crime essay in ielts

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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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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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Crime and punishment IELTS model essay with vocabulary

Our band nine sample essays give you the opportunity to learn from successful essays that show off the best structure, vocabulary and grammar. This IELTS essay on crime and punishment explores the advantages and disadvantages of harsh punishment for criminals.

band Nine Sample Essay

In some countries, crimes are punished harshly. what are some advantages and disadvantages of this approach.

Several nations have opted to implement a system of strict penalties, such as long jail sentences and execution, for crimes. In this essay, I will explore the advantage that this is a good deterrent with the disadvantage that this harms rehabilitation .

Punitive measures can help deter future crime. If people can see that crimes will be punished harshly, they are far less likely to want to commit a crime . Because people consider risk versus reward before acting, making crime as risky as possible by increasing punishment can stop criminals. Conversely, when countries have light punishments for crimes like shoplifting , people in those countries might feel like it is worth the risk to do these crimes.

However, these strong punishments also increase recidivism by failing to rehabilitate people. One of the main purposes of sending people to prison is to prevent them from committing crimes when they leave; however, making prisons and other punishments too strict works against this purpose. When criminals have a heavily punitive experience, they lose self-confidence and become distrustful of authority , meaning they are more likely to be involved in crime when they leave prison. Alternatively, if prisoners have access to training and support, such as drug rehabilitation programs and anger management classes, they are far more likely to rejoin society in a productive way. 

In conclusion, the correct punishment for crimes is a complex issue. On the one hand, strong measures deter crime; on the other hand, the same measures make it more likely for prisoners to reoffend .

crime and punishment vocabulary

Although crime and punishment is a common topic in the IELTS exam, there, thankfully, is not too much vocabulary you need to know for it. Let’s take a look at some of the high level vocabulary in this answer to kick start your learning.

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

Updated On Jan 12, 2024

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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 a cause and solution essay with sample answers that will help you to practise and get a good score.

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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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.  

Conclusion 

State the solution 

Sample Essay

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. 

Band 9 Sample Essay

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. 

• Repetition  

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. 

Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion

Many people argue whether every crime should have a fixed punishment. Some people disagree saying that the motive and intent of the crime must be found out.

It is believed that if the criminals are given fixed punishments, they will be more careful while performing their daily activities and will fear to do unlawful activities. This may turn advantageous to society. 

If the punishments are fixed, a lot of time and money will be saved. If different sentences are to be given, the government might have to spend more money on lawyers and on enforcing security measures. Instead of spending money on these purposes, it can be used for other sectors like education, development of society and so on.

On the other side, people think that having the same punishment for every crime may not bring justice in a real sense, because some crimes are unintentional. To avoid this, the punishments must be given knowing the real reason behind them.

Thus we can say that the main focus should be on serving equal justice to the people. There is no point in giving the same punishment for all crimes because no two crimes are of the same motive.

Other essays related to Crime and Punishment

There are also other related essays that you can make use of while practicing for 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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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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Ace Crime Essay in IELTS: All You Should Know about Writing Task 2 Related to Crime

If you are reading this then probably you have buckled your shoes for the IELTS exam and are looking here and there for resources to study and understand the exam pattern well. Well, your search ends here as here in this article you will be getting all the required resources for writing task 2 related to crime.

Especially if you are looking for resources regarding crime essays in IELTS, then here you are going to get everything you are looking for. So, let’s not waste any more time and check what crime writing task 2 is all about.

Crime Essay in IELTS Writing Task 2

IELTS writing task 2 essays can be on different topics, crime-related writing task 2 is one of those. Let’s have a look at some of the IELTS writing task 2 crime topics. Students have to understand the question and write about it within 250 words.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Crime Topics

• ‘Prisons are an expensive way of making bad people worse’ – To what extent do you agree or disagree ?
• In numerous nations, the level of violence is expanding and violations are getting more fierce. Why do you think this is and what can be done about it? – Give explanations behind your answer and incorporate any significant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
• Longer prison sentences can help in a violence rate reduction. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing violence. Discuss both views and give your opinion. – Give explanations for your answer and include any examples.
• Instead of putting behind bars, certain prisoners should be made to do community work at free of cost. To what extent do you agree?

