This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of the educational, social, and commercial pressures on children from the real general training IELTS exam.
It’s a really hard (even unfair!) one because of all the different areas you have to develop in your answer. This is why my answer this time is a little on the long side…
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!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Pressure on Children
Children are now facing educational, social, and commercial pressures.
What are the causes of these pressures?
What measures can be taken to reduce them?
Some feel that children now have more responsibilities related to education, society, and economics. In my opinion, the causes all concern technology and the best counter-measures must be enacted in concert by governments and parents.
In my opinion, the primary catalyst for these added pressures is technology. In terms of education, students are now expected to learn about computers in school. By itself, this contributes little pressure; however, the additional time in front of a screen, coupled with the time spent in their free time online takes a heavy toll on mental health. Similarly, social demands related to the online world are growing. Most children must at some age begin to keep in touch with friends through various messaging applications and then learn the dynamics of social media, which can also increase anxiety. Finally, while online most children will be targeted by advertisements. This exploitation means that even the commercial world adds psychological pressure to the minds of the young.
The best solutions to these problems come from authority figures. Firstly, governments can establish stringent regulations. A good example of this would be a law recently passed in mainland China that prohibits gaming companies from allowing children to play more than 3 hours online per week. Similar restrictions about screen time in schools and laws governing advertising would also help alleviate the novel burdens technology has added to children’s lives. Additionally, parents can serve as a final filter and monitor their children closely. Instead of allowing their children to have a smartphone from a young age, they can instill a love of reading, playing outside, and socializing in the complete absence of technology in the hopes of fostering lifelong habits.
In conclusion, despite the risks technology poses to mental health for children, there are simple steps that governments and parents can take. However, this requires that parents recognize these dangers as inherently harmful to their children’s development.
Analysis
1. Some feel that children now have more responsibilities related to education, society, and economics. 2. In my opinion, the causes all concern technology and the best counter-measures must be enacted in concert by governments and parents.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. In my opinion, the primary catalyst for these added pressures is technology. 2. In terms of education, students are now expected to learn about computers in school. 3. By itself, this contributes little pressure; however, the additional time in front of a screen, coupled with the time spent in their free time online takes a heavy toll on mental health. 4. Similarly, social demands related to the online world are growing. 5. Most children must at some age begin to keep in touch with friends through various messaging applications and then learn the dynamics of social media, which can also increase anxiety. 6. Finally, while online most children will be targeted by advertisements. This exploitation means that even the commercial world adds psychological pressure to the minds of the young.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Extend with some long sentences as well.
Finish this main idea.
1. The best solutions to these problems come from authority figures. 2. Firstly, governments can establish stringent regulations. 3. A good example of this would be a law recently passed in mainland China that prohibits gaming companies from allowing children to play more than 3 hours online per week. 4. Similar restrictions about screen time in schools and laws governing advertising would also help alleviate the novel burdens technology has added to children’s lives. 5. Additionally, parents can serve as a final filter and monitor their children closely. 6. Instead of allowing their children to have a smartphone from a young age, they can instill a love of reading, playing outside, and socializing in the complete absence of technology in the hopes of fostering lifelong habits.
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…
as fully as possible!
Continue your last solution.
1. In conclusion, despite the risks technology poses to mental health for children, there are simple steps that governments and parents can take. 2. However, this requires that parents recognize these dangers as inherently harmful to their children’s development.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Some feel that children now have more responsibilities related toeducation, society, and economics. In my opinion, the causes all concern technology and the best counter-measures must be enacted in concert by governments and parents.
In my opinion, the primary catalyst for these added pressures is technology. In terms of education, students are now expected to learn about computers in school. By itself, this contributes little pressure; however, the additional time in front of a screen, coupled with the time spent in their free time online takes a heavy toll on mental health. Similarly, social demands related to the online world are growing. Most children must at some age begin to keep in touch with friends through various messaging applications and then learn the dynamics of social media, which can also increase anxiety. Finally, while online most children will be targeted by advertisements. This exploitation means that even the commercial world adds psychological pressure to the minds of the young.
