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Crime & Punishment Essay Titles

IELTS Essay Questions for the Topic of Crime & Punishment. All essay questions below are reported by IELTS candidates and seem to have been repeated over the years. Regardless of the years the questions were reported, you could get any question below in your test. You should, therefore, prepare ideas for all questions given below. This topic is more likely to appear in the Academic test than the GT writing test. However, all candidates should prepare for all topics to be safe.

Crime & Punishment Essay Questions for IELTS Writing Task 2

The crime rate nowadays is decreasing compared to the past due to advance technology which can prevent and solve crime. Do you agree or disagree? (Reported 2017, 2021 Academic Test)

Many criminals commit further crimes as soon as they released from prison. What do you think are the causes of this? What possible solutions can you suggest? (Reported 2015, 2017, 2022 Academic Test)

It is often thought that the increase in juvenile crime can be attributed to violence in the media. Do you agree that this is the main cause of juvenile crime? What solutions can you offer to deal with this situation? (common question)

In some societies, the number of crimes committed by teenagers is growing. Some people think that regardless of age, teenagers who commit major crimes should receive adult punishment. To what extent do you agree? (2020, 2023)

Some countries are struggling with an increase in the rate of crime. Many people think that having more police on the streets is the only way to reduce crime. To what extent do you agree? (2018, 2020)

Some people think that women should not be allowed to work in the police force. Do you agree or disagree?

Many crimes are often related to the consumption of alcohol. Some people think that the best way to reduce the crime rate is to ban alcohol. Do you think this is an effective measure against crime? What other solutions can you suggest?

Some people think certain prisoners should be made to do unpaid community work instead of being put behind bars. To what extent do you agree? (Reported 2017, 2020, GT Test)

Many people believe that having a fixed punishment for all crimes is more efficient. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a fixed punishment? (common question)

Some people think that the government should be responsible for crime prevention, while others believe that it is the responsibility of the individual to protect themselves. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

The death penalty is the best way to control and reduce serious crime. To what extent do you agree? (2018, 2020)

While it is sometimes thought that prison is the best place for criminals, others believe that there are better ways to deal with them. What is your opinion? (common question – this is often reworded with a focus on the best ways to deal with criminals)

Crime rate, in most countries, is often higher in urban areas than in rural areas. Why do you think that is? What can be done to reduce the crime rate?

Some people think that poverty is the reason behind most crimes. Do you agree or disagree?

Internet crime is increasing rapidly as more and more people are using the internet to make financial transactions. What can be done to tackle this problem ?

Some people think that the parents of children who commit crime should also receive a punishment. Do you agree or disagree? (2020)

Reported essay questions are from students who have taken their IELTS test. That means questions may have appeared more frequently than have been reported. These questions may vary slightly in wording and focus from the original question. Also note that these questions could also appear in IELTS speaking part 3 which is another good reason to prepare all topics thoroughly.

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Crime and Punishment [IELTS Topics]

Posted by David S. Wills | Nov 20, 2020 | IELTS Tips | 0

If you have practised for IELTS writing, then you have more than likely encountered the IELTS topic of crime and punishment . I am not talking about the book by Russian novelist , Fyodor Dostoevsky. Instead, I mean the general topic that covers issues relating to crime, criminals, police, the law, and methods of punishing lawbreakers.

This is a pretty common topic in IELTS writing and also in the speaking test, so today I would like to show you some useful vocabulary and also to run through some crime and punishment IELTS essays so that you can better understand this topic.

