IELTS Writing Task 2 Discussion — Crime: Idea Bank, Examples, and Collocations

Quick Summary

Crime discussion essays require sophisticated ideas, advanced vocabulary, and compelling examples to achieve Band 8+ scores. This comprehensive resource provides extensive idea banks, real-world examples, and advanced collocations for all major crime topics appearing in IELTS Writing Task 2.

Whether you're discussing rehabilitation versus punishment, crime prevention strategies, or the causes of criminal behavior, this guide equips you with the vocabulary and concepts needed for sophisticated analysis. Learn the exact expressions and arguments used by successful candidates to impress examiners consistently.

Built from analysis of thousands of high-scoring responses, these resources provide immediate access to the ideas and language patterns that distinguish exceptional essays from average ones. Transform your crime essay preparation with professional-level vocabulary and argumentation.

Essential Crime Discussion Topics and Ideas

Rehabilitation vs. Punishment Debate

Arguments for Rehabilitation:

Addresses root causes: Rehabilitation programs target underlying issues like addiction, mental health problems, and lack of education that contribute to criminal behavior
Reduces recidivism: Countries with rehabilitation-focused systems report significantly lower reoffending rates compared to punishment-oriented approaches
Cost-effectiveness: Treatment programs often cost less than prolonged incarceration while producing better long-term outcomes
Social reintegration: Prepares offenders to become productive members of society rather than creating permanent outcasts
Victim benefits: Restorative justice approaches can provide closure and healing for victims through meaningful dialogue

Arguments for Punishment:

Deterrent effect: Severe consequences may discourage potential offenders from committing crimes
Public safety: Incarceration removes dangerous individuals from society, preventing additional crimes
Justice for victims: Punishment provides sense of justice and closure for victims and their families
Moral accountability: Society must hold individuals responsible for their choices and actions
Public confidence: Strong punishment maintains public trust in the justice system

BabyCode's Comprehensive Idea Development System

Our systematic approach helps students develop sophisticated arguments for any crime topic through structured brainstorming techniques. Students learn to generate multiple perspectives quickly while building the vocabulary needed to express complex ideas clearly.

The system has helped over 500,000 students develop confidence in tackling unfamiliar crime topics by providing frameworks for analysis rather than memorized content. This approach ensures authentic, flexible responses that adapt to any question variation.

Crime Prevention Strategies

Community-Based Prevention:

Early intervention programs: Targeting at-risk youth through mentorship and educational support
Neighborhood watch initiatives: Community involvement in crime prevention and reporting
Economic development: Creating job opportunities in high-crime areas to address underlying poverty
Education and awareness: Public campaigns about crime prevention and safety measures
Community policing: Building relationships between law enforcement and local communities

Law Enforcement Approaches:

Increased police presence: Visible deterrence through regular patrols and rapid response
Technology integration: CCTV systems, facial recognition, and data analytics for crime prediction
Specialized units: Dedicated teams for specific crime types like cybercrime or drug trafficking
Intelligence-led policing: Using data analysis to identify crime patterns and allocate resources effectively
Zero-tolerance policies: Strict enforcement of minor offenses to prevent escalation

Social and Economic Interventions:

Poverty alleviation: Addressing economic inequality that correlates with higher crime rates
Mental health services: Providing treatment and support for individuals with psychological issues
Substance abuse treatment: Rehabilitation programs for drug and alcohol addiction
Employment training: Skills development programs for unemployed and underemployed individuals
Housing initiatives: Stable accommodation for homeless and transient populations

Advanced Crime Vocabulary and Collocations

High-Impact Crime Terminology

Crime Types and Definitions:

White-collar crime: Non-violent, financially motivated criminal activity typically committed by business professionals
Juvenile delinquency: Criminal behavior by individuals under the legal age of adulthood
Organized crime: Structured criminal enterprises operating across multiple jurisdictions
Cybercrime: Criminal activities conducted through digital technology and internet platforms
Violent crime: Criminal acts involving force or threat of force against victims

Criminal Justice System Components:

Law enforcement agencies: Police, investigators, and specialized crime-fighting units
Judicial proceedings: Court processes, trials, and legal determinations
Correctional institutions: Prisons, jails, and rehabilitation facilities
Probation services: Community-based supervision of offenders
Victim support services: Programs providing assistance and resources to crime victims

Sophisticated Collocations for Band 8+ Writing

Crime Prevention Collocations:

Implement comprehensive strategies (not "make good plans")
Address underlying causes (not "fix problems")
Reduce recidivism rates (not "stop repeat crimes")
Deploy targeted interventions (not "use specific programs")
Foster community engagement (not "get people involved")

Criminal Behavior Descriptions:

Persistent criminal behavior (not "continuing crime")
Anti-social conduct (not "bad behavior")
Criminal propensity (not "tendency to commit crimes")
Rehabilitative potential (not "ability to change")
Repeat offending patterns (not "doing crimes again")

System and Policy Language:

Criminal justice reform (not "changing crime laws")
Evidence-based approaches (not "methods that work")
Restorative justice principles (not "fixing relationships")
Deterrent measures (not "ways to stop crime")
Punitive sanctions (not "punishment")

BabyCode's Advanced Collocation Training

Our specialized vocabulary modules teach students to recognize and use sophisticated word combinations naturally. The system provides context-rich practice with immediate feedback on appropriateness and accuracy.

