ielts essay topic crime

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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 essay Crime and Punishment

Crime and punishment.

This blog teaches you how to write essays on the topic of Crime and Punishment.

It includes the following:

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲:

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞:

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬:

• 𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬:

𝐌𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐲:

• Capital Punishment: the legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime.
• Detention: the action of detaining someone or the state of being detained in official custody.
• Forensics: scientific tests or techniques used in connection with the detection of crime.
• Incarceration: the state of being confined in prison; imprisonment.
• Juvenile Delinquency: the habitual committing of criminal acts or offenses by a young person, particularly one below the age at which ordinary criminal prosecution is possible.
• Misdemeanor: a minor wrongdoing; a non-indictable offense, regarded in the US (and formerly in the UK) as less serious than a felony.
• Probation: the release of an offender from detention, subject to a period of good behavior under supervision.
• Rehabilitation: the action of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy after imprisonment, addiction, or illness.
• Restorative Justice: a system of criminal justice that focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large.
• Sentencing: the declaration of a punishment assigned to a defendant found guilty by a court, or fixed by law for a particular offense.

Crime and punishment are critical components of any society’s legal and moral framework, reflecting how a community upholds justice and social order. This topic encompasses the various aspects of the criminal justice system, the ethics of punishment, and the effectiveness of different punitive measures. Understanding these elements is essential for fostering a safer, more just society.

Debates in the realm of crime and punishment often revolve around the effectiveness and morality of various forms of punishment, such as capital punishment versus life imprisonment. Proponents of harsher sentencing argue that severe penalties deter crime more effectively. In contrast, advocates for rehabilitative approaches emphasize the potential for reducing recidivism through programs focused on reintegrating offenders into society. Another area of contention is the application of restorative justice and its role in healing communities versus traditional punitive measures.

𝐄𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: Internationally, the debate over the abolition of the death penalty in various countries continues to evoke strong opinions on both sides.

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.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Some people believe that a uniform set of legal consequences should be applied to all offences, while others contend that the specific details and reasons behind each crime should be taken into account when determining the suitable penalty. This essay discusses both views and explains why I believe that the best approach would utilise both types of sentences depending on the severity of the case.

Advocates for fixed legal consequences have two main arguments. The main one is that a standardised approach ensures equality in the justice system. For instance, traffic violations typically incur set fines, which means that all lawbreakers receive the same penalty for the same criminal acts. Moreover, victims of crimes can feel that equity is upheld. This is because they can have clear expectations about the punishment perpetrators will receive.

Conversely, people who believe it is better to decide the penalty on a case-by-case basis, argue that such an approach neglects the nuances of individual cases. They assert that true justice requires consideration of the context of each crime, such as any mitigating circumstances. For instance, killing a person in self-defence should be treated differently than premeditated murder. Furthermore, in some cases where the perpetrator has suffered from an unusually harsh background, rehabilitation should be prioritised over retribution. For example, addiction or mental health issues may warrant treatment and support rather than strict prison sentences.

In conclusion, I believe both sides of the argument have merits. However, an ideal approach is to use fixed disciplinary actions for minor offences as they offer clarity and deterrence; however, for major offences where the consequences are severe, the circumstances should be considered to account for the intricacies of each case.

𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞:

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IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic Model Examples

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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Without capital punishment (the death penalty) our lives are less secure and crimes of violence increase. Capital punishment is essential to control violence in society. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

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

Write at least 250 words.

By punishing murderers with the death penalty, society is also guilty of committing murder. Therefore, life in prison is a better punishment for murderers. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

You should write at least 250 words

A lot of people believe that the amount of violence shown on TV and in the cinema affects the actions of our young people and therefore increases the amount of violence in our society today. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? What can be done to reduce violence in our society today?

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Band 9 sample essay about crime

Home  »  IELTS BAND 9 ESSAYS  »  Band 9 sample essay about crime

Crime is a big problem in the world; many believe that nothing can be done to prevent it. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give your own opinion.

Crime is unquestionably one of the most prevailing and worrying aspects in any society, and its prevention should be taken seriously. Crime prevention can be executed in various ways, firstly through a sustained honest presence in the community and secondly through international cooperation.

A local presence by incorruptible law enforcement authorities may be costly, however, the long-term investment would pay dividends in the future. A safer region would encourage trade, investment and set an invaluable example for younger generations.

For example, crime has dramatically been reduced in the Favelas around Rio de Janiero in Brazil. This was achieved largely through the government committing large funds of money to stationing police headquarters in and around the slums. These financial expenditures greatly benefited the community.

Secondly, due to the large-scale severity and the global impact that crime has in some areas of the world, global cooperation is critical. Operating in a different way would incur significant financial losses and render any expenditure futile.

For example, Somalian pirates in Africa have reigned terror amongst many ocean transport companies in the area. Only through large-scale international cooperation was policing the area possible. Therefore, crime reduction can be attributed to a joint effort between countries.