Crime Topics for IELTS

• As soon as prisoners get released, they commit further violence. What do you think are the causes of this and according to you what can be the solution?
• As technology is advancing and can prevent as well as solve violence, the violence rate is decreasing. Do you agree or disagree ?
• As many countries are witnessing the increased violence rate, there is a belief among many people that by having more police in the streets can reduce the rate. To what extent do you agree?
• There is a belief that women should not work while working in the police force. Do you agree or disagree?

Youth Crime IELTS Essay

• Teenagers committed violence rates are increasing in many societies. They should be punished just as adults no matter whatever their age might be. To what extent do you agree?
• It is often thought that expansion in youth violence can be ascribed to brutality in the media. Do you agree that this is the main cause of youth violence? What solution According to you, what can be the solution?

Topics for Writing Task 2 on Crime

• Alcohol consumption leads to many crimes thus many people have a belief that banning alcohol can be good for reducing the violence rate. According to you is this an effective measure against violence? What can be the other solutions according to you?
• Fixed punishment for all crimes- Merits and demerits of this method?
• According to many, the government should be responsible for violence prevention. There are others who think that it is the responsibility of the individual. Discuss both the sides and also give your opinion.

Crime-Related Writing Task 2 Topics

• One of the biggest problems in the world is violence. There is a belief that there is no prevention. How much do you agree or disagree with this belief? What’s your opinion on this?
• To reduce the serious violence rate in any country, the death penalty is the best way. To what extent do you agree?
• The violence rate is generally higher in rural areas than in urban areas. According to you what is the reason behind it and what can be done to reduce the rate?

Criminal Justice Essay IELTS

• Is there a better way to deal with criminals than putting them in prison? Share your opinion.
• Do you agree or disagree with the fact belief that poverty is one of the reasons behind most crimes?
• As more and more people are making a financial transaction via the internet, the internet violence rate is increasing rapidly. According to you, how to tackle this problem?
• According to you what is the reason behind the increasing violence rate in cities? What can be the role of the government to reduce the violence rate?

Also Read :  Tips to Solve Diagram Type Questions in IELTS Reading Test

Crime-related Vocabulary for Writing Task 2

Following are some important English vocabulary words that students should try to use in his/ her writing task 2 on crime.

• Drug trafficking
• Human trafficking
• Premeditated murder
• White-collar crime
• Shoplifting
• Juvenile delinquent
• Corporal punishment
• Peer pressure
• Rehabilitation
• Discrimination

Vocabulary Suitable for Criminal Justice Essay IELTS

• Extenuating circumstances
• Circumstantial evidence
• Legislation
• Rehabilitate
• Imprisonment
• Community service
• Incarcerate
• Manslaughter
• False imprisonment

Just like any other section of the exam, the writing part is a very important part of the exam as if a student fails to get good marks in this part, his/ her overall band score will suffer. So in order to achieve a higher band score, one must pay good attention to writing task 2 on crime.

For even better results, students can get enrolled in some IELTS classes where they can have a personal mentor for guiding them through the whole process of preparation.

Hopefully, the above-mentioned crime topics for the IELTS exam writing task 2 will help you understand the topics better. You can take these topics and practice writing and while you practice, use the vocabulary because using good and proper words play an important role in getting good band scores.

Also Read :  IELTS Reading Summary Completion Tips: Guide to Boost Your IELTS Reading Test Score

One Comment

Thank you for providing some insights and also help us solve the crime essays. May I have some tips to boost my score here?

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Sample Essay on Rising Crime Rates

Posted by David S. Wills | Nov 21, 2022 | Model Essays | 0

There are many common IELTS topics that you frequently see in task 2 of the writing test, and one of those is the topic of crime. Today, we are going to look at a sample essay relating to this subject and I’ll point out some useful ideas in terms of vocabulary and structure.

Analysing the Question

Before you start any IELTS essay, you should spend a moment thinking about the question. This is important because sometimes they can be trickier than they initially appear.

Here’s our question for today:

In many countries, the level of crime is increasing and crimes are becoming more violent. Why do you think this is and what can be done about it?

