2025-08-19

IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion — Crime: Band 9 Sample & Analysis

Achieve Band 9 in IELTS Writing Task 2 crime discussion essays with expert sample answers, detailed analysis, and proven strategies. Master sophisticated arguments and crime vocabulary.

IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion — Crime: Band 9 Sample & Analysis

Quick Summary

Crime discussion essays require sophisticated understanding of criminal behavior, law enforcement, social factors, and prevention strategies to achieve Band 9 performance. Success depends on balanced analysis of multiple perspectives, specific examples from criminology research, and precise legal terminology that demonstrates expert knowledge of contemporary crime issues.

This comprehensive guide features complete Band 9 sample essays addressing common crime themes including youth crime, white-collar offenses, rehabilitation vs. punishment, and technology's role in criminal activity. Each sample includes detailed examiner analysis explaining specific language features, structural choices, and content development strategies.

Key topics covered include crime causation theories, prevention approaches, rehabilitation effectiveness, sentencing policies, and community safety measures. Advanced vocabulary sections provide natural collocations and academic expressions essential for crime essay excellence.

Expert analysis reveals how Band 9 writers integrate criminological concepts with practical solutions while maintaining objectivity and demonstrating sophisticated understanding of complex criminal justice issues.

Understanding Crime Discussion Questions

Common Discussion Question Patterns

Pattern 1: Causes and Solutions Format "Crime rates have increased in many urban areas. Discuss the main causes of this trend and suggest possible solutions to reduce crime."

Pattern 2: Multiple Perspective Analysis "Some people believe that longer prison sentences are the best way to reduce crime, while others argue that rehabilitation programs are more effective. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Pattern 3: Social Factor Assessment "Young people are increasingly involved in criminal activities. Discuss the reasons for this trend and what measures can be taken to address the problem."

Pattern 4: Prevention vs. Punishment Debate "There is ongoing debate about whether society should focus on preventing crime or punishing criminals. Discuss both approaches and explain which you think is more important."

Task Response Excellence Strategy

Balanced Discussion Requirements:

  • Present multiple viewpoints fairly and thoroughly
  • Provide specific examples from criminal justice systems
  • Address underlying causes rather than superficial symptoms
  • Consider both immediate and long-term solutions

Band 9 Content Characteristics:

  • Sophisticated understanding of criminological theories
  • Integration of social, economic, and psychological factors
  • Evidence-based reasoning with credible supporting details
  • Nuanced analysis of complex crime-society relationships

Band 9 Sample Essay 1: Youth Crime and Social Factors

Question

"Young people are increasingly involved in criminal activities. Discuss the reasons for this trend and what measures can be taken to address the problem."

Sample Response

The escalating involvement of young people in criminal activities represents one of contemporary society's most pressing challenges, with juvenile crime rates rising significantly across numerous developed nations. This concerning trend stems from complex socioeconomic factors that require comprehensive, multi-faceted intervention strategies addressing both immediate symptoms and underlying root causes.

Underlying Causes of Youth Criminal Involvement

The primary driver of youth criminality lies in the breakdown of traditional social support structures, particularly within economically disadvantaged communities where family instability and limited educational opportunities create environments conducive to criminal behavior. Research conducted by the National Institute of Justice demonstrates that adolescents from single-parent households experience crime involvement rates 40% higher than their peers from stable family environments, largely due to reduced supervision and fewer positive role models during critical developmental periods.

Educational disengagement represents another significant contributing factor, as young people who struggle academically or dropout entirely often lack legitimate pathways to economic advancement and social recognition. The correlation between educational failure and criminal activity becomes particularly pronounced in urban areas where limited vocational training opportunities leave many teenagers feeling hopeless about their future prospects. Furthermore, peer influence plays a crucial role, as adolescents seeking belonging and identity may gravitate toward criminal groups that provide the social connection and status they cannot obtain through conventional means.

The proliferation of social media and digital technology has also created new avenues for criminal recruitment and activity, with organized criminal networks increasingly using online platforms to identify and exploit vulnerable young people. Cyberbullying, online harassment, and exposure to violent content normalize aggressive behavior while simultaneously providing teenagers with tools to engage in digital crimes such as fraud, identity theft, and cyberbullying.

