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

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Alfie Lim, TESOL-certified English educator & founder of English AIdol

The Prompt

Some people argue that the death penalty is an effective way to deter crime and ensure justice. Others believe that it is inhumane and should be abolished. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Logical but with some unclear progression
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Limited range of vocabulary
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Frequent errors that impede communication

Answer:

The death penalty is a big issue. Some say it stops crime. Others say it is wrong. I think it is bad.

People who like the death penalty say it makes people afraid to commit crimes. They say it is fair for very bad crimes. But, I don't agree. Killing people is not right. It is not a good solution.

There are better ways. We can have better prisons. We can make laws stronger. We can educate people. These things can stop crime without killing.

In conclusion, the death penalty is not good. We should find other ways to stop crime.

Band 7.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with some development
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Logical progression with some unclear links
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Adequate range of vocabulary
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Some errors but generally understandable

Answer:

The debate surrounding the death penalty is contentious. Proponents argue it deters crime and delivers justice, while opponents view it as barbaric and ineffective. I firmly believe the death penalty should be abolished.

Advocates of capital punishment contend it serves as a deterrent. They assert that the fear of execution prevents potential criminals from committing heinous acts. Additionally, they argue it provides closure for victims' families. However, statistics reveal that crime rates in countries with the death penalty are not significantly lower than in those without it. Moreover, the risk of executing innocent individuals is a grave concern.

Opponents of the death penalty advocate for alternative measures. They propose improved prison conditions, stricter laws, and enhanced education as more effective solutions. These methods address the root causes of crime and offer rehabilitation opportunities. Furthermore, they argue that life imprisonment without parole is a more humane and just punishment.

In conclusion, the death penalty is an outdated and flawed practice. Societies should focus on implementing more effective and humane solutions to crime.

Band 8.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough development
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Logical progression with clear links
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Wide range of vocabulary used appropriately
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Some errors but generally accurate

Answer:

The death penalty remains a polarizing issue, with proponents advocating its efficacy in crime deterrence and retribution, while detractors decry its inhumane nature and inefficacy. I am firmly opposed to capital punishment.

Supporters of the death penalty posit that it acts as a potent deterrent. They cite studies suggesting that the fear of execution discourages potential offenders. Furthermore, they argue that it provides a sense of justice and closure for victims' families. However, empirical evidence contradicts these claims. Countries with capital punishment do not exhibit significantly lower crime rates than those without it. Additionally, the irreversible nature of execution poses a substantial risk of wrongful convictions.

Opponents of the death penalty advocate for a more enlightened approach. They propose a multifaceted strategy encompassing improved prison conditions, stricter laws, and comprehensive education reforms. These measures address the underlying socio-economic factors contributing to crime. Moreover, they argue that life imprisonment without parole is a more humane and just alternative, offering the possibility of rehabilitation.

In conclusion, the death penalty is an archaic and flawed institution. Societies should strive towards more effective and humane solutions to crime, focusing on rehabilitation and prevention rather than retribution.

Band 9.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with thorough, supported, and extended development
• Coherence & Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Logical progression with clear links and paragraphing
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Wide range of vocabulary used with precision
• Grammatical Range & Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Accurate with a mix of simple and complex sentence forms

Answer:

The contentious issue of capital punishment elicits impassioned debate, with proponents extolling its deterrent and retributive virtues, while detractors condemn its barbarity and inefficacy. I am unequivocally opposed to the death penalty.

Advocates of capital punishment contend that it serves as a potent deterrent, citing studies suggesting that the specter of execution dissuades potential offenders. They further argue that it provides a sense of justice and closure for victims' families. However, a meticulous examination of crime statistics reveals that countries with capital punishment do not exhibit significantly lower crime rates than those without it. Moreover, the irreversible nature of execution poses a substantial risk of wrongful convictions, as evidenced by numerous exonerations of death row inmates.

Opponents of the death penalty advocate for a more enlightened and humane approach. They propose a multifaceted strategy encompassing improved prison conditions, stricter laws, and comprehensive education reforms. These measures address the underlying socio-economic factors contributing to crime, offering a more sustainable solution. Furthermore, they argue that life imprisonment without parole is a more humane and just alternative, offering the possibility of rehabilitation and redemption.

In conclusion, the death penalty is an archaic and flawed institution that has no place in a civilized society. Societies should strive towards more effective and humane solutions to crime, focusing on rehabilitation, prevention, and the alleviation of socio-economic disparities.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adj.) - causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument.

• Example: The death penalty is a contentious issue.

1. Impassioned (adj.) - filled with or showing strong emotion.

• Example: The debate elicited impassioned arguments.

1. Extol (v.) - praise enthusiastically.

• Example: Proponents extol the virtues of the death penalty.

1. Deterrent (n.) - a thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something.

• Example: The death penalty acts as a deterrent.

1. Retributive (adj.) - relating to or involving punishment inflicted on someone as vengeance for a wrong or criminal act.

• Example: The death penalty provides retributive justice.

1. Empirical (adj.) - based on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.

• Example: Empirical evidence contradicts the claims.

1. Exoneration (n.) - the action of freeing someone from blame or guilt.

• Example: Numerous exonerations of death row inmates have occurred.

1. Multifaceted (adj.) - having many different aspects or features.

• Example: A multifaceted strategy is needed.

1. Socio-economic (adj.) - relating to social position or status and economic factors.

• Example: Addressing socio-economic disparities is crucial.

1. Alleviation (n.) - the reduction of something unpleasant or severe.

• Example: The alleviation of socio-economic disparities is important.

1. Archaic (adj.) - very old or old-fashioned.

• Example: The death penalty is an archaic institution.

1. Enlightened (adj.) - having or showing a broad or extensive mental outlook.

• Example: An enlightened approach is needed.

1. Impose (v.) - force something unwelcome or unfamiliar on someone.

• Example: Stricter laws should be imposed.

1. Comprehensive (adj.) - including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

• Example: Comprehensive education reforms are necessary.

1. Rehabilitation (n.) - the action of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy after imprisonment, addiction, or illness.

• Example: Rehabilitation offers a better solution.

1. Redemption (n.) - the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.

• Example: Life imprisonment offers the possibility of redemption.

1. Irreversible (adj.) - not able to be reversed or undone.

• Example: The irreversible nature of execution is a concern.

1. Potent (adj.) - having great power, influence, or effect.

• Example: The death penalty acts as a potent deterrent.

1. Closure (n.) - an act of bringing something to an end; a conclusion.

• Example: The death penalty provides closure for victims' families.

1. Sustainable (adj.) - able to be maintained at a certain rate or level without depleting natural resources.

• Example: A more sustainable solution is needed.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear stance on the issue, resulting in a lower Task Response score.

1. Inadequate Development: Some answers present a position but do not develop it thoroughly, leading to a lower score in Task Response.

1. Poor Vocabulary Choice: Using basic or repetitive vocabulary limits the Lexical Resource score. Students should aim to use a wide range of advanced vocabulary.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can impede communication and lower the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

1. Lack of Coherence and Cohesion: Poor paragraphing and unclear links between ideas can result in a lower Coherence and Cohesion score.

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