Fortunately, this is not a difficult question. The meaning is pretty straightforward and I think most people could grasp what they need to do. Ultimately, you need to do two things:

• Say why crime is increasing in frequency and level of violence
• Suggest some solutions to this problem

This is what’s known as either a “ cause and solution essay ” or “problem and solution essay.” Either way, you have two parts – either a cause or a problem and then a solution to that problem.

It is important you don’t focus only on one part. Also, in this particular question, don’t overlook the fact that it’s about both rising crime levels and rising violence levels.

Generating Ideas

This isn’t the easiest question to answer. Actually, it took me a while to think of some good ideas for it because, to the best of my knowledge, crime (and especially violent crime) has actually been decreasing in recent decades! Look at this line graph:

Of course, that’s just for Western Europe, and in some parts of the world the opposite trend can be observed. Here, we can see that some places have, sadly, seen a rise in homicides (that means the same as murder):

Considering the question, I had to think creatively. In those places that I don’t really know about, what factors could have caused rising crime levels and in particular rising violent crime rates?

To answer questions like this, it’s not enough just to be good at English. You need to have a good general knowledge and that means you should read widely, listen to podcasts, watch the news, and become an informed world citizen.

I have a whole article on learning to generate great ideas for IELTS essays.

Structuring your Essay

When it comes to cause and solution essays, I typically structure them like this:

There may be other great ways to structure your essay, but this is my preference. It allows me to write sample answers quickly and effectively, putting forth my position as clearly as possible in a very short time.

Think about it: You have two things to write, so why not put one in each of your body paragraphs? Simple!

I will structure this essay as follows:

In this sort of essay, it can be hard to write an introduction and in particular an essay outline . That’s because you aren’t putting forth any opinion and instead you’re hinting at the ideas that you will explain later.

I want to make clear in my essay that this is not an easy situation to explain and that it will also be hard to fix! Don’t worry. You can be honest. It’s better to give a nuanced explanation than to simply say, “We need the government to solve it.” That is simplistic and lacks intelligence.

Finally, remember to include a conclusion that summarises your ideas without repeating them.

Vocabulary about Crime

I have a whole article on the IELTS topic of crime and punishment . It gives lots of vocabulary and even includes a helpful video that can make learning more interesting!

In this essay, I will use the following words and phrases:

Remember that you can always learn more crime-related vocabulary by searching on Google News or just reading the newspaper each day. I highly recommend that you check out websites such as BBC News and The Guardian . You will see a lot of articles about crime there.

Sample Band 9 Answer

In some parts of the world, crime rates are increasing and the types of crime are becoming more violent. This can be attributed to urbanisation and the deterioration of traditional values and, in order to fix it, societies will need to work to give people more opportunities.

Whilst crimes rates are plummeting in most parts of the world, in some places they are on the rise. Obviously, the reasons for this depend on the individual location, but generally it seems to happen because people are moving from traditional ways of living to big cities. The problem is that, in small communities, people have purpose and accountability. In other words, a young man would be known by all the people in his village and have a job to do in order to contribute to that society. However, when the village disbands and he goes to the big city, it is not easy to make a good living. He might become part of a gang or become addicted to drugs. Without accountability and in the comparatively anonymous environment of the big city, he could easily become engaged in desperate and violent crimes.

Fixing this sort of problem is never easy, but there are various approaches. Certainly, it helps to improve policing but perhaps the problem can be stopped at its root if people are given more education and opportunity. These people would likely not turn to crime if they were supported as part of a community. Again, this is not an easy thing to facilitate, but it is possible through different approaches. Ultimately, the aim needs to be maintaining social values and giving people a sense of responsibility and purpose. When people have these things, they are much less likely to engage in violent crimes.

In conclusion, there are myriad reasons for crime rates increasing but perhaps urbanisation and the loss of traditional values are to blame. Giving people purpose and making them accountable for their own actions could counteract this.

As I mentioned above, I felt surprised that this question talked about rising crime rates but it does make sense when you think that certain countries or parts of countries are indeed experiencing this problem. Thus, I tried to put my feelings forward with careful explanations.

You will see that my body paragraphs are quite complex. That’s because this is not a simple topic. I don’t feel it’s possible to get a band 9 for Task Response without explaining just how complex the causes and solutions to crime are. It is not an easy issue to discuss.

