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IELTS Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

The role of prisons should be to punish criminals who have committed serious crimes. Training courses and education offered to prisoners are a waste of taxpayer's money. To what extent do you agree or disagree? You should give reasons for your answer using your own ideas and experience.

Write at least 250 words.

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🤩 Sample answers

Model Essay #1:

The role of prisons should be to punish criminals who have committed serious crimes. Training courses and education offered to prisoners are a waste of taxpayer's money. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

In today's society, there is significant debate about the purpose of prisons. Some argue that prisons should focus primarily on punishing serious criminals, while others believe that offering training courses and education to prisoners is a worthwhile investment. In my opinion, while punishment is important, providing education and training to prisoners can lead to positive outcomes and is not a waste of taxpayer's money.

Firstly, it is important to acknowledge the role of punishment in the criminal justice system. Punishment serves as a deterrent to potential offenders and can provide a sense of justice to victims and their families. However, solely focusing on punishment without addressing the underlying issues that led to criminal behavior may not be effective in reducing reoffending rates. This is where education and training can play a crucial role.

Offering education and training programs to prisoners can provide them with the opportunity to acquire new skills and knowledge. This can increase their chances of finding employment upon release, reducing the likelihood of reoffending. Studies have shown that prisoners who participate in education programs have lower recidivism rates, ultimately reducing the burden on the criminal justice system and society as a whole.

Furthermore, investing in the education and rehabilitation of prisoners aligns with the goal of promoting rehabilitation and reintegration into society. By equipping prisoners with the necessary skills, they are more likely to become productive members of society, contributing to the economy and their communities. This can ultimately lead to a reduction in crime and an overall improvement in public safety.

In conclusion, while punishment is an essential component of the criminal justice system, offering education and training to prisoners is not a waste of taxpayer's money. It has the potential to reduce reoffending rates, promote rehabilitation, and contribute to a safer and more productive society. Therefore, I firmly believe that the role of prisons should encompass both punishment and the provision of education and training opportunities for prisoners.

Model Essay #2:

The role of prisons should be to punish criminals who have committed serious crimes. Training courses and education offered to prisoners are a waste of taxpayer's money. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

The purpose of prisons has been a topic of debate, with some advocating for a focus on punishing serious criminals, while others argue for the provision of training courses and education to prisoners. I firmly believe that the primary role of prisons should be to punish criminals who have committed serious crimes, and that investing in education and training for prisoners is indeed a waste of taxpayer's money.

Firstly, the main purpose of prisons is to hold individuals accountable for their actions and to ensure that they face appropriate consequences for their crimes. This serves as a deterrent to potential offenders and upholds the principles of justice in society. The focus should be on ensuring that the punishment is commensurate with the severity of the crime committed.

Investing in education and training programs for prisoners can be seen as diverting resources from other critical areas such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Taxpayer's money should be allocated to initiatives that benefit law-abiding citizens and address societal needs rather than being spent on individuals who have violated the law.

Moreover, some may argue that providing education and training to prisoners can lead to their rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. However, the effectiveness of such programs in reducing recidivism rates is not guaranteed. There are instances where individuals who have been provided with educational opportunities in prison continue to engage in criminal activities upon release, rendering the investment ineffective.

In conclusion, while punishment should be the primary focus of prisons, diverting resources to provide education and training to prisoners is not a prudent use of taxpayer's money. Instead, the emphasis should be on ensuring that punishment is just and serves as a deterrent to potential offenders. This approach would better align with the interests of law-abiding citizens and the principles of justice in society.

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