IELTS Vocabulary for Crime and Punishment

If you want to prepare for the topic of crime and punishment, then you should learn some vocabulary to help you discuss it with ease. A great way to start is to read some news articles about crime. You can try searching your favourite English-language news source. I recommend the BBC , but any high-quality news outlet is fine. You might also find it useful to search Wikipedia for crime-related topics, such as “ capital punishment .” These will invariably contain many useful words. For example:

Of course, I usually stress that you should not just learn words in isolation. Try to learn groups of words that commonly go together or longer phrases that might help you. For example, you could learn some adjectives and nouns that go together:

• law-abiding citizens
• hardened criminals

It is also worth noting that the word “criminal” can be a noun or an adjective:

• criminal behaviour (adjective)
• an unrepentant criminal (noun)

Notice that I am mixing adjectives and nouns to provide more accurate and also colourful language. This is a good way to improve your writing skills – but of course it only helps when the language is used accurately.

Here is a video that I recently made covering the topic of crime and punishment as it relates to IELTS. This includes some useful vocabulary to talk about the court system:

• attorney vs solicitor
• capital punishment and its synonyms
• jail vs prison

More Vocabulary: Types of Crime and Criminals

If you want to talk about crime, then it would be useful to know the name of various crimes and also the criminal associated with them. Here’s a list of crime words I made for you:

IELTS Speaking: Crime and Punishment

The topic of crime and punishment could be considered quite controversial in some ways. Think about the issues that arise: imprisonment, violence, reforming criminals. These are serious issues that cannot be summed up in short sentences without further justification. As such, this is not a common topic for part one of the speaking test.

Likewise, you probably would not be asked to talk about this for part two. Can you imagine if the cue card said, “Describe a criminal you know?” 🤨 That would not really be appropriate. It has the potential to make people feel embarrassed or ashamed or even to completely draw a blank.

Therefore, crime and punishment mostly arises in part three of the IELTS speaking test. This is where you are asked about bigger issues that require more thought and explanation. These can be viewed as similar to the sorts of question you see in task two of the writing exam.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions: Crime

Here are some example questions and answers from part three of the speaking test:

Q: Do you think that young criminals should be sent to prison for serious crimes?

A: No, I do not think that it is right to send young offenders to prison. In fact, that seems to be the worst way to deal with them. In any advanced society, juvenile delinquents should be dealt with through education, with the intention of reforming them into law-abiding adults. Sending them to jail or prison simply puts them in contact with other criminals and makes them more likely to commit further offenses.

Q: What do you think makes people commit acts of violent crime?

A: Well, crimes have different motivations. Some are committed out of desperation and others are crimes of passion. In other words, they are spur-of-the-moment offenses that had no forethought. Then there are other crimes that are definitely pre-meditated. These are the worst ones and probably the hardest to pin down in terms of motivation. In any case, it is hard to say what makes people do these things, except that it depends entirely upon the individual case.

Q: Do you think that video games encourage young people to commit crimes?

A: No, absolutely not, and the scientific consensus nowadays appears to back that stance. The idea that video games encourage people to commit crimes is laughable. If this was true, we would have to go and censor TV and books, and even change how we report the news. People who are going to commit crimes do so for a variety of reasons, but to suggest that they do it to imitate a game is quite absurd. If someone really did claim that their crime was inspired by a computer game, they would probably be lying or else they had underlying mental issues that made them particularly susceptible to outside influences.

Crime and Punishment IELTS Essay Topics

This topic is much more common in the writing exam than other parts because it requires the expression of complex ideas. As such, you will see many IELTS writing task 2 questions about crime and punishment.

Common sub-topics include:

• young people and crime
• capital punishment
• reasons for criminal behaviour
• reforming offenders

Crime and Punishment IELTS Essay

Here is a quite representative task 2 essay question:

Some people think that offenders should be put in prison. Others, however, believe that providing offenders with education and training is more effective than putting them in prison. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Sample Band 9 Answer

For thousands of years, people have discussed the different ways of dealing with criminals, and even in the modern era there is a great degree of disagreement on this subject. Some believe that prison is an effective measure, but others argue that education and training would be better. This essay will look at both sides of the argument and then argue in favour of a balanced approach.