You will see that I’ve avoided any bizarre vocabulary. Long-term readers of this blog will know that such an approach is not helpful. The best thing is to use the right word, whatever that may be. Aim for accuracy rather than obscurity.

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 Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

Ielts essay # 287 - fixed punishments for each type of crime, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment..

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Crime | IELTS Problem/Solution Essay Sample

In this post, we will look at a problem/solution  essay  example from the IELTS writing task 2 test. Students often ask if the questions are repeated year after year and the answer is no, but the topics are. There are so many questions written each year, you may find your practice answering various questions on different topics. For example, you could write essays to answer questions about education or the environment, which benefits you because you learn vocabulary associated with those topics and develop ideas that can help you in your writing test.

Practising writing IELTS task 2 essays  on a range of topics is a great way to learn new vocabulary for those topics, but also to practice your essay structures . You begin to develop your ideas around those topics, thinking of examples and giving your opinions.

If you would like to learn how to structure a problem/solution essay  please click the button below >

Take a look at the IELTS essay example  below >>

Different nations are now facing the problem of ever-increasing numbers of juvenile criminals. Firstly, this essay will discuss the causes of this dilemma and secondly the possible answers to solve this challenge.

On the one hand, many adults would often use children to help them commit offences. This is because young children are not punishable by law, but rather they are only subjected to undergo seminars and training that would help them to become law-abiding citizens. In addition, being born into a poor family and having no education makes them susceptible to criminal gangs because they want to help their families and they think that it’s an easy way of earning. For instance, the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Philippines in 2017 reported that 98% of the juvenile criminals are out of school youths.

On the other hand, the government and the community should cooperate in order to solve this problem. They should help the parents of these children by providing training and offering benefits that would supply a budget for their families. Free education should be also given to these children so that they can have employment prospects when they grow up. The government should also address the problem of overpopulation by allocating a budget for family planning because having a larger family means that one will have higher living costs. For example, a study by the Philippine National Police in 2016 stated that 95% of young offenders came from poor families with more than 8 family members.

In conclusion, children should be subjected to love and care and not be subjected to the evils of society. We should keep in mind that our children are our future and they hold the key to our survival.

(Word count – 290 / Band score 8)

IELTS Writing Task 2 Question Types

Agree/Disagree Essays ADVANTAGE / DISADVANTAGE ESSAY CAUSE AND EFFECT ESSAY IELTS Problem/Solution Essay IELTS Discussion Essay  POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE ESSAY Direct Question Essay IELTS Writing Task 2 Student Essay

• Task Achievement  – The essay provides an answer to the question asked, supported by relevant examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion  – The answer has been divided into clear logical paragraphs and each main body paragraph only has one main idea. There are cohesive links between the main body paragraphs .
• Lexical Resource  – There is evidence of a wide range of vocabulary, with no errors in the text.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy  – The answer has no grammatical errors. The sentences have a wide range of structures. 

We hope you found this post useful in helping you to study for the IELTS Test . If you have any questions please let us know in the comments below or on the Facebook page.

The best way to keep up to date with posts like this is to like us on Facebook , then follow us on Instagram and Pinterest . If you need help preparing for the IELTS Test, join the IELTS Achieve Academy and see how we can assist you to achieve your desired band score. We offer an essay correction service, mock exams and online courses.

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Youth Crime Essay

This sample IELTS writing is on the subject of  youth crime .

In this essay, you are presented with an issue and asked to discuss the  'reasons'  why it is occuring and suggest  'solutions' .

Crime is a topic that sometimes arises in IELTS essays and in speaking questions. But be careful to identify what kind of crime is being referred to - this is specifically  youth crime .

You need to give some reasons that it is happening and then give some solutions.

IELTS Youth Crime Essay

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Levels of youth crime are increasing rapidly in most cities around the world.

What are the reasons for this, and suggest some solutions.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer

Over the last few decades, many cities around the world have seen alarming increases in the levels of youth crime. This essay will discuss the reasons for this and provide some possible solutions.

The first reason is connected with the family. In order for a child to grow up in a balanced way, it is very important that he or she is nurtured well by his or her parents. However, these days, it is often the case that children are neglected. This may be because of the fact that many parents in cities now both have to work so are often not around to give their children support when needed. Another factor is the increasing levels of poverty around the world. We have seen with globalization the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, and this inevitably means that those who are poorer will have to resort to illegal means to get what others have. Of course, this will include the children in the poorer families.