The best solutions to these problems come from authority figures. Firstly, governments can establish stringent regulations. A good example of this would be a law recently passed in mainland China that prohibits gaming companies from allowing children to play more than 3 hours online per week. Similar restrictions about screen time in schools and laws governing advertising would also help alleviate the novel burdens technology has added to children’s lives. Additionally, parents can serve as a final filter and monitor their children closely. Instead of allowing their children to have a smartphone from a young age, they can instill a love of reading, playing outside, and socializing in the complete absence of technology in the hopes of fostering lifelong habits.
In conclusion, despite the risks technology poses to mental health for children, there are simple steps that governments and parents can take. However, this requires that parents recognize these dangers as inherently harmful to their children’s development.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
responsibilities duties
related to concerning
education learning
society the public
economics business
causes results in
concern have to do with
counter-measures solutions
enacted passed
in concert together
primary catalyst main reason for
added pressures more stress
in terms of education when it comes to learning
expected to predicted to
by itself on its own
contributes adds to
additional time more time
screen what every device has so you can see things
coupled with combined with
takes a heavy toll on harms a lot
mental health psychological state
similarly the same
social demands needs of society
online world virtual life
growing getting larger
begin start
keep in touch talk to
various messaging applications Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, etc.
dynamics relationships
social media Instagram, TikTok, Facebook
increase anxiety make more nervous
targeted trying to get at
exploitation taking advantage of
commercial related to economics and business
adds psychological pressure more stressful responsibility
minds brains
authority figures people with power
establish stringent regulations create good laws
A good example of this would be a noteworthy instance is
recently passed soon legislated
prohibits forbids
per week each week
similar restrictions related laws
governing advertising controlling ads
alleviate make better
novel burdens technology new stresses related to computers
additionally furthermore
serve as be
final filter last barrier
monitor watch closely
instead of allowing rather than letting
instill put into
socializing hanging out
complete absence not at all there
in the hopes of in order to
fostering lifelong habits engendering actions that will last forever
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:
Some feel that children now have more r___________________s r_______________oe____________n, s_________y, and e______________s. In my opinion, the c________s all c_________n technology and the best c____________________s must be e__________d i_____________t by governments and parents.
In my opinion, the p_______________t for these a_________________s is technology. I___________________n, students are now e_______________o learn about computers in school. B__________f, this c_______________s little pressure; however, the a_________________e in front of a s________n, c________________h the time spent in their free time online t______________________n m________________h. S_____________y, s__________________s related to the o_______________d are g_____________g. Most children must at some age b_______n to k_________________h with friends through v___________________________s and then learn the d___________s of s_______________a, which can also i___________________y. Finally, while online most children will be t_____________d by advertisements. This e_______________n means that even the c___________________l world a__________________________e to the m________s of the young.
The best solutions to these problems come from a__________________s. Firstly, governments can e_________________________s. A______________________________e a law r__________________d in mainland China that p______________s gaming companies from allowing children to play more than 3 hours online p_______________k. S_____________________s about screen time in schools and laws g__________________________g would also help a_____________e the n_______________________y has added to children’s lives. A_______________y, parents can s__________s a f______________r and m____________r their children closely. I_____________________g their children to have a smartphone from a young age, they can i__________l a love of reading, playing outside, and s_____________g in the c____________________e of technology i_________________________________s.
In conclusion, d__________e the r______s technology poses to mental health for children, there are s_______________s that governments and parents can take. However, this r__________s that parents r___________e these d___________s as i___________________l to their children’s d_______________t.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of crimes rates and how technology can prevent crime 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!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Crime Rates and Technological Prevention
Crime rates will fall as advances in technology make it easier to detect and prevent crimes.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many people believe that as technology advances, it will ease the challenges of law enforcement. I am generally in agreement though these innovations will not completely eliminate criminality as it is inherent to human nature.