For centuries, prisons have been used as a way of both punishing criminals and keeping them away from law-abiding citizens. Although it works as a deterrent and also as a practical means of keeping society safe, it is not without its controversy. For one thing, prisons are notorious hubs of gang activity, and impressionable young lawbreakers can easily be moulded into hardened criminals during a short stint behind bars. Moreover, prisons are violent places where young offenders can be raped, beaten, or even killed during their sentence, and when they are released they carry with them the stigma of their incarceration. This means that they will struggle to return to normal society and, for this reason, recidivism rates can be quite high in some places. Thus, although prisons are an effective means of punishing people and keeping society safe, they are not without substantial problems.

On the other hand, educating and training criminals is controversial because people tend to think of it as overly lenient. Many law-abiding citizens believe that those who break the law should be punished harshly or else there is little reason to adhere to the rules. However, this approach should not be seen as rewarding criminals but rather rehabilitating people who were pushed to extreme actions by their unfortunate circumstances. Statistically, most prison inmates come from backgrounds of poverty and abuse, so giving them a helping hand can be more beneficial than punishing them and then hoping that they do not return to a life of crime.

In conclusion, this is an extremely complex issue that requires serious scrutiny, but it appears as though prison should be reserved only for violent and habitual offenders while the majority of petty criminals should be dealt with through education and training.

Notes on the Answer

There was a lot of great vocabulary in this answer for the purposes of a descriptive and thoughtful essay:

• impressionable young lawbreakers
• a short stint behind bars
• the stigma of their incarceration
• recidivism rates
• rehabilitating
• requires serious scrutiny
• petty criminals

Task 1 – Crime-related Essays

For IELTS writing task 1, it is also possible that you could have to describe data about crime. This is harder to predict because it really could be about almost anything, but here is an example of a line graph about various types of criminal activity:

The line graph shows changes in crime rates over a ten-year period in the city centre of Newport. Three types of crimes are listed, two of which ended the period at roughly similar levels to where they began, and one experienced a major drop.

In 2003, which was the beginning of the recorded period, burglary was the most common type of crime in Newport, with just under 3,500 cases reported. This rose slightly the following year, before entering into a long downward trend, reaching a low of about 1,200 in 2008. After this, the number of burglaries reported fluctuated until 2012.

The number of car thefts was about 2,800 in 2003, and ended the period slightly lower, at 2,700. During the decade-long period, it fluctuated, reaching low points in 2006 and 2008. Car theft was the second most common type of crime in 2003, but the fall in burglaries meant that from 2008 onwards, they were the most common crime in Newport.

Robberies were the least common crime and followed a somewhat similar trend to that of car thefts, starting and ending the period with around 700 incidents. It fluctuated only slightly during the ten-year period.

This essay originally appeared here .

About The Author

David S. Wills

David S. Wills is the author of Scientologist! William S. Burroughs and the 'Weird Cult' and the founder/editor of Beatdom literary journal. He lives and works in rural Cambodia and loves to travel. He has worked as an IELTS tutor since 2010, has completed both TEFL and CELTA courses, and has a certificate from Cambridge for Teaching Writing. David has worked in many different countries, and for several years designed a writing course for the University of Worcester. In 2018, he wrote the popular IELTS handbook, Grammar for IELTS Writing and he has since written two other books about IELTS. His other IELTS website is called IELTS Teaching.

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IELTS Essays About Crime

Jump to: Opinion Essays , Discussion Essays , Discussion and Opinion Essays , or Situation Essays

Opinion Essays

The death penalty should be available as a punishment for serious crimes.

To what extent do you agree?

Certain groups of society believe that the most efficient way of lowering crime rates is to be able to implement the death penalty for crimes which are the most serious. Others believe that this is not the case and makes no difference. Personally, I am completely against the use of the death penalty and this essay shall explore some of the reasons for this view point.

Firstly, a major drawback of the death penalty is that it is irreversible and could be handed out incorrectly. Although forensic scientists are becoming more and more advanced there is still a chance that mistakes are made and innocent people are executed. A classic case of this was Colin Ross, who in 1922 was executed but later evidence proved that he was actually innocent and in fact he was later pardoned in 2008.