However, there are ways to tackle such problems. Firstly, one of the ways to combat the problem is to have stricter punishments. Although, as discussed above, it can be outside factors that lead to crime, it is still important to have severe punishments to deter teenagers from crime. All too often, because they are young, the courts are too lenient. Parents also have to take more responsibility for their children’s actions. They too should be punished if their children commit crime.

To sum up, several factors have led to increases in youth crime, but measures are available to tackle this problem.

(267 words)

The topic of youth crime is clearly stated in the general statement of the introduction, and the thesis tells the reader that reasons and solutions will be discussed.

It is organized well, with reasons for youth crime discussed in the first body paragraph and solutions in the next. Each paragraph has two ideas and they are clearly signaled and well supported.

There are some good complex structures (In order for…, often the case that…, means that…,) and some good examples of topic related vocabulary (nurtured…, neglected…, illegal…, severe punishments…, deter…, commit crime…).

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Why might International travel sometimes make people prejudiced?

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Why do many children have difficulty paying attention in class?

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Essay on Museums and Historical Places: Why don't local people visit?

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Essay: Why are traditional festivals and celebrations disappearing?

IELTS essay on the disappearance of traditional festivals and celebrations - view a model answer and tips on how to answer the question

Why is there a lack of communication between younger and older people?

This IELTS Essay is about the decline in communication between younger and older people in society. It is a causes and solutions type essay question.

Global Warming Essay: Why is the planet warming & what can be done?

In this global warming essay you are asked in the question to discuss the causes of global warming and possible solutions for individuals and the government.

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IELTS vocabulary: crime and punishment

Updated: April 7th 2022

In IELTS writing task 2 various topics come up, such as the environment, family, society, work, technology, education, food and diet, health, sports and sometimes crime. The topic of crime is difficult for many students as there is so much vocabulary surrounding this.

When learning new words you should always learn how the words collocate in a sentence. Research has shown that the best method is to learn set phrases and ‘chunks of language’ not single word lists when learning a new language. When learning new phrases practice making sentences with them to see how they look in context. 

To see an IELTS essay model answer on the topic of ‘crime’ click the blue button below and make note of any new words you find.

Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Some people argue that longer jail terms are the most effective way to lower the crime rate, whereas others think that it is possible to reduce criminal offences using different methods. This essay argues that serious offenders should serve longer prison time because society needs to be protected from dangerous criminals.

On the one hand, it is widely felt that prolonged incarceration is necessary for people who commit terrible crimes to reduce the crime rate, and I completely agree with this view. This is because serious criminals such as murderers, rapists or violent offenders need to be kept away from society for as long as possible. If they are released early they will most likely re-offend and go on to commit terrible acts. For instance, evidence suggests that crime rates in developed countries, which have very long prison sentences or the death penalty for murder, are considerably lower than those with lenient sentences.

On the other hand, there is an argument that relying on sentencing to longer incarceration periods is not effective in lowering crime. In other words, society should find ways to tackle the issue of re-offending. To illustrate this, studies from the UK Government have shown that most ex-inmates tend to re-offend because they cannot integrate back into society. Hence, they need support such as education and job training to rebuild their life rather than spending years behind bars. I believe that helping them is essential to stop them from re-offending, however, heavier penalties for serious crimes must not be overlooked.

In conclusion, despite differing views on how to reduce crime, I believe keeping hardened criminals in jail for extended periods is essential to deter them from going back into society and endangering public safety.

Types of crime:

For definitions and meaning go to www.dictionary.com and type the word into the ‘definitions’ box at the top of the page..

Serious crimes

• Fraud / Scam 
• Manslaughter
• Attempted murder
• Drug smuggling
• Human trafficking
• Embezzlement
• Organised crime
• Corporate crime

Less serious crimes

• Shoplifting
• Petty crime / Misdemeanour
• Juvenile crime
• Drink driving
• Texting while driving
• Jumping a red light/traffic violations
• Pickpocketing
• Possession of drugs (in some countries this is a serious crime)

People who carry out the crimes (in red)  notice the article ‘a’ before the person

Burglary – a burglar Theft – a thief Pickpocketing – a pickpocket Murder – a murderer Robbery – a robber Mugging – a mugger Fraud – a fraudster Scam – a scammer Shoplifting – a shoplifter Hacking – a hacker Arson – an arsonist Offence – an offender Crime – a criminal

Example sentences:

Click the button below to see these words in context.

