Environmental protection and crime prevention are increasingly important global issues. This topic has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions several times in recent years, with varying frequencies across different test centers. Based on past trends, we can expect similar questions to continue appearing in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been reported in actual IELTS tests:
Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question asks us to discuss two contrasting views on criminal punishment:
- Fixed punishments for each type of crime
- Punishments that consider individual circumstances and motivations
We need to explore both perspectives and then provide our own opinion. The question doesn’t specifically mention environmental crimes, but we can incorporate this aspect into our response to align with the keyword focus.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Crime and punishment have long been debated topics in society, with opinions divided on how to effectively deter criminal behavior while ensuring justice. Some argue for a standardized approach with fixed penalties, while others advocate for a more nuanced system that considers individual circumstances. This essay will examine both viewpoints before presenting my own perspective.
Proponents of fixed punishments argue that this approach ensures consistency and fairness in the justice system. They believe that predetermined penalties for each type of crime eliminate bias and subjectivity in sentencing, treating all offenders equally under the law. For instance, a standardized fine for illegal logging could serve as a clear deterrent for potential environmental criminals. Moreover, fixed punishments might simplify legal proceedings, potentially reducing court backlogs and associated costs.
On the other hand, those who support context-based sentencing argue that justice is best served when the unique circumstances of each crime are taken into account. They contend that factors such as the offender’s background, motivation, and the impact of the crime should influence the punishment. In the case of environmental crimes, for example, distinguishing between a corporation deliberately dumping toxic waste and a small business owner unknowingly violating disposal regulations could lead to more equitable outcomes. This approach allows for rehabilitation and education to play a role in sentencing, potentially reducing recidivism rates.
In my opinion, while fixed punishments have their merits in terms of consistency, a more balanced approach that considers individual circumstances is preferable. I believe that justice systems should have baseline penalties for different categories of crimes, including environmental offenses, but allow judges the discretion to adjust sentences based on mitigating or aggravating factors. This hybrid model could maintain a degree of standardization while still accounting for the complexities of human behavior and motivation.
For environmental crimes specifically, this approach could be particularly effective. A baseline penalty for illegal deforestation, for instance, could be established, with provisions for increased sanctions for repeat offenders or reduced penalties for those who demonstrate genuine remorse and take corrective action. This nuanced strategy could better address the diverse nature of environmental offenses, from large-scale industrial pollution to smaller, unintentional violations.
In conclusion, while fixed punishments offer simplicity and apparent fairness, I believe a more flexible system that considers individual circumstances ultimately serves justice better. By combining standardized penalties with judicial discretion, we can create a more equitable and effective approach to crime and punishment, particularly in addressing complex issues like environmental offenses.
(Word count: 398)
Justice system weighing environmental crime penalties
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The debate about how to punish criminals is a complex one. Some people think there should be set punishments for each crime, while others believe we should look at each case individually. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
Those who support fixed punishments say it’s fair because everyone gets the same treatment. For example, if someone cuts down protected trees illegally, they would get the same fine no matter who they are. This makes the law clear for everyone and might stop people from committing crimes because they know exactly what will happen if they get caught.
On the other hand, people who want to consider individual circumstances say that every crime is different. They think we should look at why someone committed a crime and what their situation was. For environmental crimes, this could mean giving a smaller punishment to someone who didn’t know they were breaking the law compared to a big company that polluted on purpose to save money.
In my opinion, I think it’s better to look at each case individually, but still have some guidelines. For environmental crimes, we could have a basic punishment but then make it more or less severe depending on the situation. This way, we can be fair but also understand that not all crimes are the same.
For example, if someone illegally fishes in a protected area, we could have a standard fine. But if they did it because they were very poor and needed food, maybe the punishment could be less severe and include education about protecting the environment. If a big company does the same thing just to make more money, they should get a bigger punishment.
To conclude, while fixed punishments seem fair at first, I believe it’s better to consider the details of each crime. This is especially important for environmental crimes, where the reasons and impacts can be very different. By being flexible but still having some standard rules, we can have a justice system that is both fair and effective.
(Word count: 329)
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
There is a big debate about how to punish criminals. Some people think every crime should have a fixed punishment. Others think we should look at each crime separately. I will talk about both ideas and give my thoughts.
People who like fixed punishments say it’s fair. Everyone gets the same punishment for the same crime. If someone pollutes a river, they get the same fine every time. This makes the law clear and might stop people from doing bad things.
But some people think we should look at why someone did a crime. Maybe they didn’t know it was wrong or had a good reason. For environmental crimes, someone might cut down a tree because they needed wood to keep warm. This is different from a company cutting down a whole forest for money.
I think it’s better to look at each crime separately. We should have some basic rules but also think about why someone did something wrong. For environmental crimes, this is important because some people might not know they are hurting nature.
For example, if someone throws trash in a park, we could have a standard fine. But if they clean it up and promise to learn about recycling, maybe the fine could be less. If a factory keeps polluting even after being warned, they should get a bigger punishment.
In conclusion, I think it’s better to look at each crime carefully. This way, we can be fair and also help people understand why protecting the environment is important. We need some rules, but also need to be flexible to make sure the punishment fits the crime.
(Word count: 262)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the essay
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Coherent with skillful use of cohesive devices
- Provides relevant, extended and supported ideas
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, though conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task with some errors in word choice
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors
- Arranges information coherently with clear overall progression
- Presents relevant main ideas but some may be inadequately developed/unclear
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with some errors
- Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression
- Presents some main ideas but these are limited and not sufficiently developed
IELTS Writing Task 2 assessment criteria
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Deterrent (noun) /dɪˈterənt/ – something that discourages someone from doing something
- Recidivism (noun) /rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzəm/ – the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend
- Mitigating (adjective) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪtɪŋ/ – making a situation less severe or serious
- Aggravating (adjective) /ˈæɡrəveɪtɪŋ/ – making a situation worse or more serious
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Rehabilitation (noun) /ˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃn/ – the action of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy
- Deforestation (noun) /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – the action of clearing a wide area of trees
- Equitable (adjective) /ˈekwɪtəbl/ – fair and impartial
- Discretion (noun) /dɪˈskreʃn/ – the freedom to decide what should be done in a particular situation
- Recidivism (noun) /rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzəm/ – the tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend
In conclusion, the topic of environmental crime penalties is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. By practicing with sample essays like those provided and analyzing the assessment criteria, you can improve your writing skills and prepare for similar questions. Remember to consider both sides of the argument, use appropriate vocabulary, and structure your essay coherently. As an exercise, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.