A growing number of test-takers in Toronto, Vancouver, and globally have reported a challenging new prompt in the 2026 IELTS Writing Task 2 bank. The question touches on a deeply personal yet societal issue: the decline of perceived safety in modern life.
The Exam Prompt
“Many people today do not feel safe either when they are at home or when they go out. What are the reasons for this? What can be done to solve this problem?”
Band 9 Model Answer
In the contemporary era, a pervasive sense of insecurity has taken hold of many communities, with individuals reporting heightened anxiety both within the confines of their homes and in public arenas. This unsettling trend is primarily driven by the sensationalism of digital media and rising socioeconomic disparities, though it can be mitigated through strategic urban planning and enhanced community-based policing.
The modern climate of fear is largely a byproduct of the “24-hour news cycle” and the viral nature of social media. Today, a single localized crime can be broadcasted globally within minutes, often stripped of its statistical context. This constant influx of distressing imagery creates a “Mean World Syndrome,” where people perceive their surroundings as far more dangerous than they actually are. Furthermore, entrenched economic inequality in urban centers has led to visible social disorder, such as petty theft and vandalism. When people observe a lack of maintenance in their neighborhoods or hear of frequent home invasions nearby, their sense of “sanctuary” at home is naturally compromised.
To address these multifaceted concerns, a two-pronged approach involving government intervention and urban design is essential. Firstly, authorities must prioritize visible community policing. The presence of approachable, local officers—similar to the Japanese Koban system—acts as both a deterrent to criminals and a psychological reassurance to law-abiding citizens. Secondly, “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design” (CPTED) should be integrated into city planning. This includes improving street lighting, installing functional CCTV networks, and eliminating “dead zones” in parks. When public spaces are well-lit and active, they become self-regulating, significantly reducing the opportunity for illicit activities.
In conclusion, while the digital amplification of crime and social inequality have eroded public confidence, the situation is far from irreversible. By fostering a more visible security presence and utilizing smart urban design, governments can restore a sense of tranquility to both the private and public lives of their citizens.
🛠️ IELTS Language Toolkit: Safety & Security
To achieve a Band 8.0+ in Lexical Resource, you must move beyond simple words like “scared” or “bad.” Use these high-level collocations:
| Category | High-Level Vocabulary | Usage Example |
| The Problem | Pervasive sense of insecurity | “There is a pervasive sense of insecurity in cities.” |
| Media Impact | Sensationalism / Distressing imagery | “The sensationalism of news leads to fear.” |
| Society | Socioeconomic disparities | “Socioeconomic disparities drive crime rates.” |
| The Solution | Visible community policing | “Visible community policing restores trust.” |
| The Solution | Urban planning / Environmental design | “Better urban planning can deter theft.” |
| Result | Psychological reassurance | “CCTV provides psychological reassurance.” |
💡 Expert Strategy for UpScore Students
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Divide the Body: Use Body Paragraph 1 for Reasons and Body Paragraph 2 for Solutions. Do not mix them, or your “Coherence and Cohesion” score will drop.
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Specific Examples: Mentioning specific technologies like CCTV or smart home security is excellent, but ensure you link them back to the “feeling” of safety.
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Address Both Locations: The prompt asks about safety at home and when they go out. Ensure your essay mentions both to get full marks for Task Response.
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