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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Sending criminals to prison is not the best method of dealing with them. Education and job training are better ways to help them. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. S

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

Sending criminals to prison is not the best method of dealing with them. Education and job training are better ways to help them. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In today's society, the approach to dealing with criminals is a topic of much debate. Some people argue that sending criminals to prison is not the most effective method, and that education and job training would be more beneficial. I strongly agree with this perspective, as I believe that providing education and job training to criminals can help them reintegrate into society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

Firstly, when individuals are incarcerated, they often lack access to educational and vocational opportunities. By providing education and job training programs within correctional facilities, inmates can acquire valuable skills that will increase their chances of finding employment upon release. This, in turn, can reduce the likelihood of them returning to a life of crime.

Furthermore, education can have a transformative effect on individuals, leading to personal growth and a shift in mindset. By offering educational opportunities to offenders, they can develop new perspectives and acquire knowledge that can positively influence their behavior. This can help them break the cycle of criminality and make positive contributions to society.

For example, a study conducted by the Ministry of Justice in the United Kingdom found that inmates who participated in educational programs while in prison were 9% less likely to reoffend within a year of release, compared to those who did not engage in such programs. This clearly demonstrates the positive impact of providing education and job training to individuals in correctional settings.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that education and job training are more effective ways of addressing criminal behavior than simply sending offenders to prison. By equipping individuals with the tools they need to succeed in the outside world, we can help them lead productive lives and reduce the burden on the criminal justice system.

Model Essay #2:

Sending criminals to prison is not the best method of dealing with them. Education and job training are better ways to help them. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

While it is true that education and job training can be beneficial for individuals, I disagree with the notion that sending criminals to prison is not the best method of dealing with them. In my view, incarceration serves as a necessary measure to ensure public safety and uphold the rule of law.

Firstly, imprisonment is essential for holding individuals accountable for their actions. When a person commits a crime, it is important for the justice system to demonstrate that there are consequences for unlawful behavior. By imposing a period of incarceration, society sends a clear message that certain actions will not be tolerated, thereby deterring others from engaging in criminal activities.

Moreover, for some offenders, incarceration provides a period of reflection and rehabilitation. During their time in prison, individuals can access various programs aimed at addressing the root causes of their criminal behavior, such as substance abuse or anger management issues. This can lead to personal growth and the development of skills necessary for reintegration into society.

For example, a study conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics in the United States revealed that individuals who had undergone vocational training and educational programs while in prison had a lower rate of recidivism compared to those who did not participate in such initiatives. This underscores the potential for imprisonment to serve as a platform for rehabilitation and reformation.

In conclusion, while education and job training certainly play a role in the rehabilitation of offenders, the act of sending criminals to prison remains an essential component of the justice system. By holding individuals accountable for their actions and providing opportunities for rehabilitation, incarceration serves as a crucial means of dealing with criminal behavior and maintaining public safety.

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