight-year period, while the accompanying pie charts illustrate public attitudes towards speed cameras.

Overall, the number of fines increased dramatically throughout the period, particularly during the final three years, whereas the number of road fatalities remained relatively stable. In addition, the majority of people surveyed believed that speed cameras were primarily installed to generate revenue rather than to improve road safety, and more than half considered there to be too many cameras.

The number of speed-camera fines rose steadily from 200,000 in Year 1 to approximately 600,000 in Year 5. This was followed by a much sharper increase, reaching around 800,000 in Year 6, almost 1.2 million in Year 7, and 1.6 million in Year 8. By contrast, road accident fatalities fluctuated only slightly. They stood at about 3,100 in Year 1, climbed to roughly 3,400 in Years 2 and 3, before falling to around 3,000 in Year 4. The figure then remained close to 3,100–3,400 for the remainder of the period.

The survey results reveal a generally negative public perception of speed cameras. 60% of respondents did not believe that cameras reduced the number of road accidents, compared with just 32% who thought they did. Similarly, 71% believed that the main purpose of installing cameras was to raise revenue, while only 26% identified improving road safety as the main reason. Finally, 56% felt that there were too many speed cameras, compared with 19% who considered there to be too few and 17% who thought the number was about right.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the prompt by describing both the trends in speed camera fines and road accident fatalities alongside the survey results on public opinions. The overview in the second paragraph highlights the main trends effectively, noting the dramatic rise in fines and the stability of fatalities, as well as the prevailing negative public perception. Data points are accurately selected and integrated into the body paragraphs, such as citing the rise from 200,000 in Year 1 to 1.6 million in Year 8, and detailing the specific percentages from the survey results. All visual data presented in the graphs and charts are well-covered with no major omissions, demonstrating a clear understanding of the academic task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The report displays a clear logical organization and progression from introduction to overview, details of the graphs, and finally the survey results. Information and ideas are logically sequenced throughout. Cohesive devices are used appropriately and flexibly without feeling mechanical, as seen in transitions like 'while the accompanying', 'Overall', 'By contrast', and 'Finally'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph serving a distinct function in structuring the report. Referencing is clear and unambiguous throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

The student uses a wide and appropriate range of vocabulary suited to an Academic Task 1 report. Items such as 'dramatically', 'relatively stable', 'fluctuated only slightly', and 'prevailing negative public perception' demonstrate a strong lexical control. Less common vocabulary items and collocation patterns are used with good awareness of style, such as 'generate revenue', 'road accident fatalities', and 'public attitudes'. Word choices are precise, and spelling is entirely accurate throughout the response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response features a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, showcasing complex forms such as subordinate clauses ('while the accompanying pie charts illustrate', 'whereas the number of road fatalities remained') and participial phrases ('reaching around 800,000 in Year 6'). Control over tense usage for past data is consistent and accurate, and punctuation is handled proficiently throughout the text. Only very occasional minor slips might occur, but grammar never impedes communication.

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