IELTS Writing Task 2 with sample answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write at least 250 words.
Some feel that punishment should focus more on rehabilitation instead of long prison terms Others feel prison terms are important for social stability
Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
Sample Answer:
In recent years, the debate of whether punishment should lean towards rehabilitation or prison terms has been a topic of discussion. While some people feel that rehabilitation is a better solution to deter crime, others believe prison terms are necessary to ensure social stability. In this essay, I will discuss both sides of the argument before giving my opinion.
On one hand, there are many benefits to providing rehabilitation to offenders. Firstly, it is much cheaper than imprisoning someone as it requires fewer resources and less staff. Furthermore, research has found that rehabilitation programs can significantly reduce recidivism rates. These programs often involve teaching the inmate skills and moral values that they can use once they are released. This can help the individual to reintegrate into society, as well as preventing them from breaking the law again.
On the other hand, some people believe that prison terms are the best way to prevent crime. Firstly, it serves as a deterrent as potential criminals know that if they break the law, they can receive a long prison term. Secondly, prison sentences can help to protect society as criminals are removed from the streets and unable to commit further offences. Finally, it can provide closure for the victim, as they can feel that justice has been served.
In my opinion, I believe that punishment should focus more on rehabilitation than prison terms. While prison terms are effective at removing criminals from the streets, they do not address the root cause of the crime. With rehabilitation, offenders can be taught skills and values that can help them to lead a law-abiding life. This can be more effective in the long run as the individual is less likely to reoffend. However, prison terms should still be used for serious crimes, as this can help to protect society and provide closure for victims.