Critics would argue that crime is a natural human instinct. Crime has existed in all human society for thousands of years and improvements in law enforcement can only hope to limit, not extinguish, a basic element of human nature. The reason for this is the natural conflict between the desires of individuals and the expectations of society. In most cases, an individual inhibits his or her impulses, but some lack this restraint and violate the dictates of society. Many of these individuals, for reasons related to nature or upbringing, would struggle to control themselves even if there was near-certainty they would be apprehended.
Nonetheless, crime can be effectively countered by more invasive surveillance. Governments now have the capacity to install cameras in the physical world and watch individuals carefully online as well. The best known examples of this would be in countries where cameras are common. In these, often authoritarian nations, governments are able to record footage of nearly every street. As criminals are aware there is a near 100% chance they will be filmed and arrested, crime statistics in those areas are negligible. This reduction in crime due to an awareness of ubiquitous surveillance can also be extended to the online sphere, where law enforcement can monitor VPNs, IP addresses to detect and trace illegal activity.
In conclusion, despite the likelihood that crime will never be completely eliminated, the advent of increased surveillance in particular will lead to drastic reductions in offences in the coming decades. Governments will then, as always, have to balance the priorities of safety against claims to freedom and privacy.
Analysis
1. Many people believe that as technology advances, it will ease the challenges of law enforcement. 2. I am generally in agreement though these innovations will not completely eliminate criminality as it is inherent to human nature.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Critics would argue that crime is a natural human instinct. 2. Crime has existed in all human society for thousands of years and improvements in law enforcement can only hope to limit, not extinguish, a basic element of human nature. 3. The reason for this is the natural conflict between the desires of individuals and the expectations of society. 4. In most cases, an individual inhibits his or her impulses, but some lack this restraint and violate the dictates of society. 5. Many of these individuals, for reasons related to nature or upbringing, would struggle to control themselves even if there was near-certainty they would be apprehended.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Extend with some long sentences as well.
1. Nonetheless, crime can be effectively countered by more invasive surveillance. 2. Governments now have the capacity to install cameras in the physical world and watch individuals carefully online as well. 3. The best known examples of this would be in countries where cameras are common. 4. In these, often authoritarian nations, governments are able to record footage of nearly every street. 5. As criminals are aware there is a near 100% chance they will be filmed and arrested, crime statistics in those areas are negligible. 6. This reduction in crime due to an awareness of ubiquitous surveillance can also be extended to the online sphere, where law enforcement can monitor VPNs, IP addresses to detect and trace illegal activity.
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…
as fully as possible!
Continue the hypothetical example.
1. In conclusion, despite the likelihood that crime will never be completely eliminated, the advent of increased surveillance in particular will lead to drastic reductions in offences in the coming decades. 2. Governments will then, as always, have to balance the priorities of safety against claims to freedom and privacy.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Many people believe that as technology advances, it will ease the challenges of law enforcement. I am generally in agreement though these innovations will not completely eliminate criminality as it is inherent to human nature.
Critics would argue that crime is a natural human instinct. Crime has existed in all human society for thousands of years and improvements in law enforcement can only hope to limit, not extinguish, a basic element of human nature. The reason for this is the natural conflict between the desires of individuals and the expectations of society. In most cases, an individual inhibits his or her impulses, but some lack this restraint and violate the dictates of society. Many of these individuals, for reasons related to nature or upbringing, would struggle to control themselves even if there was near-certainty they would be apprehended.
Nonetheless, crime can be effectively countered by more invasive surveillance. Governments now have the capacity to install cameras in the physical world and watch individuals carefully online as well. The best known examples of this would be in countries where cameras are common. In these, often authoritarian nations, governments are able to record footage of nearly every street. As criminals are aware there is a near 100% chance they will be filmed and arrested, crime statistics in those areas are negligible. This reduction in crime due to an awareness of ubiquitous surveillance can also be extended to the online sphere, where law enforcement can monitor VPNs, IP addresses to detect and trace illegal activity.
