IELTS Writing Task 2: Death Penalty (Positive Negative) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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Prompt

Some people argue that the death penalty is a just punishment for serious crimes, while others contend it is inhumane and ineffective. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents both views but with limited development
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 5.5 - Ideas are logically ordered but with some unclear connections
• Lexical Resource (LR): 5.5 - Attempts varied vocabulary but with some errors and repetition
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Mostly simple sentences with some complex attempts

Text

The death penalty is a controversial topic. Some people think it is good for serious crimes. Others say it is bad. I think both sides have good points.

People who support the death penalty say it stops crime. They think if people know they can die, they won't commit crimes. Also, it is cheaper than keeping people in prison for life. Some religions also support it.

But others say the death penalty is not good. They think it is inhumane to kill people, even criminals. Also, sometimes innocent people are punished. Mistakes can happen in courts. And it does not stop crime. Countries without the death penalty have less crime than countries with it.

I think the death penalty is not good. It is better to keep people in prison for life. This way, we are sure they won't hurt anyone again. Also, it is more humane.

Band 7.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 6.5 - Presents both views with some development and a clear position
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 6.5 - Ideas are logically ordered with clear connections
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and less precise vocabulary
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms

Text

The death penalty is a contentious issue with valid arguments on both sides. While some advocate for its use as a deterrent and just punishment, others oppose it on moral and practical grounds. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my stance.

Proponents of capital punishment argue that it serves as a strong deterrent to crime. The fear of death may prevent potential criminals from committing heinous acts. Additionally, it is seen as a just punishment for grave offenses, providing closure to victims' families. Economically, it can be more cost-effective than life imprisonment, as it eliminates the need for long-term incarceration.

Opponents, however, contend that the death penalty is inhumane and violates the right to life. They argue that mistakes in the judicial system can lead to the execution of innocent people. Furthermore, evidence suggests that countries without the death penalty often have lower crime rates, indicating that it may not be an effective deterrent. The moral implications of state-sanctioned killing also raise significant ethical concerns.

In my view, the death penalty should be abolished. The risk of executing innocent individuals and the moral implications outweigh any potential benefits. Life imprisonment without parole offers a humane alternative that ensures public safety while respecting human rights.

Band 8.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.5 - Presents both views with thorough development and a clear position
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 7.5 - Ideas are logically ordered with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with some less common lexical items
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences

Text

The death penalty remains a divisive issue, with proponents advocating for its retention as a just and deterrent measure, while opponents decry it as an inhumane and ineffective practice. This essay will critically examine both perspectives before presenting a personal stance.

Advocates of capital punishment posit that it serves as a potent deterrent to serious crime. The specter of execution may dissuade potential offenders from committing heinous acts. Moreover, it is perceived as a fitting retribution for grave offenses, offering solace to victims' families. Economically, it can be more expedient than life imprisonment, as it obviates the need for prolonged incarceration.

Conversely, detractors argue that the death penalty is morally reprehensible and violates the sanctity of life. They contend that judicial errors can result in the execution of innocent individuals. Furthermore, empirical evidence suggests that countries without the death penalty often exhibit lower crime rates, casting doubt on its efficacy as a deterrent. The ethical implications of state-sanctioned execution also raise profound moral quandaries.

In my view, the death penalty should be abolished. The potential for irreversible injustice and the moral implications of state-sanctioned killing outweigh any purported benefits. Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole offers a humane alternative that ensures public safety while upholding human rights.

Band 9.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents both views with thorough development and a clear, supported position
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are logically ordered with clear progression and sophisticated use of cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of appropriate vocabulary with frequent sophisticated and less common lexical items
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences and varied structures

Text

The contentious nature of the death penalty is underscored by the polarizing arguments it elicits, with proponents extolling its virtues as a just and deterrent measure, while opponents decry it as an inhumane and ineffective practice. This essay will critically evaluate both perspectives before proffering a nuanced stance.

Proponents of capital punishment contend that it serves as a potent deterrent to serious crime, with the threat of execution acting as a powerful disincentive to potential offenders. Furthermore, it is perceived as a fitting retribution for heinous acts, offering a sense of closure to victims' families. Economically, it can be more expedient than life imprisonment, as it obviates the need for prolonged incarceration and the associated costs.

Conversely, detractors argue that the death penalty is morally reprehensible and violates the sanctity of life. They posit that judicial errors can result in the execution of innocent individuals, a travesty that is irreparable. Moreover, empirical evidence suggests that countries without the death penalty often exhibit lower crime rates, casting doubt on its efficacy as a deterrent. The ethical implications of state-sanctioned execution also raise profound moral quandaries, with the state assuming the role of arbiter of life and death.

In my view, the death penalty should be abolished. The potential for irreversible injustice and the moral implications of state-sanctioned killing outweigh any purported benefits. Life imprisonment without the possibility of parole offers a humane alternative that ensures public safety while upholding the principles of justice and human rights. Furthermore, the focus should shift towards rehabilitation and addressing the root causes of crime, rather than resorting to punitive measures that devalue human life.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adj): Controversial, debated. Example: The death penalty is a contentious issue.
2. Deterrent (n): Something that discourages or prevents. Example: The death penalty serves as a deterrent to crime.
3. Heinous (adj): Extremely wicked or cruel. Example: Heinous acts deserve severe punishment.
4. Inhumane (adj): Lacking compassion or mercy. Example: The death penalty is seen as inhumane.
5. Sanctity (n): Holiness or sacredness. Example: The sanctity of life is a fundamental principle.
6. Empirical (adj): Based on observation or experience. Example: Empirical evidence suggests lower crime rates without the death penalty.
7. Expedient (adj): Convenient or advantageous. Example: The death penalty can be more expedient than life imprisonment.
8. Retribution (n): Punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance. Example: The death penalty is seen as retribution for grave offenses.
9. Profound (adj): Deep or intense. Example: The death penalty raises profound moral questions.
10. Irreparable (adj): Incapable of being repaired or rectified. Example: The execution of an innocent person is an irreparable injustice.
11. Arbiter (n): A person who has the power to settle a dispute. Example: The state assumes the role of arbiter of life and death.
12. Rehabilitation (n): The action of restoring someone to health or normal life. Example: The focus should shift towards rehabilitation.
13. Punitive (adj): Inflicting or intended as punishment. Example: Punitive measures devalue human life.
14. Nuanced (adj): Characterized by subtle differences. Example: A nuanced stance on the death penalty.
15. Extol (v): Praise enthusiastically. Example: Proponents extol the virtues of the death penalty.
16. Decry (v): Publicly denounce. Example: Opponents decry the death penalty as inhumane.
17. Obviate (v): Remove (a need or difficulty). Example: The death penalty obviates the need for prolonged incarceration.
18. Quandary (n): A state of perplexity or uncertainty. Example: The death penalty raises profound moral quandaries.
19. Closure (n): A sense of finality or resolution. Example: The death penalty offers closure to victims' families.
20. Potent (adj): Having great power, influence, or effect. Example: The death penalty serves as a potent deterrent.

Common Mistakes

1. Overgeneralizing: Making sweeping statements without sufficient evidence or examples.
2. Weak Thesis Statements: Failing to clearly state the main argument or position.
3. Poor Coherence: Not logically connecting ideas or using cohesive devices effectively.
4. Limited Vocabulary: Using repetitive or basic vocabulary instead of a wide range of appropriate words.
5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent errors in sentence structure and verb forms.

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