To conclude, illegal activities are a costly and dangerous fact in the present global economy; however, through large-scale government investment prevention is an attainable goal. Also, spreading the expense through international cooperation the resources invested can be significantly more effective in reducing criminals’ effectiveness abroad.

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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 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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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 Topic: Crime and Punishment Vocabulary

Updated On Sep 26, 2022

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Table of Contents

Expressing views about crime and punishment.

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Law, Crime and the Legal System and its related issues rank among the top ten most common IELTS Writing Task 2 topics. Here is a set of useful collocations and phrases for IELTS writing task 2 on this topic. Learning these will help you familiarize yourself with the topic and give you some relevant ideas about crime and legal issues to write about.

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This post will cover a wide range of collocations and vocabulary related to crime and punishment that will enable IELTS candidates to boost their band score for IELTS writing to Band  7.0+

1. The crime rate:  a measure of the number of crimes in a particular area during a period of time.

“The reduction of the crime rate is the main goal for lawmakers.

2. To commit a crime:  does something wrong or illegal.

“In the US, a young person who commits a crime by stealing a car will almost certainly go to prison.”

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3. Prison sentence:  the period of time served in prison under such as a sentence.

“It is the heated debate that government have to pass lenient laws that would avoid the  prison sentence while others think it would increase the crime rate in our society.”

4. Deterrent:  a punishment makes somebody less likely to do illegal activities.

“The death penalty acts as a deterrent to people who wish to bring drugs illegally into another country.”

5. Loss of freedom: Restriction, imprisonment.

“Loss of freedom is a punishment that offenders have to face when they go to jail.”

6. White-collar crime:  Crimes committed by “office works”, for example, fraud.

“More and more employees who work in a bank turn into crime as white-collar crime.”

7. Be put on probation:  To be under supervision to ensure their good behavior.

“Sometimes first-time offenders are not imprisoned but are put on probation for a set period of time to ensure their good behavior.”

8 . Social isolation:  the state of separating somebody from our society.

“The offenders have to serve the prison sentence as the social isolation to remain safety of society.”

9. A violent criminal:  Includes assault, mugging and robbery.

“A student who is bullied at school may turn into a violent criminal  when they grow up.

10. Motive for crime:  The reason why people commit crimes.

” A desire for revenge on his wife is a motive for his crime as murder. “

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11. Allay the fears: to make someone feel less afraid, worried.

“I believe that some solutions could help to allay people’s fears.”

12. Turn to a career of crime:  become a criminal.

“Nowadays, in the harshly competitive labor market, the unemployment rate is rising rapidly, more and more people cannot meet the basic human’s need that is maybe a reason for them to turn to a career of crime. “

13. To be imprisoned:  Go to a jail.

” Being imprisoned is the best way to punish offenders for their guilty. “

14. To breed future offenders:  influence people, especially young people, in such a way that they later commit a crime.

“Parents should give more attention to their offspring in order to avoid breeding future offenders .”

15. Easy money:  Money that you get without working hard for it, especially when you do illegal activities to get this money.

“To make easy money, the bank robbery have stolen two billion dollars from five international banks in this year.”

16. To break the law:  do something illegal.

“If a person breaks the law , he is certainly imprisoned .”

17. To resort to crime:  to use crime because there is no other solution.

“After losing all money from the game, the men resorted to crime to get easy money .”

18. Illegal activities:  the illegal acts.

“It is alarming that more and more youngsters turn into i llegal activities. “

19. Fall foul of the law:  to get into trouble with the police because you are doing something illegal.

“In Vietnam, if the company discharges the huge amount of untreated waste into rivers, they certainly fall foul of the law. “

20. Juvenile delinquency:  Antisocial behavior committed by people under eighteen years old.

“It is true that juvenile delinquency rate is increasing alarmingly, which could jeopardize the social stability.”

21. Soaring crime rates: crime rates rising very fast.

Example: We are facing off soaring crime rates and it’s high time the criminals were brought to justice .

22. Miscarriages of justice: Situation where innocent people are found guilty.

Example: There have been a multitude of miscarriages of justice recently.

23. Trumped-up charges: invented and false accusations.

24. Face trial : face a legal court case.

Example: No one in the world should face trial on the basis of unreliable evidence or trumped-up charges.

25. Escape punishment: Not facing any consequences for a crime.

Example: The boys escaped punishment as they were related to the judge.

26. Custodial sentences: a sentence to be served in a prison or similar institution

27. Commit minor offences : Doing small crimes.

Example: While the rich always seem to escape punishment, poor people seem to receive custodial sentences even for committing minor offences

28. Extenuating circumstances: circumstances that lessen the blame

29. Serve out one’s sentence: serve the full amount of time

Courts and Trials

The trial was adjourned: the trial was suspended till a later time or date.

To be remanded in custody: send to prison until the trial begins or continues.

Dismiss the case: Decide that the case is not worth considering.

Unanimous verdict: verdict which all the decision makers agree to.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt : With full proof.

Contest the verdict: Disagree with the verdict and tried to change it.

