Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-28
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
Student answer (Band 7.0)
Crime has become a pressing concern for many peaceful communities. While some people argue that imposing longer prison sentences can be an effective way to combat crime, others believe that alternative measures such as education and rehabilitation are more effective. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I believe that a combination of harsh punishments and proper education can help tackle criminal activity more effectively.
On the one hand, supporters of longer custodial sentences believe that they can be an effective method to mitigate this problem. When offenders receive a lengthy imprisonment for serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault and theft, their photos are displayed on social networking sites and news channels. This can deter potential criminals from committing same offences when when they know about the consequences of these punishments. Consequently, this can contribute to a gradual decline in criminal activity. For instance, counties such as Dubai and Singapore have successfully reduced crime rate by imposing longer prison sentences on criminals, thereby reducing crime over the time
On the other hand, opponents contend that several other measures could be taken to tackle this serious issue. One significant approach is to incorporate civic and moral education into school curricula. By teaching children about how to distinguish between right and wrong, schools can play a crucial role in combating crime. Another effective measure is to conduct rehabilitation programs. Government authorities can organize anti-crime programs highlighting the significance of a peaceful society and the negative consequences of crime behavior. This can discourage potential criminals from engaging in crime.
In conclusion, I believe that lengthy prison sentences combined with proper education and rehabilitation programs can be a more effective way to reduce crime in the long terms because longer prison sentences can act as a powerful deterrent and proper education can prevent individuals from committingcriminal activity and lead them to adopt a socially responsible behavior.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0
The response successfully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both perspectives regarding crime prevention through longer prison sentences and alternative measures such as education and rehabilitation. The writer presents a clear and consistent position throughout the essay, ultimately arguing for a combined approach. Ideas are relevant and supported with explanations and examples, such as referencing countries like Dubai and Singapore and mentioning civic and moral education. Although the task is technically structured like an academic essay rather than a general task 1 letter or email, the content fully meets the communicative requirements of presenting arguments and a personal view. This performance aligns well with the Band 7 descriptors.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0
The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the arguments for longer sentences, the arguments for alternative measures, and a synthesised conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Consequently', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately. While referencing is generally clear, occasional minor clunkiness in cohesion keeps the response at a solid Band 7 level.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.5
The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, suitable for discussing social issues and crime. Less common lexical items are attempted, including phrases like 'custodial sentences', 'mitigate this problem', 'deter potential criminals', and 'civic and moral education'. However, there are a few inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'lengthy imprisonment' instead of 'lengthy imprisonments' or 'lengthy prison sentences', 'crime rate' instead of 'crime rates', and 'crime behavior' instead of 'criminal behaviour'. These minor errors do not impede communication, supporting a Band 6.5 or solid Band 6 descriptor, rounded to 6.5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0
The writer demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, incorporating relative clauses, conditional ideas, and participial phrases successfully. There are numerous error-free sentences, such as 'When offenders receive a lengthy imprisonment for serious crimes such as murder, sexual assault and theft, their photos are displayed on social networking sites and news channels.' However, some grammatical errors occur, including a duplicated word in 'when when', 'over the time' instead of 'over time', and minor phrasing issues like 'committingcriminal' (spacing error). Punctuation and sentence structures are generally well-controlled, fitting the Band 7 criteria.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.