• Online fraud and internet banking scams are rising all over the world now.
• The number of phishing scams has increased recently.
• Extortion is commonly used by organised crime syndicates in many countries.
• She was imprisoned for 25 years for committing murder.
• He spent 8 years in jail for committing manslaughter .
• Shoplifting is common among people who are experiencing poverty.
• Petty crime, such as shoplifting, has decreased considerably in this town.
• Juvenile crime was a serious issue in London during the 1970s.
• He spent 1 year in prison for burglary.
• Human trafficking is a major problem worldwide now.
• Corporate crime, such as bribery , is widespread among developed nations.
• The number of muggings in London is much lower now compared to a decade ago.
• He was charged with assault and sentenced to prison for 6 months.
• A parking fine is usually considered to be a misdemeanour .
• He pleaded guilty to  attempted murder  and was given a lengthy jail term.

Collocations and set phrases:

Here are some common phrases and collocations connected to crime with some example sentences to show how they fit in the context of a sentence.

bring crime rates down / reduce crime rates 

• The government has announced new policies to reduce crime rates.
• The government has announced new policies to bring crime rates down.

sentenced to prison / to be given a prison sentence 

• He was sentenced to 3 months in prison for fraud. 
• He was given a 2-year prison sentence for robbery. 

found guilty of a crime

• He was found guilty of fraud and was given 2 years in prison by the Judge.

convicted of a crime

• He was convicted of murder and was given life imprisonment.

jail / prison / behind bars / incarcerated /  locked up 

• The judge sentenced him to 6 months in prison.
• The judge sentenced him to 6 months in jail.
• He was incarcerated for 5 years.
• Many people believe that long term incarceration is the best punishment for murder.
• Dangerous criminals need to be locked up.
• He is serving 2 years behind bars for arson.

serving time/imprisonment

• He is serving time behind bars for fraud .
• Imprisonment for serious offences should be far higher than for less serious crimes.

commit a crime / c riminal activities / break the law

• The number of crimes committed rose by 12% last year. 
• He committed a serious crime so he will be punished accordingly. 
• Criminal activities have been increasing due to far fewer police patrols in the city centre. 
• If you break the law you could go to jail or get a fine.

offenders / lawbreakers / offences / re-offend / re-offending

• Offences such as shoplifting and theft have declined in recent years. 
• The number of serious offenders in the UK has dropped by 5% this year.
• Law courts must deal with  lawbreakers effectively.
• Many serious criminals tend to re-offend after being released from prison.
• Re-offending is common among those that were jailed for long periods.

accused of wrongdoing 

• The politician was accused of wrongdoing so he resigned from his post.

heavy penalties / strict penalties / harsh treatment 

• The police give heavy penalties to anyone caught drinking and driving.
• Strict penalties for drunk driving are widely believed to be the most effective policy.
• In some societies, harsh treatment in prison is considered the best way to deter serious crimes.

a lenient sentence / get off lightly / a soft option

• Although the offender was accused of manslaughter, he got a lenient sentence of only 9 months.
• Considering that he was convicted of assault, he got off lightly with only a fine.
• Fines for drunk driving offences are often believed to be a soft option.

the criminal justice system

• The criminal justice system in Japan is in desperate need of reform.

convicts / prisoners / inmates

• In developing countries, many of the inmates receive harsh treatment in prison.
• The news reported that there were two escaped convicts on the loose.
• Many of the prisoners took part in riots protesting the extremely harsh conditions of the jail

rehabilitation/counselling sessions

• In Norway, there is an emphasis on rehabilitation of offenders with regular counselling sessions , rather than long periods in jail.

integrate back into society 

• It is very difficult for someone who has been in jail for many years to integrate back into society.

held under house arrest

• The businessman is being held under house arrest while authorities investigate the charges of embezzlement against him.

community service

• Many people would argue that community service is just a soft option for criminals.

act as a deterrent

• The main advantage of long prison sentences is that they act as a deterrent.

pay a hefty fine

• The police are giving out hefty fines of $500 to anyone caught speeding.

seek compensation

• The defendants’ lawyer is seeking compensation for the wrongful imprisonment of his client.

a miscarriage of justice

He was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 10 years in prison due to a miscarriage of justice.