In addition to the above arguments is the fact that some people are of the opinion that the death penalty has no place in a civilized society. To kill another human being for whatever reason should be considered a very low immoral act which demonstrates a lack of appreciation for the precious gift of life which we have all been given. Furthermore, most major religions of the world express the need for forgiveness. Executing inmates on death row is as far from this particular teaching as you could get.

Overall, it can be said that innocent people can be executed wrongfully and that a truly developed society should be able to find a more productive way of dealing with serious criminals. I therefore remain firmly of the stand point that the death penalty is totally unethical and ineffective

Internet crime is increasing rapidly as growing numbers of people purchase goods over the internet. What can be done to tackle this problem?

Following a significant increase in the number of financial transactions taking place online in recent years, internet crime levels have also increased dramatically. I believe this is due to the fact that people often think that they are safe when they are sat behind a computer and that they cannot be caught easily. This essay shall explore some ways of reducing these types of crimes.

One of the most effective ways of reducing online crime levels might be to make every internet user log-in with their passport number or national identification card number. Most countries assign at least one of these numbers to each citizen so this would make it very easy to track down who had done what crime and when. If potential criminals were made to identify themselves online in this manner when they first log on then it may cause them to think twice about conducting illegal activities.

Another method which may also aid online crime reduction would be to regulate the websites that the general public was allowed to access. This would mean that rather than the public being able to visit any type of websites they want to, they would only be allowed to access websites which were secure and not linked in any way to criminal activity. For example, certain web-sites such as Alphabaymarket.com sell fire-arms and drugs and are infamous for being places where illegal activities and transactions take place. Eliminating access to them could therefore aid in crime level reduction.

Overall, making people identify themselves online and restricting access to certain web-sites could help in online crime reduction. Personally, I feel the government need to take responsibility for implementing some or all of the above ideas.

Some people believe that poverty is the cause of most crimes.

Do you agree or disagree?

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While some people believe prison is the best place for criminals others think that there are better ways to handle them.

What is your opinion?

Violence in society increases when more violence is shown on television.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In some communities the teenage crime rate is growing. Some people believe that regardless of age, teenagers who commit major crimes should receive punishment that is the same as an adults.

Some people believe certain prisoners should be forced to do community work with no pay rather than being simply kept inside a prison cell.

The crime rate nowadays is lower than in the past because of the increased use of advanced technology which can prevent and solve crimes.

Some countries are experiencing an increase in the rates of crime. Many people believe that getting more police walking the streets is the best way to prevent crime from occurring.

Discussion Essays

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Many people think that having one single fixed punishment for all crimes would be more effective.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a fixed punishment?

Discussion and Opinion Essays

Some people think that giving harsher prison sentences and punishments is the best way to reduce crime rates, others however believe there are alternative methods that need to be explored.

Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.

Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to hand out longer prison sentences, whilst other people think that there are better methods of doing reducing crime.

Discuss both views and give your opinion .

Some people think that the government should be responsible for reducing crime, where as others believe individuals should take responsibility for their own safety and security.

Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Many criminals after being released go on to commit further crimes as soon as they are allowed out of prison.

What do you think are the causes of this and what possible solutions can you suggest?

Situation Essays

In some poorer areas of large cities people are too afraid to leave their houses at night time due to a fear of crime.

What are the causes of crime in those areas and what can be done to tackle those problems?

In many large cities around the world youth crime is growing at a fast rate.

What are the reasons for this and suggest some solutions.

Crime rates in most countries are often higher in urban areas than in rural areas.

What do you think are the reasons for this and what can be done to lower the crime rates?

It is thought that the increase in youth crime rates can be linked to an increase in violence shown in the media.

Do you agree that this is the main factor causing juvenile crime and what ideas can you offer to deal with the situation?

Many crimes are often linked to the consumption of alcohol. Some people think that banning alcohol sales would dramatically reduce crime.