In conclusion, despite the likelihood that crime will never be completely eliminated, the advent of increased surveillance in particular will lead to drastic reductions in offences in the coming decades. Governments will then, as always, have to balance the priorities of safety against claims to freedom and privacy.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
advances developments
ease becomes easier
challenges difficulties
law enforcement police
innovations new ideas/products
completely eliminate criminality totally get rid of crime
inherent natural
human nature how are people are
critics people against it
argue claim
natural human instinct basic way people behave
human society people interacting
improvements developments
hope try to
limit control
extinguish eliminate
basic element of human nature characteristic of all people
conflict fight
desires impulses
expectations of society what the world wants you to do
in most cases usually
inhibits controls
impulses desires
lack this restraint can’t control themselves
violate break the rules
dictates rules
related to concerning
nature how you are born
upbringing how you were raised
struggle fight against
control inhibit yourself
even if in the case that
near-certainty almost definitely
apprehended arrested
nonetheless regardless
effectively countered well dealt with
invasive surveillance cameras watching your personal life
capacity ability
install cameras put up surveillance
physical world real life
online the internet
the best known examples of this most noteworthy instances
common ubiquitous
authoritarian nations countries with controlling governments
record footage of nearly every street film all places in a city
near 100% chance almost definitely
filmed recorded
arrested apprehended
crime statistics records of how many crimes there were
negligible not significant
reduction decreased
awareness knowing about
ubiquitous surveillance watching everything with cameras
extended lengthened
online sphere online
monitor VPNs watch where your computer is from
IP addresses the location of your computer
detect find
trace illegal activity follow criminal actions
likelihood good chance of it
advent introduction of
in particular especially
lead to drastic reductions in offences in the coming decades cause big decreases in crimes soon
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:
Many people believe that as technology a____________s, it will e_____e the c_____________s of l________________t. I am generally in agreement though these i__________________s will not c___________________________y as it is i_____________t to h_______________e.
C_________s would a_______e that crime is a n______________________t. Crime has existed in all h_______________y for thousands of years and i________________s in l_____________________t can only h______e to l_______t, not e_____________h, a b__________________________e. The reason for this is the natural c____________t between the d__________s of individuals and the e__________________________y. I_________________s, an individual i____________s his or her i_____________s, but some l_________________________t and v____________e the d____________s of society. Many of these individuals, for reasons r______________________e or u_______________g, would s_____________e to c__________l themselves e________f there was n__________________y they would be a_________________d.
N_______________s, crime can be e____________________d by more i_______________________e. Governments now have the c_____________y to i______________s in the p_____________d and watch individuals carefully o___________e as well. T_________________________________s would be in countries where cameras are c__________n. In these, often a_______________________s, governments are able to r______________________________t. As criminals are aware there is a n__________________e they will be f________d and a____________d, c_______________s in those areas are n___________e. This r___________n in crime due to an a_____________s of u__________________________e can also be e_____________d to the o_____________e, where law enforcement can m__________________s, I____________s to d_________t and t_________________y.
In conclusion, despite the l____________d that crime will never be completely eliminated, the a_________t of increased surveillance i___________r will l_________________________________________________________s. Governments will then, as always, have to b___________e the p__________s of s_______y against c________s to f_________m and p__________y.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
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 there should be a fixed punishment 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.
This is an IELTS writing task 1 letter from the real general training exam on the topic of writing a letter about a part-time job while studying abroad.
Please consider supporting my efforts to creative high quality IELTS materials for students around the world by signing up for my Patreon (and don’t miss any of my exclusive IELTS Ebooks)!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Part-Time Job Letter
You are going to another country to study. You would like to do a part-time job while you are studying, so you want to ask a friend who lives there for some help.
Write a letter to this friend. In your letter
Give details of your study plans
Explain why you want to get a part-time job
Suggest how your friend could help you find a job
Hi Sarah!
We just spoke on the phone but it totally slipped my mind to let you know that I got accepted to the University of Melbourne and I’ll be headed to your city soon! I’m going to be studying finance and I will arrive for induction in a few months (assuming the pandemic is under control by then).