Other Useful Expressions and Phrases for Crime and Punishment Topic :

• Capital punishments | Death penalty
• To sentence criminals to death
• A form of revenge
• A criminal record
• To engage in unlawful activities
• To re-offend
• Criminals = Wrongdoers = Lawbreakers = Convicts = Offenders
• Rehabilitated prisoners
• Community service
• Prison sentences
• Unlawful actions
• To deter/discourage people from doing something
• To send somebody to prison

Exercises :

Exercise 1: rewrite the underlined part of each of these extracts from conversations using the collocation below to make them sound more like extracts from newspaper reports..

Soaring crime rates Dismiss Escape punishment was adjourned

1. Why should young criminals get away without being punished for crimes just because of their age? 2.  An increasing number of crimes per head of the population have been recorded in the last twelve months. 3 The judge threw out the case because he felt the evidence was not strong enough . 4 The judge said that the trial would now take place next month.

Exercise 2. Choose the correct collocation.

1. If you are remanded in custody, you are kept in prison/ obliged to pay some money/ allowed to go home. 2. Someone might get out of prison early for good/soaring / extenuating behavior. 3. If you serve out a sentence, you are  kept in prison for the full amount of time / released from prison early /kept in prison for life. 4. If you get a custodial sentence, you  only serve the sentence if you commit another crime / go to prison / have to do some community service.

Exercise 3. Correct the mistakes with prepositions in the collocations.

1 The witness appeared on court for the first time today. 2 He was put in trial for murder. 3 The murderer was soon brought into justice. 4 He was later remanded on custody. 5 The ease against Mr. Sharp was proved over reasonable doubt.

Exercise 4. Come up with Answers for the following topics related to Crime in IELTS Writing Task 2 and post it in the comment section below or on Writingielts.net to be checked and scored by IELTS experts.

Writing ielts task 2 topic 1 :.

Studies show that criminals get low level of education. Some people believe that the best way to reduce the crime is educating people in prison so they can get a job after leaving prison. To what extent do you agree or disagree? You can read Band 9.0 Sample Answer here .

Writing IELTS Task 2 Topic 2 :

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? You can read Band 9.0 Sample Answer here .

Writing IELTS Task 2 Topic 3 :

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 dangers of committing a crime. Do you agree or disagree? You can read Band 9.0 Sample Answer here .

Exercise 5. Complete each sentence

1 He has been in court on several previous occasions but only for committing offences. 2 Unfortunately, there have been a number of……………………of justice recently. 3 The jury was quick to reach a……………………verdict, finding the accused guilty. 4 This is the sixth time the accused has………………….in court. 5 The lawyer claimed that there were some………………………circumstances. 6 The accused…………………. all knowledge of the crime, but no one believed her. 7 The newspaper said…………………. had been served by the conviction of Joe Lee. 8 Charles Weiss was…………………..damages for the injury he had suffered. 9 The trial has been………………….until next week.

I hope you have found this post informative. If you have any question, please let me know in the comment below or on the Facebook page.

If you liked this article, you will also like:

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IELTS Essay: Crime Amongst Youngsters

by Dave | Real Past Tests | 6 Comments

This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of more crimes being committed by youngsters from the real IELTS exam.

Please consider supporting me on Patreon.com/howtodoielts to receive my exclusive IELTS Ebooks – you can even sign up for private live lessons with me!

In many countries, crimes rates amongst younger people has been rising.

Discuss the causes and solutions for this problem.

Criminal rates among younger offenders have been rising in certain countries. In my opinion, this is largely due to individual economic factors and the best solutions are related to ensuring stable employment for the majority of citizens.

The primary reasons for rises in youth crime are economic. There has been a persistent global recession in many nations since the world economic crisis of 2008. For example, countries such as Greece have been struggling for many years to reestablish core industries and stimulate economic growth to sustain high living standards. When the economy is in decline and fewer jobs are available, crime rates naturally rise as a result. This has been exacerbated in the last 2 years as Covid-19 has decimated national economies and put millions out of work. Young people with little savings are often the most vulnerable since they have fewer employable skills and less work experience.

Crime rates among younger individuals will recede with economic stimulus plans directed at job creation and education. The countries that have been able to survive and prosper during economic uncertainty tend to be those with mature economies, flexible governments, and a well-educated populace. In northern Europe, for instance, welfare states were able to support the underprivileged and many citizens with university degrees only had to wait in order for business to stabilize. The result of individuals having jobs is the motive for crime disappears in the vast majority of cases and police can focus on less common causes such as mental illness, greed, and jealousy.

In conclusion, the rise in youth crimes in a period of imperiled economies can be countered by government initiatives aimed at this same underlying cause. Addressing the symptoms of crime is simply a short-term solution.

1. Criminal rates among younger offenders have been rising in certain countries. 2. In my opinion, this is largely due to individual economic factors and the best solutions are related to ensuring stable employment for the majority of citizens.

• Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
• Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here .