Do you think it is an effective measure against crime and what other solutions can you suggest?

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic: Many offenders commit more crimes after serving the first punishment

Updated On Aug 08, 2024

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Get access to the IELTS Writing Task 2 band 9 sample answer of 'Many Offenders Commit More Crimes After Serving The First Punishment’ here!

Table of Contents

Band 8 sample essay, band 9 sample essay, other essays related to crime and punishment.

IELTS Writing Prediction Questions for 2024

In IELTS Writing Task 2 , students are asked to write a formal essay of at least 250 words, in 4-5 paragraphs based on the given writing task 2 essay topics. The task is similar for both Academic and General Training with regards to the type of questions and the scoring, but the topics given for General Training will be slightly easier than Academic.

Given below is an IELTS problem and solution essay with sample answers that will help you to practise and get a good score.

Before that, take a look at IELTS Writing Task 2 Preparation Tips !

Many offenders commit more crimes after serving the first punishment. Why is this happening, and what measures can be taken to tackle this problem?

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Do you have an essay on this topic? Please post it in the comments section. One of our IELTS trainers will evaluate your essay from an examiner’s point of view and reply to the comment. This service is completely FREE of cost.

Cause/ Solution Essay

Introduction

Introduce the essay topic and paraphrase it by giving a proper preface. Then, state the essay’s intent in two subsequent paragraphs, i.e., the causes and solutions for the essay topic.

Paragraph 1: A large proportion of criminals leave prison only to reoffend, owing to a lack of rehabilitation and reskilling opportunities in prison

Paragraph 2: These criminals can take effective measures to keep engaged in activities that will help them acquire new skills.

State the solution

Most criminals tend to commit crimes again, once they are released from jail. This is mainly because of the lack of rehabilitation in prisons and also the difficulty they face in finding employment. There are a lot of solutions to overcome this situation. In this essay, we will explain why the criminals commit the same crime again and the reasons to overcome this.

The main reason for the repetition of crimes is the lack of reskilling options in jails. Since they are unable to find the right employment, they resort to unfair means to earn their daily bread. Another reason is that there aren’t strict laws to keep them under control.

Some effective measures are imposing strict punishments and improving their skills like craft making, fashion designing, catering and so on. They will be engaged in work once they are out of prison and become self-sustained.

To sum up, the government must closely monitor the criminals even after they are out of prison and ensure that there is a reduction in crime rate so that we can make the world a better place to live in.

Several criminals are likely to commit other offences after serving their initial term, owing to their incapacity to maintain economic stability and difficulty finding suitable employment. However, there are several options for dealing with this scenario, such as providing financial assistance and instilling the necessary skills. This essay will look at why criminals commit the same crimes over and over again and how to avoid them.

To begin with, most first-time convicts commit crimes after serving their first sentence due to the lack of employment options and opportunities to retrain and master new skills to make a living. Moreover, since society does not accept the convicts as respectable people anymore, they join hands with their criminal friends and perpetuate the same crimes, such as pickpocketing or robbing, to make ends meet and avail basic necessities. As a result, the financial hardships of the perpetrators prompt them to recommit the crimes regardless of the repercussions.

There are some viable measures to rehabiliate habitual criminals. The government can provide financial assistance to them after they complete their sentence as this will help them stabilize their economic status and make a living for themselves. The government can also ensure that criminals have the opportunity to retrain vital skills while in prison, as this will help them find stable work after their sentence is over and will improve their reintegration into society and financial development.

To sum up, the convicts recommit the crimes owing to a lack of financial help, job opportunities, and rehabilitation. Still, crime rates would drop considerably if the government implemented the above-mentioned measures and kept a close eye on first-time offenders once set free.

• Rehabilitation

Meaning: the action of restoring someone to a healthy or normal life through training and therapy after imprisonment, addiction, or illness Eg: The older woman was sent to a rehabilitation centre.