I’m writing now because I was wondering if you could look into finding part-time work for me when I get there. I’ll be living off-campus and my parents aren’t going to be able to send me money consistently – that’s why I need some work in the 20-30 hour range monthly.
If you could ask around at your school, that would be a tremendous help. Also, if you see any help wanted ads around town, it’d be great if you could snap a picture so that I could email or call. Any other ideas you have are welcome!
Thanks for your help!
Huynh
Analysis
1. Hi Sarah!
2. We just spoke on the phone but it totally slipped my mind to let you know that I got accepted to the University of Melbourne and I’ll be headed to your city soon! 3. I’m going to be studying finance and I will arrive for induction in a few months (assuming the pandemic is under control by then).
Address the letter to someone.
You can begin with a greeting.
Include the first bullet point.
Add in some more detail if you want.
1. I’m writing now because I was wondering if you could look into finding part-time work for me when I get there. 2. I’ll be living off-campus and my parents aren’t going to be able to send me money consistently – that’s why I need some work in the 20-30 hour range monthly.
Begin to develop the second point.
Add more detail to it.
1. If you could ask around at your school, that would be a tremendous help. 2. Also, if you see any help wanted ads around town, it’d be great if you could snap a picture so that I could email or call. 3. Any other ideas you have are welcome!
4. Thanks for your help!
5. Huynh
Develop the last point.
Keep developing it.
The more detail, the better!
Add an ending sentence.
Write your name at the end of the letter.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take notes on a piece of paper to aid memory retention.
Hi Sarah!
We just spoke on the phone but it totally slipped my mind to let you know that I got accepted to the University of Melbourne and I’ll be headed to your city soon! I’m going to be studying finance and I will arrive for induction in a few months (assuming the pandemic is under control by then).
I’m writing now because I was wondering if you could look into finding part-time work for me when I get there. I’ll be living off-campus and my parents aren’t going to be able to send me money consistently – that’s why I need some work in the 20-30 hour range monthly.
If you could ask around at your school, that would be a tremendous help. Also, if you see any help wanted adsaround town, it’d be great if you could snap a picture so that I could email or call. Any other ideas you have arewelcome!
Thanks for your help!
Huynh
Answers
Practice writing sentences with the words below on a piece of paper:
just spoke talked recently
totally slipped my mind completely forgot about it
let you know inform you
accepted allowed into
headed going to
finance study of money
arrive get there
induction initial welcoming information/days
in a few months soon
assuming given that
pandemic worldwide problem
under control not a big problem anymore
by then at that time
wondering thinking
look into try to find
part-time work not full-time work
get there arrive
living off-campus not living in dorms
consistently all the time
range monthly around each month
ask around seek out
tremendous help big aid
help wanted adsaround town advertisements for work around the city
snap take a picture
Any other ideas you have arewelcome! Let me know if you’ve got other ideas!
We j___________e on the phone but it t__________________________d to l_______________w that I got a___________d to the University of Melbourne and I’ll be h________d to your city soon! I’m going to be studying f__________e and I will a______e for i__________n i__________________s (a_____________g the p____________c is u______________l b__________n).
I’m writing now because I was w____________g if you could l__________o finding p_____________k for me when I g__________e. I’ll be l___________________s and my parents aren’t going to be able to send me money c____________y – that’s why I need some work in the 20-30 hour r__________________y.
If you could a_______________d at your school, that would be a t______________________p. Also, if you see any h______________________sa_____________n, it’d be great if you could s______p a picture so that I could email or call. A____________________________________e!
Thanks for your help!
Huynh
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic in the video below and practice with these activities:
This is an IELTS writing task 2 sample answer essay on the topic of whether or not companies should focus on making sure employees follow a dress code 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!
Dave
IELTS Essay: Warnings Not Punishment
In many situations, people who break the law should be warned instead of punished.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Some feel that law-breakers ought to be entitled to a warning instead of strict sanctions. I largely disagree with this sentiment as punishment is crucial for society at large.