Comprehensive Intervention Strategies

Effective youth crime prevention requires coordinated efforts focusing on strengthening protective factors while addressing risk elements within communities, schools, and families. Early intervention programs that identify at-risk children before criminal behavior patterns become established have demonstrated remarkable success, with initiatives like the Perry Preschool Project showing 40% reductions in lifetime arrest rates among participants compared to control groups.

Educational enhancement represents a crucial prevention strategy, involving both academic support for struggling students and the creation of meaningful vocational pathways that connect learning to future employment opportunities. Successful programs like Australia's "Learning Earn" initiative combine classroom education with practical job training, resulting in 60% reductions in youth crime rates within participating communities. Additionally, mentorship programs pairing young people with positive adult role models provide essential guidance and support during vulnerable developmental stages.

Community-based interventions that strengthen social cohesion and provide constructive activities for teenagers have proven highly effective in preventing criminal involvement. After-school programs, sports leagues, arts initiatives, and volunteer opportunities give young people productive outlets for their energy while building valuable life skills and social connections. Cities implementing comprehensive youth engagement strategies, such as Boston's "Operation Ceasefire," have achieved remarkable 30-50% reductions in youth violence through coordinated community action.

Rehabilitation and Justice System Responses

When preventive measures fail and young people become involved in criminal activity, evidence-based rehabilitation approaches offer far greater long-term benefits than punitive responses alone. Restorative justice programs that bring young offenders face-to-face with victims while requiring them to make amends for their actions create powerful learning experiences that significantly reduce recidivism rates. Countries like Norway, which emphasizes rehabilitation over punishment in juvenile justice, maintains youth reoffending rates below 20% compared to over 70% in more punitive systems.

Therapeutic interventions addressing underlying mental health issues, substance abuse problems, and trauma histories prove essential for breaking cycles of criminal behavior. Multisystemic Therapy (MST) programs that work intensively with young offenders and their families within community settings have demonstrated consistent success, with participants showing 25-70% lower rearrest rates compared to those receiving traditional interventions.

In conclusion, addressing youth criminality requires acknowledging its complex multicausal nature while implementing comprehensive strategies that combine prevention, early intervention, and evidence-based rehabilitation. The most successful approaches recognize that young people's criminal involvement often represents symptoms of broader social problems requiring coordinated community responses rather than simplistic punitive measures.

Band 9 Analysis

Task Response (9/9):

  • Fully addresses both parts: reasons for youth crime increase and measures to address it
  • Provides sophisticated analysis with multiple perspectives and specific examples
  • Demonstrates deep understanding of criminological concepts and social factors
  • Offers comprehensive solutions addressing prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation

Coherence and Cohesion (9/9):

  • Clear four-paragraph structure with logical progression from causes to solutions
  • Sophisticated linking devices and cohesive elements throughout
  • Strong internal paragraph organization with topic sentences and supporting detail development
  • Smooth transitions between different aspects of the topic

Lexical Resource (9/9):

  • Wide range of crime-specific vocabulary used naturally and precisely
  • Advanced collocations ("socioeconomic factors," "recidivism rates," "restorative justice")
  • Academic terminology appropriate for criminology discussion
  • No repetition or inappropriate word choices

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (9/9):

  • Complex sentence structures with varied grammatical patterns
  • Perfect control of conditional constructions and relative clauses
  • Advanced punctuation and sophisticated sentence beginnings
  • Error-free grammar throughout

Key Success Elements:

  • Specific research citations and statistical evidence
  • Multiple theoretical perspectives integrated naturally
  • Practical examples from various countries and programs
  • Sophisticated understanding of crime prevention vs. punishment balance

Band 9 Sample Essay 2: Rehabilitation vs. Punishment Debate

Question

"Some people believe that longer prison sentences are the best way to reduce crime, while others argue that rehabilitation programs are more effective. Discuss both views and give your opinion."

Sample Response

The criminal justice system faces a fundamental philosophical divide between punitive approaches emphasizing incarceration and rehabilitative strategies focused on addressing underlying causes of criminal behavior. While both perspectives aim to reduce crime and protect society, mounting empirical evidence suggests that rehabilitation-centered approaches achieve superior long-term outcomes in terms of recidivism reduction, cost-effectiveness, and community safety.