1. The primary reasons for rises in youth crime are economic. 2. There has been a persistent global recession in many nations since the world economic crisis of 2008. 3. For example, countries such as Greece have been struggling for many years to reestablish core industries and stimulate economic growth to sustain high living standards. 4. When the economy is in decline and fewer jobs are available, crime rates naturally rise as a result. 5. This has been exacerbated in the last 2 years as Covid-19 has decimated national economies and put millions out of work. 6. Young people with little savings are often the most vulnerable since they have fewer employable skills and less work experience.

• Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
• Explain your main idea.
• Develop it with specific examples.
• Keep developing it fully.
• Stay focused on the same main idea.
• Conclude with a strong statement.

1. Crime rates among younger individuals will recede with economic stimulus plans directed at job creation and education. 2. The countries that have been able to survive and prosper during economic uncertainty tend to be those with mature economies, flexible governments, and a well-educated populace. 3. In northern Europe, for instance, welfare states were able to support the underprivileged and many citizens with university degrees only had to wait in order for business to stabilize. 4. The result of individuals having jobs is the motive for crime disappears in the vast majority of cases and police can focus on less common causes such as mental illness, greed, and jealousy.

• Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
• Explain your new main idea.
• Include specific details and examples.
• Continue developing it fully!

1. In conclusion, the rise in youth crimes in a period of imperiled economies can be countered by government initiatives aimed at this same underlying cause. 2. Addressing the symptoms of crime is simply a short-term solution.

• Summarise your main ideas.
• Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here .

What do the words in bold below mean? Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.

The primary reasons for rises in youth crime are economic. There has been a persistent global recession in many nations since the world economic crisis of 2008 . For example, countries such as Greece have been struggling for many years to reestablish core industries and stimulate economic growth to sustain high living standards . When the economy is in decline and fewer jobs are available , crime rates naturally rise as a result . This has been exacerbated in the last 2 years as Covid-19 has decimated national economies and put millions out of work . Young people with little savings are often the most vulnerable since they have fewer employable skills and less work experience .

Crime rates among younger individuals will recede with economic stimulus plans directed at job creation and education. The countries that have been able to survive and prosper during economic uncertainty tend to be those with mature economies, flexible governments , and a well-educated populace . In northern Europe , for instance, welfare states were able to support the underprivileged and many citizens with university degrees only had to wait in order for business to stabilize . The result of individuals having jobs is the motive for crime disappears in the vast majority of cases and police can focus on less common causes such as mental illness , greed , and jealousy .

In conclusion, the rise in youth crimes in a period of imperiled economies can be countered by government initiatives aimed at this same underlying cause . Addressing the symptoms of crime is simply a short-term solutions .

For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

criminal rates number of people committing crimes

younger offenders youths committing crimes

rising growing

certain specific

largely mostly

due to because of

individual economic factors isolated problems related to business

related to concerning

ensuring making sure of

stable employment consistent jobs

majority most of

primary reasons main causes

persistent global recession consistent economies shrinking

world economic crisis of 2008 big problem with finances, recession

struggling having difficulty with

reestablish core industries start back up important businesses

stimulate economic growth encourage business growth

sustain high living standards keep quality of life high

in decline going down

available out there that can be taken

naturally of course

as a result the outcome is

exacerbated hurting

decimated hurt

put millions out of work lots of people jobless

little savings not much money in the bank

vulnerable weak

fewer employable skills not as many abilities to help you get a job

less work experience not as much time working in the past

recede begin to disappear

economic stimulus plans action to pump money into the economy

directed at aimed at

survive get by

prosper during economic uncertainty do well when the economy is bad

mature fully developed

flexible governments nations responding well to events

well-educated populace smart citizens

northern Europe countries like Sweden, Denmark, Germany, etc.

welfare states countries that support citizens a lot

support help

underprivileged poor

stabilize make sure it is ok

motive reason

disappears goes away

vast majority of cases most instances

less common causes not as popular reasons

mental illness sick in the head

greed desiring money

jealousy envy

period time

imperiled economies economies in trouble

countered by resolved by

initiatives actions, proposals, laws

aimed at with the purpose of

underlying cause foundational reason

addressing dealing with

symptoms what comes from a disease – not the cause itself, effects

short-term solutions will just work for now

Pronunciation

Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search :

