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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Death Penalty - Band 8.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

Get a Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on the death penalty topic. Full scoring breakdown, vocabulary, and expert analysis.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Death Penalty - Band 8.0 Sample with Full Breakdown | English AIdol Blog

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Get a Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on the death penalty topic. Full scoring breakdown, vocabulary, and expert analysis.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Death Penalty - Band 8.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

Some people argue that the death penalty is a humane solution to violent crime, while others believe it is cruel and inhumane. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The death penalty is a controversial issue. Some people think it is a good way to stop crime, while others think it is cruel. I think the death penalty is wrong.

Firstly, the death penalty can stop crime. If people know they will be killed for bad things, they will not do them. This is good for society. Also, it is cheaper than keeping people in jail for life. The government can save money.

However, the death penalty is cruel. It is not right to kill people, even if they did bad things. Mistakes can happen, and innocent people might be killed. Also, it does not stop crime. Countries without the death penalty have less crime than countries with it.

In conclusion, the death penalty is not a good solution. It is cruel and does not work. We should find better ways to stop crime.

Band 7.0 Answer

The debate surrounding capital punishment is multifaceted, with proponents advocating its deterrent effects and opponents highlighting its moral implications.

On one hand, supporters of the death penalty argue that it serves as a deterrent to violent crime. The fear of facing the ultimate punishment may discourage potential criminals from committing heinous acts. Additionally, it can provide a sense of justice and closure to the victims' families. From an economic perspective, executing convicted criminals can be more cost-effective than lifelong imprisonment.

Conversely, opponents contend that capital punishment is inhumane and violates the right to life. There is also the risk of executing innocent individuals due to errors in the judicial process. Furthermore, statistical evidence suggests that countries without the death penalty often have lower crime rates, indicating that it may not be an effective deterrent.

In my view, the death penalty is an outdated and barbaric practice that should be abolished. Modern societies should focus on rehabilitation and alternative forms of punishment that respect human dignity.

Band 8.0 Answer

The contentious issue of capital punishment has sparked vigorous debate, with proponents extolling its deterrent properties and detractors decrying its moral ramifications.

Advocates of the death penalty posit that it acts as a potent deterrent to violent crime. The specter of capital punishment may instill sufficient fear to dissuade potential offenders from perpetrating atrocities. Moreover, it can offer solace and a sense of justice to the bereaved families of victims. Economically, executing convicted felons can be more fiscally prudent than incarcerating them for life.

However, the abolitionist perspective underscores the inherent cruelty of state-sanctioned killing. The irreversible nature of capital punishment leaves no room for error, and the possibility of executing innocent individuals is a chilling prospect. Empirical data further suggests that nations without the death penalty often exhibit lower crime rates, casting doubt on its purported deterrent effects.

In my considered opinion, the death penalty is a relic of a bygone era, incompatible with the values of a civilized society. Resources would be better allocated to rehabilitation programs and alternative punishments that uphold human dignity while effectively addressing criminal behavior.

Band 9.0 Answer

The moral and practical implications of capital punishment have long been the subject of impassioned discourse, with proponents and opponents presenting compelling arguments.

Those in favor of the death penalty contend that it serves as a powerful deterrent to violent crime. The threat of execution may dissuade potential offenders from committing heinous acts, thereby enhancing public safety. Additionally, capital punishment can provide a sense of closure and justice to the families of victims, allowing them to begin the process of healing. From a fiscal standpoint, executing convicted criminals can be more cost-effective than lifelong imprisonment, freeing up resources for other societal needs.

Conversely, opponents argue that the death penalty is a cruel and inhumane practice that violates the fundamental right to life. The irreversible nature of capital punishment leaves no room for error, and the risk of executing innocent individuals is a grave concern. Furthermore, empirical evidence suggests that countries without the death penalty often have lower crime rates, indicating that it may not be an effective deterrent.

In my view, the death penalty is an archaic and barbaric practice that has no place in a modern, civilized society. Resources would be better spent on rehabilitation programs and alternative forms of punishment that prioritize the rehabilitation of offenders and the protection of society.

Scoring Breakdown

Band 6.0 Answer

  • Task Response (TR): Presents a position but with limited development. Arguments are simplistic and not well-supported.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically ordered but with limited use of cohesive devices. Paragraphing is present but basic.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a mix of appropriate and inaccurate vocabulary. Some word choice is repetitive.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Makes frequent grammatical errors that sometimes impede communication.

Band 7.0 Answer

  • Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with some development. Arguments are supported with relevant ideas.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically ordered with a mix of cohesive devices. Paragraphing is effective.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a range of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items. Some word choice is repetitive.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Makes some grammatical errors but generally communicates effectively.

Band 8.0 Answer

  • Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with well-extended and supported arguments. Covers all parts of the task.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically ordered with a range of cohesive devices. Paragraphing is effective and clear.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a range of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items. Word choice is generally precise.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Makes occasional errors but generally communicates effectively with a mix of formal and less formal styles.

Band 9.0 Answer

  • Task Response (TR): Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported arguments. Covers all parts of the task thoroughly.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Ideas are logically ordered with a range of cohesive devices. Paragraphing is effective and clear.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with some sophisticated lexical items. Word choice is precise and natural.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Makes very few errors and communicates effectively with a mix of formal and less formal styles.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Controversial: Subject to dispute or debate. Example: The death penalty is a controversial issue.
  2. Deterrent: Something that discourages or restrains. Example: The death penalty acts as a deterrent to violent crime.
  3. Heinous: Extremely wicked or shocking. Example: The fear of facing the ultimate punishment may discourage potential criminals from committing heinous acts.
  4. Inhumane: Lacking compassion or mercy. Example: The death penalty is an inhumane practice.
  5. Empirical: Based on observation or experience rather than theory. Example: Empirical data suggests that nations without the death penalty often exhibit lower crime rates.
  6. Irreversible: Incapable of being reversed. Example: The irreversible nature of capital punishment leaves no room for error.
  7. Archaic: Very old or old-fashioned. Example: The death penalty is an archaic practice.
  8. Barbaric: Extremely cruel or brutal. Example: The death penalty is a barbaric practice.
  9. Fiscal: Relating to government revenue. Example: Executing convicted criminals can be more fiscally prudent than lifelong imprisonment.
  10. Solace: Comfort or consolation in a time of distress. Example: Capital punishment can offer solace and a sense of justice to the families of victims.
  11. Bereaved: Having suffered the loss of a loved one. Example: The death penalty can offer a sense of justice to the bereaved families of victims.
  12. Atrocities: Extremely wicked or cruel acts. Example: The threat of execution may dissuade potential offenders from committing atrocities.
  13. Impassioned: Showing strong emotion. Example: The moral and practical implications of capital punishment have long been the subject of impassioned discourse.
  14. Compelling: Evocative; forceful and convincing. Example: Proponents and opponents present compelling arguments.
  15. Rehabilitation: The action of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy. Example: Resources would be better allocated to rehabilitation programs.

Common Mistakes

  1. Overgeneralization: Making broad statements without sufficient evidence or support.
  2. Repetition: Using the same words or phrases repeatedly, which can make the writing seem monotonous.
  3. Lack of Cohesion: Failing to connect ideas logically, which can make the writing seem disjointed.
  4. Inaccurate Vocabulary: Using words incorrectly, which can confuse the reader and lower the score.
  5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that impede communication.

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