Other useful phrases

Take a look at the example sentences and check the online dictionary for the full definition here www.dictionary.com

• Court   –  The case will be heard in court next Monday
• Court case –  After the high profile court case he was followed everywhere by the press.
• The judge –  The judge sentenced him to 3 years in prison.
• The defendant –  The defendant wanted more time to prepare his case.
• The jury –    The jury came to a decision and found the defendant not guilty.
• Charged with a crime –  The defendant was charged with robbery.
• Guilty –  She was found guilty of shoplifting
• Innocent – He was found innocent and not charged with any crime.
• Evidence / Proof – There was no evidence or proof to show that he committed the crime.
• Verdict –   The jury reached a verdict and found the defendant guilty of fraud.
• In custody –  She spent 5 days in custody awaiting her sentence.
• Trial –  He is currently in custody and is awaiting trial.
• Witness –  The witness was given police protection as it was a high profile murder case.
• Make an appeal –  The defence lawyer made an appeal to the judge as he felt that the punishment was very unfair.
• Seek damages – The defendant is seeking damages for unlawful imprisonment.

Leave a comment below if you have any questions.

Leave a comment cancel reply.

• Israel-Hamas War

Israel Has Been Accused of War Crimes in Gaza. Could Its Allies Be Next?

W hen Israel launched its retaliatory war to root out Hamas from Gaza in the aftermath of the group’s Oct. 7 massacre, it had the overwhelming support of a horrified world. Six months on, Gaza lies in ruin. Its 2.3 million population, most of whom have been internally displaced, faces widespread famine. More than 33,000 Palestinians, the majority civilians, have been killed. And Israel, once backed by the full-throttle support of its closest allies, appears more isolated than ever before.

Nothing exemplifies this isolation more than the growing calls for the U.S., the U.K., and Germany to suspend arms sales to Israel. These calls, which have only grown louder in the days following the killing of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers in an Israeli airstrike, are now coming from some of the highest levels of transatlantic politics. 

In the U.S., 56 congressional lawmakers (among them former House speaker Nancy Pelosi) penned a letter urging President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken to withhold further weapons transfers to Israel until a full investigation into the deadly airstrike concludes, and to condition future assistance to ensure its compliance with U.S. and international law. One, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, even went so far as to say that Israel’s actions in Gaza could legally be considered a genocide .

Read More: ‘It’s Not Just a One-Off Incident:’ What the World Central Kitchen Deaths Reveal

In the U.K., Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing mounting pressure from parliamentarians and legal experts alike to suspend arms sales following revelations that the government received legal advice that Israel has broken international law in Gaza. Meanwhile, in Germany—which this week faces allegations brought forward by Nicaragua at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that it is “ facilitating the commission of genocide ” in Gaza by supplying arms to Israel—hundreds of civil servants have reportedly written to Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other senior ministers calling on Berlin to “cease arm deliveries to the Israeli government with immediate effect.”

Central to all of these calls is a concern over whether Israel’s conduct in Gaza could constitute a breach of international humanitarian law—and, if so, what it means for the countries that have backed the Israeli war effort with arms and assistance. If Western weapons are found to have been used in the perpetration of war crimes (or, worse, genocide ) in Gaza, what culpability could their suppliers face? If Israel is deemed to have fallen on the wrong side of international law, could it bring its allies down with it?