Those who argue in favor of warnings claim that incarceration encourages a cycle of criminal behavior. For example, if an individual is arrested for a low-level narcotics offense, there is a strong chance the incident will become part of their permanent record. This then makes it more difficult to apply for jobs or seek higher education. If the perpetrator in question also spends time in prison as a result, they may have made connections among the prisoner population. All these factors combine to increase the likelihood of committing crimes in the future since other avenues have become restricted. If the offense is insignificant, the punishment appears to do more harm than good.
Though the policy detailed above is logical for very minor infractions, punishment is needed for most crimes. The various justifications for punishment typically include deterrence, rehabilitation, public safety and justice itself. Of these, deterrence is the most often cited and effective. Most potential criminals do not commit crimes because they are aware of the punishments and this ensures a minimum degree of public safety. If a person knew they would only receive a warning for a more serious infraction, then there would almost undoubtedly be more crime. Even in the case of negligible offenses, stronger punishments that are not part of one’s permanent record would better curb future criminality.
In conclusion, though warnings may be preferable for certain minor crimes, the principle of deterrence justifies punishment. If a system of warnings were combined with other measures, such as improved education and mental health support, this reform would be more feasible.
Analysis
1. Some feel that law-breakers ought to be entitled to a warning instead of strict sanctions. 2. I largely disagree with this sentiment as punishment is crucial for society at large.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a clear opinion. Read more about introductions here.
1. Those who argue in favor of warnings claim that incarceration encourages a cycle of criminal behavior. 2. For example, if an individual is arrested for a low-level narcotics offense, there is a strong chance the incident will become part of their permanent record. 3. This then makes it more difficult to apply for jobs or seek higher education. 4. If the perpetrator in question also spends time in prison as a result, they may have made connections among the prisoner population. 5. All these factors combine to increase the likelihood of committing crimes in the future since other avenues have become restricted. 6. If the offense is insignificant, the punishment appears to do more harm than good.
Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
Explain your main idea.
Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
Keep developing it fully.
Extend with some long sentences as well.
Finish this main idea.
1. Though the policy detailed above is logical for very minor infractions, punishment is needed for most crimes. 2. The various justifications for punishment typically include deterrence, rehabilitation, public safety and justice itself. 3. Of these, deterrence is the most often cited and effective. 4. Most potential criminals do not commit crimes because they are aware of the punishments and this ensures a minimum degree of public safety. 5. If a person knew they would only receive a warning for a more serious infraction, then there would almost undoubtedly be more crime. 6. Even in the case of negligible offenses, stronger punishments that are not part of one’s permanent record would better curb future criminality.
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…
as fully as possible!
Continue the hypothetical example.
1. In conclusion, though warnings may be preferable for certain minor crimes, the principle of deterrence justifies punishment. 2. If a system of warnings were combined with other measures, such as improved education and mental health support, this reform would be more feasible.
Summarise your main ideas.
Include a final thought. Read more about conclusions here.
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Make some notes on paper to aid memory and then check below.
Some feel that law-breakersought to be entitled to a warning instead of strict sanctions. I largely disagree with this sentiment as punishment is crucial for society at large.
Those who argue in favor of warnings claim that incarceration encourages a cycle of criminal behavior. For example, if an individual is arrested for a low-level narcotics offense, there is a strong chance the incident will become part of their permanent record. This then makes it more difficult to apply for jobs or seek higher education. If the perpetrator in question also spends time in prison as a result, they may have made connections among the prisoner population. All these factors combine to increase the likelihood of committing crimes in the future since other avenues have become restricted. If the offense is insignificant, the punishment appears to do more harm than good.
Though the policy detailed above is logical for very minor infractions, punishment is needed for most crimes. The various justifications for punishment typically include deterrence, rehabilitation, public safety and justice itself. Of these, deterrence is the most often cited and effective. Most potential criminals do not commit crimes because they are aware of the punishments and this ensures a minimum degree of public safety. If a person knew they would only receive a warning for a more serious infraction, then there would almost undoubtedly be more crime. Even in the case of negligible offenses, stronger punishments that are not part of one’s permanent record would better curb future criminality.