Students learn to identify weak expressions in their writing and replace them with advanced alternatives that demonstrate linguistic sophistication. This targeted approach consistently improves lexical resource scores across all crime topics.

Real-World Examples for Crime Essays

Successful Rehabilitation Programs

Norway's Prison System:

Philosophy: Focus on rehabilitation and human dignity rather than punishment
Facilities: Open prisons with education, vocational training, and therapy programs
Results: One of the world's lowest recidivism rates at approximately 20%
Application: Demonstrates effectiveness of treating underlying causes rather than punishing symptoms

Singapore's Community Court Program:

Approach: Alternative sentencing for minor offenses focusing on community service
Components: Counseling, skills training, and restorative justice elements
Outcomes: Reduced court backlog and improved offender rehabilitation
Relevance: Shows how community-based alternatives can be effective

Portugal's Drug Decriminalization:

Policy: Treating drug addiction as health issue rather than criminal matter
Implementation: Diversion to treatment programs instead of prosecution
Results: Significant reduction in drug-related crime and overdose deaths
Lesson: Addressing root causes can be more effective than punishment

Crime Prevention Success Stories

Boston's Operation Ceasefire:

Strategy: Focused deterrence targeting specific high-risk individuals and groups
Methods: Coordination between law enforcement, social services, and community organizations
Impact: Dramatic reduction in youth homicides and gun violence
Principle: Targeted intervention more effective than broad enforcement

Glasgow's Violence Reduction Unit:

Approach: Treating violence as public health issue rather than solely criminal matter
Programs: Hospital-based intervention, mediation services, and community engagement
Achievement: Significant decrease in violent crime and weapon-related incidents
Model: Comprehensive approach addressing multiple contributing factors

International Comparative Examples

Scandinavian vs. American Approaches:

Philosophy difference: Rehabilitation-focused versus punishment-oriented systems
Outcome comparison: Lower recidivism in rehabilitation-focused countries
Cost analysis: Long-term cost-effectiveness of treatment approaches
Social impact: Different effects on communities and families

Advanced Argument Structures for Crime Essays

Cause and Effect Argumentation

Socioeconomic Factors:

Poverty-crime correlation: Areas with high unemployment often experience elevated crime rates
Education impact: Limited educational opportunities correlate with increased criminal involvement
Social inequality: Significant wealth disparities can contribute to resentment and criminal behavior
Family breakdown: Unstable family structures may increase risk of juvenile delinquency

Psychological and Social Influences:

Peer pressure effects: Social environment significantly influences individual behavior choices
Mental health correlation: Untreated psychological issues may contribute to criminal behavior
Substance abuse connection: Drug and alcohol addiction often leads to property and violent crimes
Social exclusion impact: Marginalized individuals may turn to crime for economic survival or social belonging

BabyCode's Advanced Argument Development

Our structured approach teaches students to build sophisticated arguments using cause-effect relationships, comparative analysis, and evidence-based reasoning. Students learn to develop complex ideas clearly while maintaining logical coherence throughout their essays.

The system emphasizes quality over quantity, helping students develop fewer arguments more thoroughly rather than presenting superficial coverage of multiple points. This approach consistently produces more impressive and persuasive responses.

Solution-Focused Reasoning

Multi-layered Intervention Strategies:

Primary prevention: Addressing risk factors before criminal behavior develops
Secondary prevention: Early intervention with at-risk individuals and communities
Tertiary prevention: Rehabilitation and support for individuals already involved in criminal justice system

Comprehensive Policy Integration:

Cross-sector collaboration: Coordination between education, healthcare, social services, and law enforcement
Long-term commitment: Sustained investment in prevention programs rather than short-term solutions
Evidence-based implementation: Using research and data to guide policy decisions
Community involvement: Engaging local stakeholders in program design and implementation

Topic-Specific Vocabulary Banks

Youth Crime and Juvenile Justice

Essential Terms:

Juvenile delinquency: Criminal behavior by minors
Restorative justice: Focus on repairing harm rather than punishment
Diversion programs: Alternatives to formal court proceedings
Family conferencing: Involving families in addressing youth crime
Mentorship initiatives: Positive role models for at-risk youth