Legal experts tell TIME that the answer largely depends on which laws and treaties one consults. Among the most emphasized is the international Arms Trade Treaty, in which Article 7 requires party states to undertake a risk assessment of all arms transfers—and, where there’s an overriding risk that those arms could be used to commit or facilitate violations of international humanitarian law, to prohibit their export. The U.S. hasn’t been a party to the U.N. treaty since former President Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2019. (Washington does, however, have its own domestic legislation that prohibits it from providing military assistance to foreign military units suspected of committing human rights violations.) But it nonetheless applies to 113 other state signatories, including Germany, which is the second-largest provider of arms to Israel after the U.S. Some countries, including Canada and Italy , have already opted to halt their arms exports to Israel, citing concerns over their compliance with domestic and international law. In the Netherlands, the government was ordered to suspend its delivery of F-35 fighter aircraft after a Dutch court determined that there was a “ clear risk ” that they could be used to violate international humanitarian law. 

Such a precedent could have serious implications for the U.K., a signatory, which despite providing far fewer arms to Israel has suspended its exports in the past: First in 1982 , and then again in 2009 . While the British government contends that its arms sales to Israel are compliant with international law, human rights organizations have argued that this position is inconsistent with mounting evidence of war crimes. “They’re very well aware that there’s equipment that they’ve currently already licensed, and component parts of equipment that they’ve licensed, that are likely to be used by the IDF in Gaza now,” Yasmine Ahmed, the U.K. Director of Human Rights Watch, tells TIME. “That means that they’re clearly breaching those obligations under international law.”

The obligation that perhaps looms largest over Gaza is the responsibility that states have to prevent and punish genocide under Article 1 of the Genocide Convention. In a landmark decision in January, the ICJ determined in an interim judgment that there is a plausible risk of Israel committing genocide in Gaza. While this doesn’t constitute a definitive ruling (genocide cases can take years to resolve), it does put Israel’s allies on notice. “It makes countries aware that there’s that risk,” Ahmed says. “Continuing to provide arms to Israel when an apex U.N. court has said that there’s a plausible risk of genocide means that there’s a very serious risk that countries are also violating the Genocide convention, to the extent that they’re failing to prevent genocide by continuing to arm Israel.”

That prospect, and the potential criminal liability that comes with it, has prompted concern among British civil servants overseeing U.K. arms exports to Israel, who last week requested to “ suspend all such work ” over fears that it could put them in legal jeopardy. Their request came a week after a third U.S. State Department official publicly resigned over the Biden administration’s handling of the war in Gaza—a decision that Annelle Sheline, who served in the office devoted to promoting human rights in the Middle East, attributed to the administration’s “flagrant disregard for American laws” and the inability of her or other federal employees to influence policy. Indeed, State Department staff have reportedly sent at least eight internal dissent memos registering their disapproval of U.S. policy on the war, according to the Independent . By contrast, just one was sent during the first three years of the Iraq War.

Read More: How Israel and Its Allies Lost Global Credibility

Michael Becker, a professor of international human rights law at Trinity College in Dublin and a former associate legal officer at the ICJ, tells TIME that in a situation where the ICJ has already determined that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, “it would then be possible for another state that has provided arms to Israel—if such arms were used to commit genocidal acts—also to be found to have violated international law.” He adds, however, that it is difficult to prove that a state was legally complicit in genocide as it would require proving that the state was aware of another state’s genocidal intent; it's easier to prove that a state failed to meet its international obligation to prevent genocide, the responsibility for which is triggered the moment state learns there’s a serious risk that genocide will be committed. Nicaragua’s case against Germany at The Hague, a ruling on which is expected in the coming weeks, rests on the latter argument. 

While what it means to meet one’s obligation to prevent genocide can vary from state to state depending on their relative capabilities or leverage, “Lawmakers in the U.S. and the U.K. and elsewhere need to be thinking very carefully about whether their conduct puts them at risk of violating or breaching their obligation to prevent genocide,” Becker says, adding: “I don’t think it’s a very big leap from that understanding of the obligation to prevent genocide to the conclusion that it’s problematic to continue providing arms to Israel without any meaningful safeguards.

While a judgement on whether Israel has committed genocide is likely years away, if the ICJ were to determine that Israel had committed acts of genocide in Gaza and found that its allies who supplied arms did so with full knowledge of risk, among the tangible consequences that states could face include an order from the ICJ to take remedial action, such as paying financial reparations. What’s less clear, however, is how such orders could be enforced. “The ICJ has no means of enforcing its decisions,” Becker says. “At the end of the day, the ICJ has to rely on others to carry out its decisions.”

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Write to Yasmeen Serhan at [email protected]

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