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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Discuss when, if ever capital punishment can be viewed as a valid punishment for a crime. Give reasons for your answer and use specific examples to support your answer.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Discuss when, if ever capital punishment can be viewed as a valid punishment for a crime.

Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, is a highly controversial issue. Some people believe it is a valid punishment for certain crimes, while others argue that it is inhumane and should be abolished. In my opinion, capital punishment can be viewed as a valid punishment for crimes in cases of extreme violence and brutality, such as serial killings and terrorism.

Firstly, capital punishment serves as a deterrent to potential offenders. The fear of facing the death penalty may prevent some individuals from committing heinous crimes, thereby protecting society. For example, in countries where the death penalty is enforced for serious crimes, statistics show a decrease in the occurrence of such crimes.

Secondly, in cases of extreme violence and brutality, the death penalty can provide a sense of justice for the victims and their families. For instance, in situations where innocent lives have been taken, the implementation of capital punishment may bring a sense of closure and retribution to the affected families.

However, it is crucial to ensure that the legal system is flawless and that there is irrefutable evidence before imposing the death penalty. Mistakes in judgment can lead to the wrongful execution of innocent individuals, which is an irreversible and tragic outcome. Therefore, stringent safeguards and thorough judicial processes must be in place to prevent miscarriages of justice.

In conclusion, while capital punishment can be deemed a valid punishment for certain extreme crimes, it is imperative to ensure that it is applied judiciously and with utmost caution. The decision to impose the death penalty should only be made in cases where there is overwhelming evidence of extreme violence and brutality, and where there is no doubt regarding the guilt of the accused.

Model Essay #2:

Discuss when, if ever capital punishment can be viewed as a valid punishment for a crime.

While some argue that capital punishment can be a valid punishment for certain crimes, I firmly believe that it is an inhumane and unjust practice that should be abolished altogether. The death penalty is a violation of basic human rights and there are alternative ways to ensure justice without resorting to taking a life.

Firstly, there is always a risk of wrongful convictions and miscarriages of justice in the legal system. Numerous cases have emerged where individuals on death row have been exonerated due to new evidence, highlighting the fallibility of the legal process. Once a person is executed, there is no way to reverse the decision, and innocent lives may be lost as a result.

Furthermore, the death penalty fails to address the root causes of crime and does not provide an opportunity for rehabilitation. Instead of focusing on punishment, efforts should be directed towards addressing the social, economic, and psychological factors that contribute to criminal behavior. Investing in education, mental health support, and social welfare programs can lead to a more just and equitable society.

In addition, many argue that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent to crime. Countries that have abolished capital punishment have not experienced an increase in criminal activity, suggesting that there are alternative methods of maintaining law and order without resorting to such a severe and irreversible punishment.

In conclusion, capital punishment is a violation of human rights and does not address the underlying issues that lead to criminal behavior. Instead of focusing on punishment, efforts should be directed towards prevention, rehabilitation, and addressing systemic inequalities. It is time to abolish the death penalty and embrace more humane and effective approaches to justice.

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