In conclusion, though warnings may be preferable for certain minor crimes, the principle of deterrence justifies punishment. If a system of warnings were combined with other measures, such as improved education and mental health support, this reform would be more feasible.
Answers
For extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:
law-breakers criminals
ought to should
entitled deserve to have
warning caution, not a formal punishment
strict sanctions severe punishments
largely mostly
sentiment belief
punishment sanction
crucial important
society at large the public generally
argue claim
in favor of supporting
claim argue
incarceration being in prison
encourages motivates
cycle of criminal behavior people continuing to commit crimes
arrested put in prison
low-level narcotics offense small crime related to drugs
strong chance very likely
incident example
permanent record criminal files
apply for jobs try to get work
seek higher education apply for college, university
perpetrator in question criminal being talked about
spends time in prison be incarcerated
as a result the consequence is that
connections among bonds with
prisoner population people in prison
factors combine elements add up to
increase the likelihood greater chance of
other avenues different routes
restricted limited
offense crime
insignificant not important
punishment appears sanctions seem to be
more harm than good hurts more than it helps
policy detailed above reform mentioned before
logical rational
minor infractions small crimes
justifications rationalizations
typically usually
include have
deterrence make others afraid of committing a crime
rehabilitation improve
public safety guarding society
justice fairness, restoring balance
most often cited usually mentioned
effective works
potential possible
aware know about
ensures guarantees
minimum degree of public safety at least some safety
receive get
infraction breaking the rules
undoubtedly definitely
even in the case of negligible offenses also when they are minor crimes
better curb improved control
future criminality continue to commit crimes
preferable better
principle ethic, idea
justifies makes it a good idea
system programs
combined with other measures put together with other methods
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:
Some feel that l_________________so___________o be e__________d to a w________g instead of s__________________s. I l__________y disagree with this s_____________t as p_______________t is c_________l for s_________________e.
Those who a________e i______________f warnings c________m that i__________________n e_____________s a c____________________________r. For example, if an individual is a_____________d for a l___________________________e, there is a s_________________e the i_____________t will become part of their p_____________________d. This then makes it more difficult to a_________________s or s______________________n. If the p_____________________n also s_________________________________t, they may have made c_______________________g the p_________________n. All these f___________________e to i_________________________d of committing crimes in the future since o___________________s have become r____________d. If the o__________e is i__________________t, the p___________________s to do m__________________________d.
Though the p_______________________e is l__________l for very m__________________s, punishment is needed for most crimes. The various j_________________s for punishment t____________y i__________e d______________e, r_______________n, p_____________y and j_________e itself. Of these, deterrence is the m________________d and e___________e. Most p____________l criminals do not commit crimes because they are a________e of the punishments and this e___________s a m____________________________y. If a person knew they would only r____________e a warning for a more serious i___________n, then there would almost u______________y be more crime. E____________________________________s, stronger punishments that are not part of one’s permanent record would b_____________________________y.
In conclusion, though warnings may be p____________e for certain minor crimes, the p_____________e of deterrence j____________s punishment. If a s__________m of warnings were c__________________h o___________________s, such as i_______________________n and m_________________________t, this r_________m would be more f_____________e.
Listening Practice
Learn more about this topic by watching videos from The New York Times YouTube channel below and practice with these activities:
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 there should be a fixed punishment 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.
This is an IELTS writing task 1 sample answer essay on the topic of a volcanic island chain from the real IELTS exam.
It is an extremely strange topic so I thought I’d give it a try to help out some students who asked me about it!
Find all the most recent task 1 topics here and my full IELTS Ebooks here.
Dave
IELTS Essay: Volcanic Island Chain in Hawaii
The presented diagram details an island chain in Hawaii located in the Pacific Ocean. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that volcanic formation begins deep under the Earth’s mantle and is visibly the result of multiple eruptions over the years.
