justIELTS

Write better, score higher.

IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Do you believe that societies ought to enforce capital punishment or are there alternative forms of punishment that would be better used? What is your viewpoint on this? Give reasons and relevant examples for your answer.

Write at least 250 words.

😩 Feeling stuck? View sample answers below ⬇️ or get another random Task 2 topic.

🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Do you believe that societies ought to enforce capital punishment or are there alternative forms of punishment that would be better used?

In today's world, the debate on capital punishment continues to be a contentious issue. Some people argue that societies should enforce capital punishment, while others believe that alternative forms of punishment would be more effective. In my opinion, I believe that there are alternative forms of punishment that would be better used for several reasons.

Firstly, the implementation of alternative forms of punishment, such as life imprisonment, allows for the possibility of rectifying any wrongful convictions. In contrast, once capital punishment is enforced, there is no room for rectifying any errors that may have occurred in the judicial process. For example, in the United States, there have been cases where individuals on death row were later found to be innocent through DNA evidence, highlighting the irreversible nature of capital punishment.

Additionally, alternative forms of punishment, such as rehabilitation programs, can address the root causes of criminal behavior and work towards the reintegration of offenders into society. This approach focuses on addressing the factors that led individuals to commit crimes, offering them a chance to reform and contribute positively to society. For instance, in Scandinavia, the emphasis on rehabilitation and reintegration has resulted in lower rates of recidivism compared to countries that enforce capital punishment.

Furthermore, the moral and ethical implications of capital punishment raise concerns about the value of human life and the potential for miscarriages of justice. By abolishing capital punishment and focusing on alternative forms of punishment, societies can uphold the principles of human rights and demonstrate a commitment to justice that does not involve taking a life.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that societies should prioritize alternative forms of punishment over capital punishment. By doing so, we can ensure the possibility of rectifying wrongful convictions, address the root causes of criminal behavior, and uphold the fundamental principles of human rights and justice.

Model Essay #2:

Do you believe that societies ought to enforce capital punishment or are there alternative forms of punishment that would be better used?

The issue of capital punishment has sparked intense debate, with some advocating for its enforcement in societies, while others argue for the use of alternative forms of punishment. From my perspective, I believe that societies should enforce capital punishment for certain crimes, as it serves as a deterrent and ensures justice is served.

First and foremost, the implementation of capital punishment acts as a deterrent to heinous crimes, deterring potential offenders from committing serious offenses. The fear of facing the ultimate punishment can dissuade individuals from engaging in acts of extreme violence or premeditated crimes. For instance, in countries where capital punishment is enforced for crimes such as murder or terrorism, there is evidence to suggest that the threat of this penalty has a deterrent effect on potential offenders.

Furthermore, capital punishment ensures that justice is served for the victims and their families. In cases of egregious crimes, such as mass murder or acts of terrorism, the imposition of capital punishment provides a sense of closure and retribution for the affected individuals and communities. It sends a strong message that society will not tolerate such grave violations of human life and security.

Moreover, the enforcement of capital punishment can serve to protect society from dangerous individuals who have demonstrated a propensity for extreme violence. Life imprisonment or alternative forms of punishment may not guarantee the permanent incapacitation of such individuals, posing potential risks to society if they were to be released or escape.

In conclusion, I firmly support the enforcement of capital punishment in societies for certain grave crimes. It acts as a deterrent, ensures justice for victims and their families, and helps protect society from dangerous offenders. While alternative forms of punishment have their merits, the use of capital punishment for extreme offenses remains a necessary measure in upholding societal values and safety.

✍️ Evaluate your essay for free

You can submit your essay for free evaluation. We will provide you with your score and give you feedback on how to improve your essay.

Sign in or register to submit your essay.

🤓 More IELTS Writing Task 2 topics

Get a random essay topic or choose from topics below:

Or view the list of all tasks.