ˈkrɪmɪnl reɪts   ˈjʌŋər əˈfɛndəz   ˈraɪzɪŋ   ˈsɜːtn   ˈlɑːʤli   djuː tuː   ˌɪndɪˈvɪdjʊəl ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈfæktəz   rɪˈleɪtɪd tuː   ɪnˈʃʊərɪŋ   ˈsteɪbl ɪmˈplɔɪmənt   məˈʤɒrɪti   ˈpraɪməri ˈriːznz   pəˈsɪstənt ˈgləʊbəl rɪˈsɛʃən   wɜːld ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈkraɪsɪs ɒv   tuː ˈθaʊzənd ænd eɪt ˈstrʌglɪŋ   ˌriːɪsˈtæblɪʃ kɔːr ˈɪndəstriz   ˈstɪmjʊleɪt ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk grəʊθ   səsˈteɪn haɪ ˈlɪvɪŋ ˈstændədz ɪn dɪˈklaɪn   ˈfjuːə   əˈveɪləbl ˈnæʧrəli   æz ə rɪˈzʌlt ɛksˈæsə(ː)beɪtɪd   ˈdɛsɪmeɪtɪd   pʊt ˈmɪljənz aʊt ɒv wɜːk ˈlɪtl ˈseɪvɪŋz   ˈvʌlnərəbl   ˈfjuːər ɪmˈplɔɪəbl skɪlz   lɛs wɜːk ɪksˈpɪərɪəns ri(ː)ˈsiːd   ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈstɪmjʊləs plænz   dɪˈrɛktɪd æt   səˈvaɪv   ˈprɒspə ˈdjʊərɪŋ ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ʌnˈsɜːtnti   məˈtjʊə   ˈflɛksəbl ˈgʌvnmənts wɛl-ˈɛdju(ː)keɪtɪd ˈpɒpjʊləs ˈnɔːðən ˈjʊərəp ˈwɛlfeə steɪts   səˈpɔːt   ˌʌndəˈprɪvɪlɪʤd   ˈsteɪbɪlaɪz ˈməʊtɪv   ˌdɪsəˈpɪəz   vɑːst məˈʤɒrɪti ɒv ˈkeɪsɪz   lɛs ˈkɒmən ˈkɔːzɪz   ˈmɛntl ˈɪlnɪs griːd ˈʤɛləsi ˈpɪərɪəd   ɪmˈpɛrɪld i(ː)ˈkɒnəmiz   ˈkaʊntəd baɪ   ɪˈnɪʃɪətɪvz   eɪmd æt   ˌʌndəˈlaɪɪŋ kɔːz əˈdrɛsɪŋ   ˈsɪmptəmz   ʃɔːt-tɜːm səˈluːʃənz

Vocabulary Practice

I recommend getting a pencil and piece of paper because that aids memory. Then write down the missing vocabulary from my sample answer in your notebook:

C_________________s among y_________________s have been r_______g in c_______n countries. In my opinion, this is l________y d_______o i______________________s and the best solutions are r____________o e_____________g s______________________t for the m___________y of citizens.

The p__________________s for rises in youth crime are economic. There has been a p_________________________n in many nations since the w______________________________8 . For example, countries such as Greece have been s____________g for many years to r__________________________s and s_________________________________h to s_________________________________s . When the economy is i______________e and f________r jobs are a__________e , crime rates n______________y rise a____________t . This has been e______________d in the last 2 years as Covid-19 has d____________d national economies and p________________________k . Young people with l_________________s are often the most v____________e since they have f________________________s and l_______________________e .

Crime rates among younger individuals will r___________e with e_______________________s d_____________t job creation and education. The countries that have been able to s_____________e and p________________________________________y tend to be those with m_________e economies, f__________________________s , and a w______________________e . In n____________________e , for instance, w__________________s were able to s__________t the u__________________d and many citizens with university degrees only had to wait in order for business to s_________e . The result of individuals having jobs is the m_________e for crime d____________s in the v___________________________s and police can focus on l_____________________s such as m___________________s , g______d , and j_________y .

In conclusion, the rise in youth crimes in a p________d of i____________________s can be c__________________y government i_________________________t this same u__________________e . A_____________g the s______________s of crime is simply a s______________________s .

Listening Practice

Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities :

Reading Practice

Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice :

https://www.independent.co.uk/topic/youth-crime

Speaking Practice

Practice with the following speaking questions from the real IELTS speaking exam :

Truth in Crime

• Why do witnesses of crimes sometimes disagree in their accounts?
• How can modern technology help solve crimes?
• Will teaching children to be honest reduce crime in the future?
• Should there be more severe penalties for crimes like libel?
• How will the detection of lies change in the future?

Writing Practice

Practice with the related IELTS essay topic below:

Some people believe that children that commit crimes should be punished. Others think the parents should be punished instead.

Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Answer Essay: Children & Crime (Real Past IELTS Exam/Test)

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Very good essay about Crime. You should read the essay.

Thanks, Bob!

I really appreciate everything which you share with us! I just have some questions if you don’t mind can you check these sentences ‘grammar?

You wrote these sentences: [ The primary reasons for rises in youth crime are economic.] [the rise in youth crimes in a period of imperiled economies can be countered by government initiatives aimed at this same underlying cause. Addressing the symptoms of crime are simply short-term solutions.]

1) in youth crimes or in youth crime which is right? 2) Addressing the symptoms of crime ( are ) -> i think addressing is a subject, so it might use a single verb.

I am looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you.

You’re welcome, Soo!

For your questions:

1. crime or crimes are both find there – because it can be use as a countable noun (crimes) or as the adjective and general noun (youth crime) 2. You are right – thanks for noticing that and I have changed it!

Thanks, Soo!

Oh~ How awesome you are! I truly appreciate it! Thank you!! Take care ! *(^—————————-^)*

You too, Soo!