Meaning: succeed in dealing with (a problem or difficulty) Eg: It was difficult for John to overcome the loss of his pet.

Meaning: teach (a person, especially an unemployed person) new skills Eg: The University started a reskilling program for the students.

Meaning: the action of repeating something that has already been said or written. Eg: The staff was fired due to her repetition of mistakes.

• Earn (one’s) daily bread

Meaning: to do work of any kind for a living Eg: The man earned his daily bread by working at a construction site.

• Self-sustaining

Meaning: able to continue in a healthy state without outside assistance Eg: Kay was self-sustaining from his business.

Meaning: observe and check the progress or quality of (something) over a period of time Eg: The teacher monitored the students during the exam.

Meaning: make certain that (something) will occur or be the case Eg: My mother ensured that I scored good marks.

Meaning: turn to and adopt (a course of action, especially an extreme or undesirable one) so as to resolve a difficult situation. Eg: Jill had to resort to a loan from the bank.

Meaning: force (an unwelcome decision or ruling) on someone Eg: The government imposed strict travel restrictions.

There are also other related essays that you can make use of while practicing for IELTS Writing task 2 essays. The list is given below:

Juvenile Criminal

• Some people say that when children under 18 are committing a crime they should be punished, while others believe they should be educated. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement? Give your own opinion.
• Studies show that criminals get a low level of education. Some people believe that the best way to reduce crime is by educating people in prison so they can get a job after leaving prison. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
• In some countries, a high proportion of criminal acts are committed by teenagers. Why has this happened? What can be done to deal with this?
• Some people who have been in prison become good citizens later. Some people think that having these people to give a talk to school students is the best way to tell them about the dangers of committing a crime. Do you agree or disagree?

More Writing Task 2 Essay Topics

• Some People Prefer to Spend Their Lives Doing The Same Things and Avoiding Change
• Some People Believe That Reading Stories From a Book is Better Than Watching Tv or Playing Computer Games for Children.
• Some People Say That Economic Growth Is The Only Way to End Hunger and Poverty
• Scientific Research Should Be Carried Out and Controlled by the Government
• The Tradition of Families Getting Together to Eat Meals is Disappearing
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Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 based on Essay types

Proven tips to score Band 9 in IELTS Writing

Janice Thompson

Soon after graduating with a Master’s in Literature from Southern Arkansas University, she joined an institute as an English language trainer. She has had innumerous student interactions and has produced a couple of research papers on English language teaching. She soon found that non-native speakers struggled to meet the English language requirements set by foreign universities. It was when she decided to jump ship into IELTS training. From then on, she has been mentoring IELTS aspirants. She joined IELTSMaterial about a year ago, and her contributions have been exceptional. Her essay ideas and vocabulary have taken many students to a band 9.

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Crime and Punishment IELTS Essay, Strategies, Examples, and Vocabulary

The Crime and Punishment IELTS essay often explores critical social issues related to justice, ethics, and societal impact. Read full article to know about Crime and Punishment IELTS Essay.

October 30, 2024

Table of Contents

Crime and Punishment IELTS Essay: In IELTS Writing Task 2 , crime and punishment topics require candidates to express nuanced opinions about a complex social issue. These essays often call for discussion of the root causes of crime, preventive measures, and the role of society or governments in reducing crime. Essays on this topic generally fall into four main types:

• Opinion-Based : e.g., “Do you agree that harsher punishments reduce crime?”
• Problem-Solution : e.g., “What are the main causes of crime, and how can we solve them?”
• Discussion-Based : e.g., “Discuss the effectiveness of prisons vs. rehabilitation.”
• Two-Part Questions : e.g., “Why is crime increasing, and what should be done to address it?”

Let us go through how to structure your response, develop logical arguments, and integrate specific vocabulary. Finally, we’ll review two sample essays to illustrate strong responses.

