IELTS Band 9 Essay About despite the decline in serious crime, people feel less secure

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Despite the decline in serious crime, people feel less secure”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS sample released in 2025.

Short Explanation about despite the decline in serious crime, people feel less secure

In some countries, despite a reduction in severe crimes, people’s sense of security has diminished. This paradox arises due to factors such as sensationalist media coverage, increasing awareness of minor crimes, and changes in societal structures that erode trust. News outlets often amplify crime stories, creating a perception of heightened danger. Additionally, while serious crimes may decline, minor offenses like theft may increase, affecting everyday life. Social isolation in modern communities also weakens the collective sense of safety. To address this, authorities must regulate media narratives, enhance community policing, and foster stronger societal bonds to restore public confidence.

Band 9 Sample Response

In some countries, despite the decline in serious crime, people feel less secure than ever before.

What do you think are the main causes of this problem?

What actions can be taken to solve it?

Although statistics indicate a decline in major criminal activities in several nations, public perceptions often contradict these figures, with many individuals feeling more insecure than ever. This seeming disparity can be attributed to various sociological and psychological factors, which demand immediate and strategic interventions.

One principal cause is the role of the media. Sensationalist journalism tends to exaggerate criminal incidents, broadcasting them repeatedly across multiple platforms. This constant exposure to alarming news creates a distorted sense of reality, where crime appears omnipresent. Moreover, the ubiquity of social media allows even minor incidents to gain widespread attention, further heightening public anxiety. A second contributing factor is the rise in petty crimes, such as pickpocketing or vandalism. While these do not fall under the category of serious crime, their increased visibility in everyday life significantly impacts people’s sense of security. Lastly, the erosion of community cohesion due to urbanization and individualistic lifestyles weakens informal support systems, leaving people feeling vulnerable.

To mitigate this issue, governments and media organizations must act responsibly. Firstly, media outlets should adopt ethical reporting practices, emphasizing factual accuracy and avoiding sensationalism. Public awareness campaigns can educate citizens on interpreting crime statistics more rationally, helping them distinguish between perception and reality. Secondly, law enforcement agencies should prioritize community policing initiatives. By increasing the visibility of police officers in neighborhoods, they can deter crime and build trust with residents. Furthermore, urban planners and policymakers should invest in creating spaces that encourage community interaction, such as parks and local events, to rebuild social bonds.

In conclusion, while the decline in serious crime is a positive development, the persistent sense of insecurity requires attention. Addressing media practices, enhancing local policing, and fostering stronger community ties can help bridge the gap between perception and reality. By implementing these measures, societies can ensure that statistical improvements in crime rates translate into genuine feelings of safety among citizens.

Academic Vocabulary in the sample of despite the decline in serious crime, people feel less secure

1. Statistics (stuh-TIS-tiks):
   • Sentence: Accurate statistics are crucial for understanding social trends.
2. Sociological (soh-see-uh-LAH-ji-kuhl):
   • Sentence: Sociological studies often examine the relationship between crime and urbanization.
3. Psychological (sai-kuh-LOJ-i-kuhl):
   • Sentence: The psychological impact of crime extends far beyond the victims.
4. Ubiquity (yoo-BIK-wi-tee):
   • Sentence: The ubiquity of smartphones has transformed communication.
5. Cohesion (koh-HEE-zhuhn):
   • Sentence: Community cohesion is essential for fostering a sense of belonging.

Advanced Grammar Structures

1. Complex Sentences with Subordinating Conjunctions:
   • Example: Although statistics indicate a decline in major criminal activities, public perceptions often contradict these figures.
   • Impact: Shows contrast effectively and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of sentence structure.
2. Nominalization:
   • Example: This seeming disparity can be attributed to various sociological and psychological factors.
   • Impact: Adds formality and precision, elevating the tone of the writing.
3. Passive Voice:
   • Example: Public awareness campaigns can be implemented to educate citizens.
   • Impact: Focuses on the action rather than the subject, which is appropriate for formal contexts.
4. Relative Clauses:
   • Example: Urban planners and policymakers should invest in creating spaces that encourage community interaction.
   • Impact: Provides detailed information without overloading the sentence.
5. Use of Modals:
   • Example: Media outlets should adopt ethical reporting practices.
   • Impact: Indicates recommendations, adding clarity to proposed solutions.

Writing Format and Features

• Structure: The essay follows a clear four-paragraph structure, including an introduction, causes, solutions, and a conclusion, ensuring coherence.
• Task Achievement: All aspects of the question are addressed comprehensively, with a balance between causes and solutions.
• Cohesion and Coherence: Logical progression of ideas with effective use of linking words like “moreover,” “secondly,” and “in conclusion.”
• Lexical Resource: A wide range of academic vocabulary is used appropriately, demonstrating precision and variety.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay employs diverse and accurate grammatical structures, including complex sentences and passive voice, reflecting high proficiency.

By adhering to these principles, the essay exemplifies the qualities required for achieving a Band 9 score.

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