The Case for Extended Incarceration

Proponents of longer prison sentences argue that extended incarceration serves multiple essential functions: deterring potential criminals, incapacitating repeat offenders, and providing justice for victims through proportional punishment. The deterrence theory suggests that harsher penalties create psychological barriers preventing individuals from engaging in criminal activity, as the perceived costs of detection and punishment outweigh potential criminal benefits. Countries implementing mandatory minimum sentencing laws, such as the United States' "Three Strikes" legislation, have experienced temporary reductions in certain crime categories during periods of increased incarceration rates.

Incapacitation represents perhaps the strongest argument for extended imprisonment, as individuals confined within correctional facilities cannot commit crimes against the general public. This approach proves particularly compelling for repeat violent offenders who demonstrate persistent patterns of harmful behavior despite previous interventions. Public safety concerns understandably drive support for longer sentences when communities fear that early release might endanger innocent citizens.

The retributive justice perspective emphasizes that punishment serves an important moral function by ensuring that wrongdoers face consequences proportional to their crimes. Victims and their families often find psychological closure through knowing that offenders have been held accountable through significant penalties, while society demonstrates its rejection of criminal behavior through imposing meaningful sentences.

The Evidence for Rehabilitation-Focused Approaches

However, comprehensive research consistently demonstrates that rehabilitation programs achieve superior outcomes across multiple measures of criminal justice effectiveness. Countries prioritizing rehabilitative interventions, such as Norway and Germany, maintain recidivism rates between 20-30%, compared to over 68% in more punitive systems like the United States. These dramatic differences suggest that addressing underlying causes of criminal behavior—substance abuse, mental health issues, lack of education and job skills—proves far more effective at preventing future crimes than extended incarceration alone.

Cost-benefit analyses reveal that rehabilitation programs generate substantial economic advantages over pure incarceration approaches. The RAND Corporation's extensive meta-analysis found that every dollar invested in prison education programs saves taxpayers $4-5 in reduced reimprisonment costs, while vocational training programs yield even higher returns. Drug treatment courts, which divert non-violent offenders into intensive rehabilitation programs, cost approximately $6,500 per participant compared to $31,000 annually for traditional incarceration, while achieving significantly better outcomes.

Therapeutic communities within correctional settings that emphasize personal responsibility, skill development, and behavior modification have demonstrated remarkable success in transforming criminal mindsets. Programs like the Prison Enterprise Program, which provides real-world job training and education while incarcerated, reduce recidivism by up to 43% compared to traditional imprisonment. These initiatives recognize that most offenders will eventually return to society and should be prepared for successful reintegration rather than merely warehoused.

Integrated Approach and Personal Perspective

The most effective criminal justice systems recognize that public safety requires both accountability and rehabilitation, implemented proportionally based on offense severity and individual circumstances. Violent crimes requiring significant incarceration periods for public protection can still incorporate rehabilitative elements preparing offenders for eventual release, while non-violent offenses might emphasize community-based rehabilitation with minimal incarceration.

Evidence-based practices suggest that moderate sentences combined with intensive rehabilitation yield optimal results. Sentences long enough to demonstrate serious consequences while providing sufficient time for meaningful behavior change appear most effective. Countries implementing graduated sanctions—escalating interventions based on offense patterns—maintain both public safety and cost-effectiveness while achieving superior recidivism outcomes.

In my assessment, rehabilitation-focused approaches should predominate in criminal justice policy, supported by appropriately calibrated incarceration periods that reflect crime severity and public safety requirements. The overwhelming empirical evidence favoring rehabilitation over pure punishment, combined with cost-effectiveness considerations and humanitarian concerns, creates compelling arguments for prioritizing interventions that address root causes of criminal behavior while maintaining necessary accountability measures.