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• Reducing Crime Essay

Model IELTS Essays - Reducing Crime

IELTS essays can be on a variety of topics, and this writing sample is about  reducing crime .

As with the previous essay , there are two opinions, and you must discuss each one and your opinion must also be given.

In the previous essay, the writers opinion was given in the conclusion. In this one, a separate body paragraph discusses the writers opinion.

If you do this though you have to be very careful not to just repeat what you have said in a previous paragraph into the third paragraph.

It has to be something new.

IELTS Essays - Reducing Crime

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

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.

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

Write at least 250 words.

IELTS Essays - Model Answer:

Crime is a serious and growing problem in most societies. Although many people believe that the best way to tackle this is to place people in prison for longer periods, others are of the opinion that other measures will be more effective.

There are benefits of giving offenders longer prison sentences. Firstly, spending a long time in prison provides an opportunity for the prison services to rehabilitate a prisoner. For example, someone who has committed a serious offence such as assault will need a long time in prison in order to be sure they can be re-educated not to re-offend. In addition to this, longer prison sentences will act as a deterrent for someone who is thinking of committing a crime.

However, some people argue that leaving people in prison for a long time means that they will mix with other criminals and so their character will not improve. One alternative is community service. This gives an offender the opportunity to give something positive back to society, and so it may improve their character. Also, the government could focus its resources on the causes of crime, which would lead to less crime in the future.

In my opinion, it is important to look at alternative methods. Many countries have lengthy prison sentences, but crime has continued to increase throughout the world, so it is clear that this is not completely effective. That said, long prison sentences should remain for those who commit serious crimes such as assault or murder, as justice for the victim and their family should take priority.

To conclude, there are good arguments for and against long sentences, so governments must continue to research the various methods of crime reduction to ensure effective policies are in place.

(290 words)

Learn more crime vocabulary

The writer of this essay has produced a well balanced and coherent piece of writing.

They clearly answer the question. The first body paragraph is dedicated to discussing the merits of long sentences, and the second body looks at alternative methods. Finally, the writer provides their own opinion on the issue.

Very important for IELTS essays, each paragraph has a clear central topic which is expanded upon in the supporting sentences.

Regarding grammar, the writer has successfully demonstrated their ability to use a mix of sentence structures, including a variety of complex sentences (although... someone who... in order to... means that... which would...).

Ideas are coherently presented by using transition words (Firstly,... For example,... In addition to this,... However, .... In my opinion,... To conclude,...).

It is important in IELTS essays to have good topic related vocabulary in order to achieve a higher score, and this is evident in this piece of work (re-offend... rehabilitate... re-educated... deterrent... committing a crime...).

Also of importance with regards to vocabulary is to vary your word choices and not to repeat the same word. This can be done by using synonyms, as the writer has done with the word alternative 'ways', using variations of this (methods... measures...).

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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.

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• petty crime – not a serious crime
• violent crime – crime which includes assault
• organized crime – organized group of people commits crimes or engages in criminal enterprises for profit.
• white-collar crime – a term mostly referring to business world crimes. Usually crimes committed by businessmen or office workers for financial gain.
• victimless crime – a crime with no apparent victim

Example: He has a history of violent crime stretching back to his early years.

Bribery is a popular type of white-collar crime . In case of victimless crimes prosecution starts within one week.

Now let’s work with some other useful phrases .

If you don’t know some of them, write them in your notepad for future reference.

• to carry out a crime – to commit a crime;
• to investigate a crime – to detect / solve a crime;
• to fight crime – to tackle crime;
• to prevent crime – to preclude crime;
• a crackdown on crime – a serious attempt to punish people for committing crimes;
• life of crime – criminal way of living; a crime wave – a sudden increase in the amount of crime in an area;
• circumstances of the crime – conditions under which a crime was committed;
• the incidence of crime – the number of times crime happens or develops;

In general, there are dozens of expressions with the word crime. Now let’s move forward and discuss the types of crime!

• A popular word in action movies is abduction . It is an act of capturing, carrying away by force. Example : There has been a series of abductions in the area.
• Arson is an act of criminal burning of property. Example: It looked like an accidental fire, not arson.
• assault – a violent physical attack Example : His body showed signs of assault.
• burglary – illegal entrance into premises with criminal intent Example : They said there was a burglary, but nothing was missing.
• child abuse – physical or emotional mistreatment of a child Example: In the United States the laws defining what constitutes child abuse vary from state to state.
• drug trafficking – production, distribution, and sale of illegal drugs Example: The key source of profit of organized criminal groups is drug trafficking.
• fraud – If you are promised a million dollars on the Internet, it’s fraud. Fraud is trickery intended to gain an advantage. Example: She was found guilty of committing fraud.
• hacking – special type of Internet crime. When somebody’s website or server is hacked, it means that the server or website is broken.
• hijacking – stopping and stealing a vehicle Example : He hijacked a truck, threatening the driver with a gun.
• murder – the crime of deliberately killing a person Example : Her husband was found murdered.
• manslaughter – also killing a person, BUT accidentally – without the intent to do so. Example : He was back in prison 2 years later, convicted of manslaughter
• terrorism – violence or threat of violence as a way of trying to achieve a political goal Example : International action to combat terrorism should focus heavily on prevention.
• blackmailing – using secret information to get something in return (usually money) Example : The former Romanian Prime Minister was placed on probation for blackmail.
• felony – a serious crime such as murder or burglary Example : Filing false tax returns is a felony.
• pickpocketing – stealing someone’s belongings from pockets and purses Example : Any tourist city is a haven for pickpockets and thieves.
• shoplifting – stealing things from a shop or store. Example : A boy shoplifted a toy from the store.
• And the last word combination is traffic offences – crimes committed on the road. When committing a traffic offence people usually have to pay a fine. Example : In European countries fines for traffic offences are extremely high.