Considering first of all the deepest layer buried in solid dense rock (2883 km down), there are vast repositories of magma in a central ‘hot spot’ where spume remains static. The magma spume then rises in a narrow channel and the shifting (7-9cm a year) Pacific tectonic plate to reach the surface and create the least mature volcanoes through multiple eruptions.
The diagram also contains information about Hawaii more specifically including that the oldest volcano was formed 80,000,000 years ago and the major islands include Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Hahoolawa, Maui, and, the largest, Hawaii.
Analysis
1. The presented diagram details an island chain in Hawaii located in the Pacific Ocean. 2. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that volcanic formation begins deep under the Earth’s mantle and is visibly the result of multiple eruptions over the years.
Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
Write a general over for the process. Include the major changes and group them generally.
1. Considering first of all the deepest layer buried in solid dense rock (2883 km down), there are vast repositories of magma in a central ‘hot spot’ where spume remains static. 2. The magma spume then rises in a narrow channel and the shifting (7-9cm a year) Pacific tectonic plate to reach the surface and create the least mature volcanoes through multiple eruptions.
Begin to describe the diagram fully – for this one just follow the formation of the volcanoes.
Be sure to detail everything fully.
1. The diagram also contains information about Hawaii more specifically including that the oldest volcano was formed 80,000,000 years ago and the major islands include Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Hahoolawa, Maui, and, the largest, Hawaii.
Don’t include any opinion and don’t forget any areas in the diagram.
Try to keep it to 3 paragraphs but if there is an extra detail that is better in another paragraph, that is fine!
Vocabulary
What do the words in bold below mean?Take some notes on a piece of paper to aid your memory:
The presented diagram details an island chain in Hawaii located in the Pacific Ocean. Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that volcanic formation begins deep under the Earth’s mantle and is visibly the result of multiple eruptionsover the years.
Consideringfirst of all the deepest layer buried in solid dense rock (2883 km down), there are vast repositories of magma in a central ‘hot spot’ where spume remains static. The magma spume then rises in a narrow channel and the shifting (7-9cm a year) Pacific tectonic plate to reach the surface and create the least mature volcanoes through multiple eruptions.
The diagram also contains information about Hawaii more specifically including that the oldest volcano was formed 80,000,000 years ago and the major islands include Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Hahoolawa, Maui, and, the largest, Hawaii.
Answers
Try to write down or think of an antonym/opposite word for further practice:
presented shown
details describes
island chain group of islands
Hawaii an island state in the United States
located found in
Pacific Ocean water between China and the United States
Looking from an overall perspective, it is readily apparent that overall
formation creation
deep under the Earth’s mantle far inside the world
visibly can be seen
result of because of
multiple eruptionsover the years many times the volcano exploded
consideringfirst of all looking initially at
deepest layer fruther down
buried in covered deep in
solid dense rock very hard rock/stone
vast repositories of magma lots of lava
central in the middle
spume a foamy initial form of magma/lava
static unchanging
magma spume before it become lava
then next
rises comes up
narrow channel small passageway
shifting moving
Pacific tectonic plate the discs under the Earth that slide and create earthquakes and eruptions
Remember and fill in the blanks. Note it on a piece of paper so you can remember better:
The p_____________d diagram d_________s an i_________________n in H_________i l_________d in the P____________n. L_______________________________________________t volcanic f____________n begins d_____________________________________e and is v_______y the r__________________________so_________________s.
C_______________________l the d______________r b_____________n s___________________k (2883 km down), there are v____________________________a in a c__________l ‘hot spot’ where s________e remains s________c. The m____________e t____n r_______s in a n_______________l and the s___________g (7-9cm a year) P___________________e to r__________________e and create the l_______________e volcanoes through m___________________s.
The diagram also c_________________n about Hawaii more s_____________y including that the oldest volcano was formed 80,000,000 years ago and the m_______r islands include Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Hahoolawa, Maui, and, the l_______t, Hawaii.
Listening Practice
Listen to the related topic below and practice with these activities:
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