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.
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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-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.
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
improved education better learning
mental health support psychological help
reform change
feasible will work
Pronunciation
Practice saying the vocabulary below and use this tip about Google voice search:
ˈlɔːˌbreɪkəz
ɔːt tuː
ɪnˈtaɪtld
ˈwɔːnɪŋ
strɪkt ˈsæŋkʃənz
ˈlɑːʤli
ˈsɛntɪmənt
ˈpʌnɪʃmənt
ˈkruːʃəl
səˈsaɪəti æt lɑːʤ
ˈɑːgjuː
ɪn ˈfeɪvər ɒv
kleɪm
ɪnˌkɑːsəˈreɪʃən
ɪnˈkʌrɪʤɪz
ˈsaɪkl ɒv ˈkrɪmɪnl bɪˈheɪvjə
əˈrɛstɪd
ləʊ-ˈlɛvl nɑːˈkɒtɪks əˈfɛns
strɒŋ ʧɑːns
ˈɪnsɪdənt
ˈpɜːmənənt ˈrɛkɔːd
əˈplaɪ fɔː ʤɒbz
siːk ˈhaɪər ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃən
ˈpɜːpɪtreɪtər ɪn ˈkwɛsʧən
spɛndz taɪm ɪn ˈprɪzn
æz ə rɪˈzʌlt
kəˈnɛkʃənz əˈmʌŋ
ˈprɪznə ˌpɒpjʊˈleɪʃən
ˈfæktəz ˈkɒmbaɪn
ˈɪnkriːs ðə ˈlaɪklɪhʊd
ˈʌðər ˈævɪnjuːz
rɪsˈtrɪktɪd
əˈfɛns
ˌɪnsɪgˈnɪfɪkənt
ˈpʌnɪʃmənt əˈpɪəz
mɔː hɑːm ðæn gʊd.
ˈpɒlɪsi ˈdiːteɪld əˈbʌv
ˈlɒʤɪkəl
ˈmaɪnər ɪnˈfrækʃənz
ˌʤʌstɪfɪˈkeɪʃənz
ˈtɪpɪk(ə)li
ɪnˈkluːd
dɪˈtɛrəns
ˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃən
ˈpʌblɪk ˈseɪfti
ˈʤʌstɪs
məʊst ˈɒf(ə)n ˈsaɪtɪd
ɪˈfɛktɪv
pəʊˈtɛnʃəl
əˈweə
ɪnˈʃʊəz
ˈmɪnɪməm dɪˈgriː ɒv ˈpʌblɪk ˈseɪfti
rɪˈsiːv
ɪnˈfrækʃən
ʌnˈdaʊtɪdli
ˈiːvən ɪn ðə keɪs ɒv ˈnɛglɪʤəbl əˈfɛnsɪz
ˈbɛtə kɜːb
ˈfjuːʧə ˌkrɪmɪˈnælɪti
ˈprɛfərəbl
ˈprɪnsəpl
ˈʤʌstɪfaɪz
ˈsɪstɪm
kəmˈbaɪnd wɪð ˈʌðə ˈmɛʒəz
ɪmˈpruːvd ˌɛdju(ː)ˈkeɪʃən
ˈmɛntl hɛlθ səˈpɔːt
ˌriːˈfɔːm
ˈfiːzəbl
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:
Some feel that l_________________s o___________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:
Reading Practice
Read more about this topic and use these ideas to practice:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/1985/11/punishment-versus-discipline/304097/
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 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.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Warnings should be given to people in lieu of punishment. While I agree this practice can work in the case of small crimes, people ought to be punished for fiendish crimes. This essay shall elucidate the reasons for supporting my perspective in the forthcoming parapraphs.
Whether to give warning or punishment should be evaluated based on the seriousness of the crime. Petty crimes, such as shop lifting, vandalism, and trespass, can usually be controlled by giving strict warnings to the perpetrators of crime. The offenders of such crimes are usually young people, and they easily get scared on receiving a warning. Not only can warning act as a strong deterrent, but it also helps to save the state funds to a larger extent. These funds can be directed towards more pressing issues. If a simple warning can work wonders, then why punish people for committing small crimes? Thus, warning is an effective way to curb the criminal activity of less serious crimes.
On the other hand, offenders of serious crimes, such as murder, rape, and trafficking, must receive severe punishment. Besides this, warnings may not work in this case because criminals who commit such crimes are evil people and a danger to the community. It is of paramount importance to ensure the safety of the people. Only by keeping brutal criminals behind bars can we help to maintain peace and order in society. Therefore, stringent punishment verdicts are essential to control the number of offensive criminal activities.
In conclusion, it is important to punish people who have committed dangerous crimes in order to create fear among people as well as limit the number of henious incidents. In my opinion, warnings are conducive to ensuring minor crimes are not repeated. Which preventive approach to apply when people break the law must depend on the degree of crime committed.
Nice Samaira!
There are a lot of informal collocations though such as ‘fiendish crimes’ that shouldn’t be used in academic writing.
Thank you for your feedback
Is there a missing “of” after likelihood?
Thanks – fixed it!
There is a statement that it is suitable to warn lawbreakers rather than punish them in lots of cases. In my opinion, I disagree with this idea. In this circumstance, those who are against the law will break the law again, and the law becomes less authrority.
People will not remember their wrong actions if there is no punishment. The criminal cost is so low that law breakers are not afraid to break the law again. For example, after catching a thief and giving him a warning, he can not feel the weight of the law. It is possible for him to steal commedies in the next corner. There is no punishment for him, which means the result of breaking the law can not be noticed and would be ignored after seconds. Moreover, normal people may become criminals when they want to do something that would break the law. In this case, a disaster approaches the country, as everyone may break the law at any moment.
Furthermore, people consider the law is just a piece of paper, which does not help developing and protecting the country. As a result, there is barely danger in society. Let us take traffic lights as an example. If drivers do want to wait, they would not stop when the light is red. And the more drivers do so, the more dangerous the traffic situation becomes. Such actions result in danger not only for walk people, but also for other drivers, even those rushing to pass a red light themselves. The main reason is that they do not lose their driving licenses or money when they break any traffic law. In the end, the government becomes useless and society collapses.
In sum, the law loses its authrority if it solely offers warning rather than punishment, which leads to catastrophies in the country. A democratic society should set apropriate punishments for all actions that break the law.
Some informal language and mistakes with spelling but still good practice, Gakki!
I just want to assay my writing skills