Advanced Expressions:

Developmental criminology (study of how criminal behavior changes over time)
Risk and protective factors (elements that increase or decrease crime likelihood)
Life-course perspective (understanding crime within broader life context)
Evidence-based interventions (programs proven effective through research)

Organized Crime and Corruption

Professional Terminology:

Transnational crime: Criminal activities crossing international borders
Money laundering: Process of making illegal money appear legitimate
Criminal enterprises: Organized groups engaged in ongoing illegal activities
Corruption networks: Systems of illegal influence and bribery
Asset forfeiture: Legal seizure of property connected to criminal activity

Sophisticated Collocations:

Dismantle criminal organizations (not "stop crime groups")
Combat systemic corruption (not "fight bad officials")
Enhance international cooperation (not "work together between countries")
Strengthen regulatory frameworks (not "make better rules")

Cybercrime and Digital Security

Technology-Related Crime Vocabulary:

Cybersecurity threats: Risks to digital systems and information
Identity theft: Unauthorized use of personal information
Online fraud: Deceptive practices conducted through internet
Digital forensics: Investigation techniques for electronic evidence
Privacy violations: Unauthorized access to personal information

Advanced Technical Terms:

Cyber-enabled crime (traditional crimes facilitated by technology)
Digital literacy education (teaching safe online practices)
Multi-stakeholder approaches (involving various sectors in solutions)
Regulatory compliance (adhering to legal requirements for data protection)

Essay Planning Templates

Template 1: Causes and Solutions Discussion

Introduction:

Context about crime as persistent social issue
Preview of different perspectives on causes and solutions
Thesis statement outlining discussion approach

Body Paragraph 1: Root Causes

Socioeconomic factors (poverty, inequality, unemployment)
Social factors (family breakdown, peer influence)
Individual factors (mental health, substance abuse)

Body Paragraph 2: Prevention Strategies

Community-based interventions
Economic and social support programs
Law enforcement and criminal justice approaches

Conclusion:

Synthesis acknowledging complexity
Personal position on most effective approaches
Forward-looking statement about comprehensive solutions

Template 2: Punishment vs. Rehabilitation

Introduction:

Context about ongoing debate in criminal justice
Brief overview of punishment and rehabilitation philosophies
Thesis previewing balanced discussion

Body Paragraph 1: Punishment Arguments

Deterrent effects and public safety benefits
Justice for victims and moral accountability
Examples of strict punishment approaches

Body Paragraph 2: Rehabilitation Arguments

Addressing underlying causes of crime
Evidence of reduced recidivism
Examples of successful rehabilitation programs

Conclusion:

Recognition of both approaches' merits
Personal stance on balanced approach
Implications for future policy development

BabyCode's Planning System Excellence

Our comprehensive planning templates adapt to any crime topic while maintaining consistent structural excellence. Students learn to organize ideas efficiently and develop arguments systematically for maximum impact.

The system emphasizes flexible frameworks rather than rigid templates, enabling authentic responses that address specific question requirements while maintaining sophisticated organization and development patterns.

FAQ Section

Q: How can I remember all this vocabulary during the exam? A: Focus on learning words in meaningful groups and practice using them in complete sentences. Regular practice with different crime topics helps vocabulary become automatic rather than forced.

Q: Should I use all these advanced terms in one essay? A: Use sophisticated vocabulary naturally without overloading your essay. Choose terms that fit your arguments and use them accurately rather than trying to include as many as possible.

Q: How do I develop original ideas if I use these suggestion? A: These are starting points for your own thinking. Combine different ideas, add your own reasoning, and develop arguments in ways that make sense for each specific question.

Q: What if I can't remember specific examples like those mentioned? A: Focus on general principles rather than specific details. You can reference "countries with rehabilitation-focused approaches" without naming specific programs or statistics.

Q: How do I avoid sounding like I'm just listing ideas? A: Connect ideas logically using advanced linking phrases and develop each point with explanations of causes, effects, and implications rather than just stating facts.

Strengthen your crime essay preparation with these essential resources:

Transform Your Crime Essays with Professional Resources

This comprehensive idea bank and vocabulary collection provides everything needed to approach crime discussion essays with confidence and sophistication. The key to success lies not in memorizing content but in understanding how to apply these resources flexibly across different question types.

Successful crime essays demonstrate sophisticated thinking expressed through advanced vocabulary and clear argumentation. These resources provide the foundation, but regular practice and expert feedback ensure proper application and continued improvement.

BabyCode's complete crime essay system combines these vocabulary resources with personalized feedback, authentic practice questions, and adaptive learning technology. Our comprehensive approach has helped over 500,000 students achieve their target scores through systematic skill development.

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