Band 9 Analysis

Task Response (9/9):

  • Fully develops both perspectives with sophisticated reasoning
  • Provides clear personal opinion supported by evidence
  • Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of criminal justice theories
  • Addresses multiple aspects (deterrence, rehabilitation, cost, effectiveness)

Coherence and Cohesion (9/9):

  • Logical progression from punishment arguments to rehabilitation evidence to integrated conclusion
  • Sophisticated discourse markers and cohesive devices
  • Clear paragraph structure with effective topic sentences
  • Seamless integration of evidence and analysis

Lexical Resource (9/9):

  • Extensive criminal justice terminology used precisely
  • Advanced academic vocabulary and natural collocations
  • Appropriate register maintained throughout
  • Varied and sophisticated expressions avoiding repetition

Grammatical Range and Accuracy (9/9):

  • Complex grammatical structures used accurately
  • Wide range of sentence types and lengths
  • Perfect control of advanced constructions
  • No grammatical errors affecting meaning

Advanced Crime Vocabulary and Collocations

Criminal Justice System

Law Enforcement:

  • "crime prevention strategies"
  • "community policing initiatives"
  • "investigative procedures"
  • "evidence-based policing"
  • "law enforcement agencies"

Court Proceedings:

  • "criminal prosecution"
  • "due process rights"
  • "judicial discretion"
  • "sentencing guidelines"
  • "plea bargaining"

Corrections:

  • "correctional rehabilitation"
  • "recidivism rates"
  • "alternative sentencing"
  • "community service"
  • "electronic monitoring"

Crime Types and Terminology

Violent Crime:

  • "assault and battery"
  • "aggravated assault"
  • "homicide rates"
  • "domestic violence"
  • "gang-related violence"

Property Crime:

  • "burglary and theft"
  • "white-collar crime"
  • "financial fraud"
  • "identity theft"
  • "cybercrime offenses"

Social Crime Issues:

  • "juvenile delinquency"
  • "substance-related offenses"
  • "organized crime"
  • "human trafficking"
  • "corruption and bribery"

Criminological Concepts

Theoretical Frameworks:

  • "social disorganization theory"
  • "rational choice theory"
  • "biological determinism"
  • "environmental criminology"
  • "restorative justice principles"

Risk and Protective Factors:

  • "criminal risk assessment"
  • "protective factors"
  • "vulnerability indicators"
  • "intervention strategies"
  • "prevention programs"

Academic Expressions for Crime Essays

Discussing Causes:

  • "Contributing factors to criminal behavior include..."
  • "Research indicates that crime rates correlate with..."
  • "Socioeconomic conditions significantly influence..."
  • "Multiple variables interact to create..."
  • "Underlying causes stem from..."

Presenting Solutions:

  • "Evidence-based interventions demonstrate..."
  • "Comprehensive approaches require..."
  • "Prevention strategies should target..."
  • "Rehabilitation programs prove effective when..."
  • "Integrated responses involve..."

Making Comparisons:

  • "Countries implementing rehabilitation-focused policies..."
  • "Punitive approaches contrast sharply with..."
  • "Comparative analysis reveals that..."
  • "Cross-national studies indicate..."
  • "International best practices suggest..."

IELTS Application Strategies

Discussion Essay Structure for Crime Topics

Introduction (2-3 sentences):

  • Paraphrase the question and introduce the debate
  • Provide brief context about crime's societal impact
  • Present thesis statement outlining your approach

Body Paragraph 1 (Causes/First Perspective):

  • Topic sentence introducing main causes or first viewpoint
  • 2-3 specific causes with explanations and examples
  • Link sentences connecting ideas within paragraph

Body Paragraph 2 (Solutions/Second Perspective):

  • Topic sentence introducing solutions or alternative viewpoint
  • 2-3 practical solutions or contrasting arguments
  • Evidence and examples supporting proposed measures

Body Paragraph 3 (Optional - Personal Opinion/Integration):

  • Clear statement of personal position
  • Balanced analysis integrating both perspectives
  • Additional evidence supporting your viewpoint

Conclusion (2-3 sentences):

  • Summarize main points from both perspectives
  • Restate personal opinion (if required)
  • End with broader implications or future outlook

Common Crime Essay Topics

Youth Crime Focus:

  • Causes of juvenile delinquency
  • Prevention vs. punishment for young offenders
  • Role of family and education in crime prevention
  • Impact of social media on youth criminal behavior

