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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

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?

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

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?

In many countries, there is a debate about whether the death penalty or life in prison is a more suitable punishment for murderers. Some believe that by executing murderers, society is also guilty of committing murder. Therefore, they argue that life in prison is a better punishment for murderers. In my opinion, I agree with this statement to a large extent.

Firstly, the death penalty is irreversible. If an innocent person is wrongly convicted and executed, there is no way to undo this mistake. On the other hand, a person sentenced to life in prison can be released if new evidence proves their innocence. Therefore, life in prison allows for the possibility of rectifying any errors in the justice system.

Secondly, the death penalty does not serve as a deterrent to crime. Studies have shown that the presence of the death penalty does not lower the rate of violent crime. On the contrary, life in prison without the possibility of parole ensures that the offender is removed from society and poses no further threat to the public.

However, it is important to consider the emotional impact on the families of murder victims. Many argue that the death penalty provides a sense of closure and justice for the families of victims. Nevertheless, it is essential to prioritize the overall fairness and effectiveness of the justice system over emotional satisfaction.

In conclusion, I believe that life in prison is a more suitable punishment for murderers compared to the death penalty. It allows for the potential rectification of wrongful convictions and ensures the removal of offenders from society. While emotional considerations are important, the focus should be on a fair and effective justice system.

Model Essay #2:

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?

The debate over whether the death penalty or life in prison is a more suitable punishment for murderers has sparked diverse opinions. While some argue that society is guilty of committing murder by executing murderers, others believe that the death penalty is a necessary form of justice. I disagree with the statement that life in prison is a better punishment for murderers.

Firstly, the death penalty serves as a strong deterrent to potential criminals. Knowing that they could face the ultimate consequence for their actions may prevent individuals from committing heinous crimes. On the other hand, life in prison without the possibility of parole may not have the same deterrent effect, leading to potential risks to society.

Secondly, the death penalty provides a sense of closure and justice for the families of murder victims. It acknowledges the severity of the crime and upholds the rights of the victims and their loved ones. In contrast, life in prison may not offer the same level of retribution and satisfaction to those affected by the crime.

Furthermore, the cost of keeping a prisoner incarcerated for life is a burden on the government and taxpayers. In contrast, the implementation of the death penalty can alleviate some of these financial strains on the justice system.

In conclusion, I believe that the death penalty is a more suitable punishment for murderers compared to life in prison. It serves as a deterrent, provides closure to the families of victims, and can alleviate financial burdens on society. While the concerns about wrongful convictions are valid, the death penalty can be implemented with strict legal safeguards to ensure fairness and justice.

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