Another big part of the crime and punishment vocabulary is court vocabulary.

• a defendant – a person accused of a crime in court Example : The defendant was convicted of murder.
• a prosecutor – the lawyer who represents the side that tries to prove the person guilty Example : The public prosecutor finally decided not to pursue charges.
• a witness – a person who sees something (such as crime) happening Example : The defense called its first witness.
• guilty – responsible for committing a crime or doing something wrong Example : The jury found him guilty of murder.
• victim – a person who has been attacked in some way by somebody. Example : Some victims are selected because they seem vulnerable.

Some useful expressions with the word victim:

• Innocent / unsuspecting victim – not deserving to be harmed;
• to portray somebody as a victim – to present somebody as a victim.
• a suspect – a person who is believed to be guilty Example: The man was arrested as a suspect.
• an attorney – a lawyer who can sue or defend people. Example: If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you by the state.
• evidence – something that can serve to prove something. In our context evidence is usually presented in court to prove that someone is guilty or innocent.

Popular expressions with the word evidence are:

• hearsay evidence – evidence based not on a witness’s personal knowledge but on another’s statement not made under oath;
• criminal evidence – evidence related to a criminal case; in the light of evidence / in the face of evidence – considering the evidence;
• not a scrap of evidence – no evidence;
• verdict – the decision made by a jury in a trial. Example: The jury reached a verdict after hours of deliberation.

And here is a list of verdict expressions:

• favorable verdict – positive verdict
• adverse verdict – negative verdict
• to appeal against a verdict – to protest a verdict
• final verdict – definitive verdict.
• a judge – a public official given the right to decide on questions brought before a court of justice Example: The judge ordered the company to pay compensation.

The following expressions are also widely used:

a panel of independent judges – judicial division / bench

High Court Judge – a judge in the High Court

• jury – a group of people that decides on a court case Example: Tell the jury in your own words what happened.
• expressions : trial by jury – to hear the case in a court with participation of jury to serve on a jury – carry out responsibilities of a jury

Now let’s talk about possible penalties or the types of punishment and words and phrases to describe them.

• death penalty also known as capital punishment is the execution of a person after judgment by a legal system Example : Our criminal system is very careful in cases of death penalty.
• suspended sentence – the judge’s decision to delay a prison or jail sentence. Example: A suspended sentence usually remains on the defendant’s criminal record permanently.
• forfeiture – the loss of property or money because of legal obligation or as a judge’s decision. Example: The court may also order forfeiture of property in this case.
• probation – a period of time in which a person who has committed a crime is allowed to stay out of prison if that person behaves well. Example: She was put on probation for 3 years.
• to suspend a license – usually refers to a driver’s license and means that your license is taken away for a period of time. Example: If you are ticketed for too many violations within a specific period of time, your license will be suspended.
• corporal punishment – physical punishment Example: Corporal punishment of some form is still used in schools in some states.
• prison sentence / custodial sentence / imprisonment – these terms are almost similar in meaning and thus could serve to paraphrase. They all describe a situation when someone is convicted and sent to spend a specified period of time in prison. Example : A court can give a range of prison sentences including suspended, fixed-term, and life sentences.
• a ban – sometimes a jury can impose a ban which means that you are prohibited from doing something. Example: He was banned from entering the building.
• a fine – an amount of money an offender must pay Example: A fine can be given instead of or in addition to imprisonment.
• community service – Sometimes a jury can decide to send a guilty person to perform some community service. Community service refers to unpaid work beneficial for the community. Example: Alternative sentences can include different combinations of the following: a suspended sentence, probation and community service.

That’s basically all for crime and punishment vocabulary. It might seem to be too difficult to memorize all of them in one day, but you don’t have to! Take your time, memorize basic vocabulary, and remember to use them in your writing and other parts of the IELTS examination! Good luck!

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Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Effects of Globalization on Cultural Identity – Sample Essays and Analysis

Globalization and its impact on cultural identity is a topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and historical data from various IELTS preparation websites, this theme has a high probability of appearing in future exams. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare effectively.