Technology and Crime:

  • Cybercrime prevention and response
  • Digital surveillance vs. privacy rights
  • Online safety and protection measures
  • Technology's role in law enforcement

Social Issues:

  • Relationship between poverty and crime
  • Mental health and criminal behavior
  • Drug abuse and crime connection
  • Immigration and crime statistics debates

Criminal Justice Policy:

  • Effectiveness of death penalty
  • Prison privatization pros and cons
  • Community service vs. imprisonment
  • Victim rights vs. offender rehabilitation

Vocabulary Integration Techniques

Precise Terminology Usage:

  • Use specific crime types rather than general terms
  • Include accurate legal and criminological vocabulary
  • Demonstrate understanding of criminal justice processes
  • Balance technical terms with clear explanations

Evidence and Examples:

  • Cite specific countries' crime policies and outcomes
  • Reference criminological research and statistics
  • Include real-world prevention program examples
  • Mention historical crime trends and changes

Balanced Perspective Language:

  • "While proponents argue..., critics contend..."
  • "Although this approach shows promise, limitations include..."
  • "Both perspectives offer valuable insights, however..."
  • "Evidence suggests..., nevertheless, concerns remain about..."

Common Mistakes and Improvements

Content Development Errors

❌ Oversimplified Causation: "Crime happens because people are bad and need punishment."

✅ Sophisticated Analysis: "Criminal behavior results from complex interactions between individual psychological factors, socioeconomic conditions, and environmental circumstances, requiring multifaceted intervention strategies addressing root causes rather than symptoms alone."

❌ Generic Solutions: "Police should arrest more criminals and build more prisons."

✅ Evidence-based Approaches: "Research demonstrates that community policing initiatives, early intervention programs, and rehabilitation-focused correctional policies achieve superior recidivism reduction compared to purely punitive approaches."

Language Enhancement

Basic → Advanced Crime Vocabulary:

  • "bad people" → "individuals with criminal tendencies"
  • "catch criminals" → "apprehend suspects" / "criminal investigation"
  • "stop crime" → "crime prevention" / "deterrent measures"
  • "jail time" → "incarceration period" / "custodial sentence"

Improved Academic Expressions:

  • "put criminals in prison" → "impose custodial sentences"
  • "crime goes up" → "crime rates increase" / "criminal activity escalates"
  • "help criminals" → "offender rehabilitation" / "correctional intervention"

Structural Improvements

❌ One-sided Discussion: Only presenting arguments for punishment without considering rehabilitation

✅ Balanced Analysis: Thoroughly examining both punishment and rehabilitation perspectives with evidence

❌ Lack of Specific Examples: Making general claims without supporting evidence

✅ Evidence-based Arguments: Including specific statistics, program names, and country comparisons

Enhance your IELTS Writing Task 2 crime expertise with these complementary guides:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I make my crime essays more sophisticated without sounding academic or artificial? A: Focus on precise terminology and logical reasoning rather than complex vocabulary. Use terms like "recidivism rates" and "evidence-based interventions" naturally within clear explanations. Include specific examples from real criminal justice systems to demonstrate understanding.

Q: Should I take a strong position on controversial crime issues like the death penalty? A: In discussion essays, present balanced analysis of different perspectives before stating your opinion. Acknowledge valid points on multiple sides while clearly supporting your position with logical reasoning and evidence. Avoid emotional arguments or absolute statements.

Q: How specific should my examples be in crime essays? A: Use credible, specific examples such as "Norway's rehabilitation-focused system achieves 20% recidivism rates" rather than vague statements. Include program names, countries, or research findings when possible, but ensure accuracy and relevance to your argument.

Q: What's the difference between discussing crime prevention and crime punishment? A: Prevention focuses on stopping crime before it occurs through education, social programs, and environmental design. Punishment deals with consequences after crimes are committed. Effective essays often argue that balanced approaches combining both elements achieve optimal results.

Q: How can I avoid stereotyping or bias when discussing crime topics? A: Base arguments on research evidence rather than assumptions. Acknowledge multiple contributing factors to criminal behavior including social, economic, and psychological elements. Avoid attributing crime to single causes or demographics without supporting evidence.

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