The topic of capital punishment has consistently appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, particularly during 2019-2023. Based on analysis from various IELTS preparation websites and past exam databases, questions about abolishing the death penalty typically emerge every 3-4 months, making it a high-frequency topic that test-takers should prepare for.
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that capital punishment should be abolished worldwide. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on capital punishment
- Provide logical arguments supporting their stance
- Use specific examples to illustrate their points
- Consider potential counterarguments
- Draw a reasoned conclusion
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
The debate over whether to abolish capital punishment globally has sparked intense discussions across societies. While some argue for its retention as a deterrent to serious crimes, I strongly agree that the death penalty should be completely abolished worldwide for several compelling reasons.
Firstly, the irreversible nature of capital punishment makes it fundamentally problematic given the possibility of wrongful convictions. Historical evidence has shown numerous cases where innocent individuals were executed before exonerating evidence emerged. For instance, in the United States alone, over 185 death row inmates have been exonerated since 1973, highlighting the real risk of executing innocent people. Once carried out, this ultimate punishment cannot be undone, making it incompatible with the principle of justice that emphasizes the possibility of correction.
Moreover, research consistently demonstrates that the death penalty fails to serve as an effective deterrent to serious crimes. Studies comparing homicide rates between states with and without capital punishment have found no significant difference in crime rates. Countries that have abolished the death penalty, such as Canada and most European nations, have not experienced increases in serious crimes, suggesting that other factors, such as effective law enforcement and rehabilitation programs, play more crucial roles in crime prevention.
Professional IELTS Essay Writing Structure for Death Penalty Topic
The implementation of capital punishment also raises serious ethical and human rights concerns. It often disproportionately affects marginalized communities and those who cannot afford adequate legal representation. Furthermore, the methods of execution, regardless of how they are carried out, can constitute cruel and inhumane treatment, contradicting the universal human rights principles that most modern societies strive to uphold.
In conclusion, while the abolition of the death penalty remains controversial, the compelling evidence against its effectiveness, combined with moral and practical concerns, strongly supports its complete abolition. Modern justice systems should focus on rehabilitation and prevention rather than irreversible punitive measures.
(Word count: 298)
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
In recent years, many countries have discussed whether they should stop using the death penalty. In my opinion, I agree that capital punishment should be abolished because it has many problems.
The first reason is that sometimes innocent people can be killed by mistake. When judges make wrong decisions, innocent people die and we cannot bring them back to life. For example, in some countries, people were found innocent after they were already executed. This is very sad and unfair.
Also, the death penalty costs a lot of money. The legal process for death penalty cases is very expensive because it needs many lawyers and takes many years. This money could be used for better things like education or helping poor people. Some studies show that keeping criminals in jail for life is actually cheaper than executing them.
Essential IELTS Vocabulary for Death Penalty Essay Topics
However, some people think the death penalty stops crime. But research shows this is not true. Countries without death penalty don’t have more crime than countries with it. For example, many European countries don’t have death penalty but they have less crime than some countries that use it.
In conclusion, I believe capital punishment should be stopped because it can kill innocent people and wastes money. Governments should find better ways to stop crime and help people become better.
(Word count: 219)
Key Vocabulary
- Capital punishment (n) /ˈkæpɪtl ˈpʌnɪʃmənt/ – death penalty
- Abolish (v) /əˈbɒlɪʃ/ – to officially end a law or system
- Deterrent (n) /dɪˈterənt/ – something that discourages people from doing something
- Exonerate (v) /ɪɡˈzɒnəreɪt/ – to prove someone is not guilty
- Irreversible (adj) /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl/ – cannot be changed back
- Marginalized (adj) /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪzd/ – treated as insignificant or peripheral
- Rehabilitation (n) /ˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃn/ – restoring someone to normal life
- Punitive (adj) /ˈpjuːnətɪv/ – intended as punishment
Practice Suggestions
Consider practicing with these related topics:
- Should violent criminals be rehabilitated or punished?
- Is life imprisonment more effective than capital punishment?
- Should society focus on prevention rather than punishment?
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates.