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Understanding Different Essay Types for Crime and Punishment

Each essay type requires a different approach to structuring arguments:

• Opinion-Based : You must take a stance and defend it with supporting arguments.
• Problem-Solution : Focus on identifying causes and suggesting effective solutions.
• Discussion-Based : Present balanced views for each perspective and conclude with your opinion.
• Two-Part Questions : Answer both questions equally, with separate paragraphs for each.

IELTS Writing task 1 vs. Writing task 2

Planning and Structuring Your IELTS Essay

To write a coherent and impactful crime and punishment essay, follow a clear structure:

This structure works well for essays that require balanced views, like discussion or two-part questions.

Developing Main Body Arguments For Crime and Punishment IELTS Essay

The following sections illustrate sample body paragraphs for different perspectives on crime and punishment.

Paragraph 1: Supporting Harsher Punishments

Harsher punishments serve as a powerful deterrent, dissuading potential offenders from committing crimes. For instance, the implementation of strict drug trafficking laws in Singapore, where offenders risk capital punishment, has led to one of the lowest drug-related crime rates globally. The severity of the penalty instills a strong sense of consequence in individuals, which is particularly effective in reducing high-risk crimes. Additionally, ensuring that violent offenders face long prison sentences protects society by removing dangerous individuals from public life.

Paragraph 2: Advocating for Rehabilitation Over Punishment

Alternatively, advocates for rehabilitation argue that addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior is more effective in the long term. Rehabilitative programs provide offenders with essential skills, educational resources, and mental health support, enabling them to reintegrate into society as law-abiding citizens. For instance, Norway’s approach to rehabilitative correctional facilities has significantly reduced its recidivism rate, which now stands among the lowest worldwide. This approach prevents former offenders from reoffending and allows them to contribute positively to their communities.

Paragraph 3: The Balanced Approach

A balanced approach combining punitive measures with rehabilitation may yield the most effective results. While strict punishment deters high-risk crimes, rehabilitation addresses the social and psychological factors contributing to criminal behavior. Many Scandinavian countries, for example, incorporate both aspects in their justice systems, mandating prison sentences for serious offenses while offering educational and vocational training for minor offenders. This dual approach allows for immediate crime deterrence while promoting long-term social reintegration.

Vocabulary and Useful Phrases For Crime and Punishment IELTS Essay

Here’s a selection of phrases and vocabulary that can strengthen your crime and punishment essay:

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Sample Crime and Punishment Essays

Below are sample essays on crime and punishment, offering structured examples that illustrate effective argumentation, vocabulary use, and clear organization to help you craft a compelling response.

Sample Essay 1: Discussing Harsher Punishments vs. Rehabilitation

Topic : Some believe harsher punishments are the best way to reduce crime, while others argue that rehabilitation offers a better solution. Discuss both views and provide your opinion.

Introduction

Crime rates continue to rise in many parts of the world, sparking debate about the most effective way to reduce criminal behavior. While some argue that harsher punishments serve as a strong deterrent, others believe rehabilitation is more beneficial in addressing the root causes of crime. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting a conclusion on the most effective strategy for reducing crime.

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Body Paragraph 1: Supporting Harsher Punishments

Advocates for stricter punishments believe that severe penalties serve as a powerful deterrent, preventing potential offenders from engaging in criminal acts. For instance, Singapore’s strict anti-drug laws, which include the death penalty for high-level trafficking offenses, have led to one of the lowest drug-related crime rates globally. By instilling a strong sense of fear, harsh penalties create a societal expectation of lawfulness. Furthermore, keeping violent criminals incarcerated ensures that they are removed from society, protecting law-abiding citizens.

Body Paragraph 2: Advocating for Rehabilitation Programs

On the other hand, proponents of rehabilitation argue that punitive measures alone fail to address the underlying issues that lead individuals to commit crimes. Rehabilitation programs provide offenders with access to education, psychological counseling, and vocational training, allowing them to reintegrate into society successfully. Norway’s low recidivism rate, resulting from a focus on rehabilitative prison systems, highlights the long-term effectiveness of this approach. Rehabilitation equips individuals with skills and a positive mindset, making them less likely to reoffend.