Table of Contents

• 1 Analyzing the Question
• 2 Sample Essay for Band 8-9
• 3 Sample Essay for Band 6-7
• 4 Key Writing Tips
• 5 Essential Vocabulary
• 6 Conclusion

Analyzing the Question

Let’s focus on the following question, which closely resembles those seen in recent IELTS exams:

Some people think that globalization is harmful to cultural identity. Others believe it has positive effects. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question requires you to:

• Discuss the negative impacts of globalization on cultural identity
• Explore the positive effects of globalization on cultural identity
• Provide your personal stance on the issue

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Here’s a high-quality sample essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:

Globalization has undeniably transformed our world, connecting cultures and economies in unprecedented ways. While some argue that this interconnectedness erodes cultural identities, others contend that it enriches them. In my opinion, globalization’s impact on cultural identity is nuanced, offering both challenges and opportunities for cultural preservation and evolution.

Those who view globalization as detrimental to cultural identity often point to the homogenization of cultures. The ubiquity of Western brands, music, and media can overshadow local traditions , potentially leading to a loss of unique cultural practices and languages. For instance, the prevalence of English as a global language has contributed to the decline of many indigenous languages. Moreover, the adoption of Western-style consumerism in many developing countries has altered traditional lifestyles and values.

Conversely, proponents of globalization argue that it fosters cultural exchange and mutual understanding. The ease of international travel and communication allows people to experience diverse cultures firsthand , promoting tolerance and appreciation for different ways of life. Additionally, globalization can revitalize interest in local cultures. For example, the global popularity of yoga has led to a renewed appreciation of Indian spiritual traditions, both internationally and within India itself.

In my view, while globalization does pose challenges to cultural identity, its overall impact can be positive if managed thoughtfully. The key lies in striking a balance between embracing global interconnectedness and preserving local heritage. Countries and communities can leverage globalization to showcase their unique cultural offerings to the world , thereby strengthening their cultural identity. For instance, South Korea has successfully exported its popular culture through K-pop and K-dramas, enhancing its global cultural influence while reinforcing national pride.

In conclusion, globalization’s effect on cultural identity is complex and multifaceted. While it can lead to cultural homogenization, it also offers platforms for cultural exchange and revitalization. By approaching globalization mindfully, societies can harness its benefits while safeguarding their unique cultural heritage.

(Word count: 309)

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:

Globalization has changed the world a lot in recent years. Some people think it’s bad for cultural identity, but others say it’s good. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

On the one hand, globalization can harm cultural identity. Many people worry that local traditions are being lost because of global culture. For example, in many countries, young people prefer Western clothes and food instead of their traditional ones. Also, big international companies often replace small local businesses, which can change the character of a place.

On the other hand, globalization can have positive effects on cultural identity. It allows people to learn about different cultures and share their own culture with others. For instance, the internet makes it easy for people to watch movies and listen to music from around the world. This can help people understand and respect other cultures more. Also, some local traditions become more popular globally, which can make people proud of their culture.

In my opinion, globalization has both good and bad effects on cultural identity. While it’s true that some traditions might be lost, I think globalization also gives us chances to strengthen our cultural identity. For example, many countries now celebrate their traditional festivals more to attract tourists. This helps keep these traditions alive.

To conclude, globalization affects cultural identity in different ways. It’s important to find a balance between accepting global influences and keeping local traditions. If we do this, we can enjoy the benefits of globalization while still maintaining our unique cultural identities.

(Word count: 253)

Key Writing Tips

Structure : Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more nuanced thesis statement.

Vocabulary : The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary (e.g., “ubiquity,” “indigenous,” “revitalize”) and idiomatic expressions. The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still conveys the main ideas effectively.

Grammar : The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences.

Cohesion : Both essays use linking words, but the Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated cohesive devices and better overall flow.

Examples : Both essays provide relevant examples, but the Band 8-9 essay’s examples are more specific and elaborated.

Essential Vocabulary

Here are some key terms related to globalization and cultural identity:

Cultural homogenization (noun) /ˈkʌltʃərəl həˌmɒdʒənaɪˈzeɪʃən/ – The process of local cultures becoming more similar to each other.

Indigenous (adjective) /ɪnˈdɪdʒənəs/ – Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place.

Revitalize (verb) /ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/ – To give new life or vigor to something.

Cultural exchange (noun) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/ – The sharing of ideas, traditions, and customs between different cultures.

Cultural heritage (noun) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society.

Interconnectedness (noun) /ˌɪntəkəˈnektɪdnəs/ – The state of being connected with each other.

Erosion (noun) /ɪˈrəʊʒən/ – The gradual destruction or diminution of something.

Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features.

The Effects Of Globalization On Cultural Identity is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2 . To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of technology in preserving cultural traditions
• The impact of tourism on local cultures
• The importance of language in maintaining cultural identity
• The effects of migration on cultural diversity

Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Feel free to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will significantly enhance your IELTS writing skills.

• IELTS essay samples
• Sample Essay
• Vocabulary List

IELTS Writing Task 2: Mastering Essays on Digital Technology’s Impact on Mental Health

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Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: How to Promote Social Inclusion in Diverse Societies

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