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Get a Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on prison reform with scoring breakdown, key vocabulary, and common mistakes to avoid.
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Get a Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on prison reform with scoring breakdown, key vocabulary, and common mistakes to avoid.
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Some people believe that prisons should be used to punish criminals, while others think prisons should be used to reform them. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Prisons should serve as places of rehabilitation rather than just punishment. While some argue that incarceration should focus on making criminals pay for their crimes, I believe the primary goal should be reforming inmates to prevent future offenses.
On one hand, supporters of punitive measures contend that prisons act as a deterrent. By imposing harsh conditions, society sends a message that crime does not pay. For instance, countries with strict penalties often report lower crime rates. Additionally, punishment can provide closure for victims' families, offering a sense of justice. However, this approach fails to address the root causes of criminal behavior, potentially leading to recidivism upon release.
Conversely, rehabilitation-focused systems aim to transform prisoners into law-abiding citizens. Programs like education, vocational training, and therapy can equip inmates with skills and coping mechanisms for reintegration. For example, Norway's Halden Prison emphasizes rehabilitation through humane treatment and job training, resulting in one of the lowest recidivism rates in Europe. While critics argue this approach is lenient, statistics show it reduces long-term crime more effectively than punitive measures.
In conclusion, while punishment has its merits, rehabilitation offers a more sustainable solution. Governments should invest in programs that address the underlying issues driving criminal behavior, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.
| Word/Phrase | Definition | Example Collocation | |-----------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------------------------------| | Incarceration | Imprisonment | The high rate of incarceration... | | Recidivism | Relapse into criminal behavior | To prevent recidivism... | | Deterrent | Something that discourages behavior | Acts as a deterrent... | | Rehabilitation | Process of restoring to good health | Rehabilitation-focused systems... | | Humane | Showing compassion | Halden Prison emphasizes humane treatment | | Underlying | Fundamental | Address the underlying issues... | | Inmates | Prisoners | Programs for inmates... | | Closure | Sense of finality or resolution | Providing closure for victims' families | | Invest | Allocate resources | Governments should invest in programs | | Lenient | Permissive | Critics argue this approach is lenient | | Sustainable | Capable of being maintained | Offers a more sustainable solution... | | Reintegration | Process of readjusting to society | Coping mechanisms for reintegration... | | Offense | Crime | To prevent future offenses... | | Vocational training | Job-related education | Job training and vocational training... |
Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 response scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to help you reach your target band.
Band 6.0 responses present a position but with limited development and support. Band 7.0 responses present a clear position with some development and relevant supporting ideas, though with occasional inaccuracies and limited lexical resource.
Use a wider range of vocabulary, including less common lexical items, and ensure they are used appropriately. Avoid repetition and learn sophisticated collocations.
Task Response accounts for 25% of your total score. A strong Task Response means fully addressing the prompt, presenting a clear position, and developing ideas with supporting examples.
Common mistakes include failing to address both views, overusing simple vocabulary, making frequent grammatical errors, poor paragraphing, and repeating ideas without development.
Coherence and Cohesion is scored based on the logical organization of ideas, clear progressions, and the effective use of cohesive devices. It accounts for 25% of your total score.
To reach Band 8.0, focus on fully developing both views with equal weight, using sophisticated vocabulary accurately, improving complex sentence accuracy, ensuring smooth transitions, and providing precise, supported examples.
Your response should be at least 250 words. Well-developed responses typically range from 280 to 300 words.
While personal experiences can be used, they should be relevant and support your argument. Academic or factual examples are generally more effective.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy is scored based on the variety and complexity of sentence forms and the number of grammatical errors. It accounts for 25% of your total score.