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Body Paragraph 3: A Balanced Approach

A combination of punitive and rehabilitative approaches may provide the most comprehensive solution. While severe penalties deter high-level and violent crimes, rehabilitation programs address the socio-economic and psychological factors that often underlie criminal behavior. This dual approach allows for immediate crime prevention while supporting offenders in developing the skills needed for societal reintegration.

In conclusion, while harsh punishments serve as an effective deterrent for serious crimes, rehabilitation programs are essential for addressing crime’s underlying causes. A balanced approach that combines both punitive and rehabilitative measures may offer the best solution, reducing crime in both the short and long term.

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Sample Essay 2: Opinion Essay on Crime Prevention and Society’s Role

Topic : Do you agree or disagree that crime prevention should be a societal responsibility, not just a governmental one?

While governments bear primary responsibility for creating and enforcing laws, reducing crime is a complex issue that requires active participation from society. I agree that crime prevention is a shared responsibility between government authorities and society, as collective efforts can tackle the root causes of crime and contribute to creating safer communities.

Body Paragraph 1: Government Responsibility in Crime Prevention

Governments play a critical role in crime prevention through law enforcement, judicial processes, and policies targeting criminal behavior. By funding police forces, enforcing strict laws, and maintaining a judicial system, governments create a framework that discourages criminal activities. Countries with robust policing and judicial practices, such as Japan, report significantly lower crime rates due to the deterrent effects of their legal systems.

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Body Paragraph 2: Societal Role in Crime Prevention

However, crime prevention cannot be fully effective without community involvement. Community programs that foster social engagement and offer vocational training can address the social factors that lead to crime, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. For instance, several European countries have implemented community-driven crime prevention programs that successfully reduce neighborhood crime rates by building strong support networks and providing resources for at-risk individuals.

Body Paragraph 3: Education and Awareness as Preventative Measures

Education also plays a crucial role in crime prevention, as informed individuals are less likely to engage in criminal behavior. Schools and community organizations that promote values such as respect, empathy, and conflict resolution contribute to a society that discourages crime. Studies show that youth involvement in educational and social programs reduces delinquency, highlighting the importance of societal engagement in preventing crime.

In conclusion, while government authorities have a critical role in crime prevention, a collaborative approach that includes societal participation enhances the effectiveness of these efforts. By addressing the socio-economic roots of crime, society can complement governmental efforts and contribute to a safer, more cohesive environment.

Final Tips for Writing Crime and Punishment Essays

Writing about crime and punishment in IELTS essays can be challenging, as it requires a balanced approach to complex issues like justice, rehabilitation, and societal impact. Crafting a well-structured and compelling argument on these topics is crucial for a strong score.

• Stay Balanced : When discussing sensitive topics, maintain a neutral and balanced tone.
• Use Relevant Examples : Real-world examples can strengthen your arguments and provide context.
• Practice Vocabulary : Use topic-specific vocabulary to demonstrate your understanding of the subject.
• Address All Parts of the Prompt : Make sure your essay fully addresses each question or viewpoint to earn higher marks.

Mastering crime and punishment topics in IELTS Writing Task 2 can be challenging, but with structured planning and thoughtful arguments, you can write an essay that demonstrates both critical thinking and language proficiency.

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Crime and Punishment IELTS Essay FAQs

Ans. It focuses on discussing issues related to crime, justice, punishment, and rehabilitation, allowing candidates to present arguments on these social topics.

Ans. Start with an introduction stating the topic and thesis, followed by body paragraphs presenting arguments, and conclude with a summary of your points.

Ans. Topics may include the effectiveness of prison, community service, capital punishment, juvenile crime, and rehabilitation methods.

Ans. Important points include crime causes, punishment types, societal impacts, and the role of rehabilitation.

Ans. Use specific examples, evidence from real-world cases, and balanced arguments that consider multiple perspectives.

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