The topic of capital punishment abolition has consistently appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, particularly during 2019-2023. Based on historical data from official IELTS sources, this topic emerges approximately once every 6-8 months, making it a high-probability subject for future tests.
Students discussing global perspectives on death penalty abolition
Analysis of Common Question Types
Three frequent question formats regarding capital punishment have appeared:
- Discuss both views and give your opinion
- Agree/Disagree essay
- Advantages/Disadvantages essay
For this analysis, we’ll focus on the most common format:
Some people believe that capital punishment should be abolished globally, while others think it serves as an effective deterrent to serious crimes. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Question Analysis
This question requires:
- Examining arguments both for and against global abolition
- Presenting balanced discussion of both perspectives
- Providing a clear personal stance
- Supporting arguments with relevant examples
- Maintaining coherent organization throughout
Sample Essays
Band 8.5 Model Essay
The debate over whether to abolish the death penalty worldwide remains contentious, with valid arguments on both sides. While some advocate for its complete elimination, others maintain its necessity as a crime deterrent. I firmly believe that capital punishment should be abolished globally for several compelling reasons.
Proponents of capital punishment argue that it serves as an effective deterrent to serious crimes like murder and terrorism. They contend that the fear of death prevents potential criminals from committing heinous acts, thereby protecting society. Additionally, supporters believe it provides justice and closure to victims’ families while ensuring dangerous criminals cannot reoffend.
However, compelling evidence suggests that the death penalty fails to effectively deter crime. Studies from countries that have abolished capital punishment demonstrate no significant increase in serious crime rates post-abolition. Furthermore, the irreversible nature of execution means that wrongful convictions, which do occur despite judicial safeguards, cannot be rectified. The case of Cameron Todd Willingham in Texas, who was executed in 2004 but later evidence suggested his innocence, illustrates this tragic possibility.
In my opinion, global abolition of the death penalty is imperative for several reasons. Firstly, it contradicts the fundamental right to life and the principle of human dignity. Secondly, modern justice systems should focus on rehabilitation rather than retribution. Countries like Norway, with its emphasis on reformative justice, demonstrate remarkably low recidivism rates. Lastly, the financial burden of death penalty cases often exceeds that of life imprisonment, straining public resources that could be better allocated to crime prevention and victim support programs.
Global statistics showing declining trend in death penalty usage
Band 6.5 Model Essay
The death penalty is a big topic of discussion in many countries. Some people want to stop it everywhere, but others think it helps stop serious crimes. Both sides have their reasons, and I will discuss them.
People who support the death penalty think it stops criminals. They say that if someone knows they might get executed, they won’t commit murder or other bad crimes. Also, many people think it’s fair punishment for very serious crimes like terrorism or killing children.
On the other hand, people against the death penalty have good points too. Sometimes innocent people get executed by mistake, and we can’t bring them back to life. It’s also very expensive to keep prisoners on death row and have all the court cases. Some countries that stopped the death penalty don’t have more crime than before.
I think we should stop using the death penalty everywhere. It’s better to put criminals in jail for life than to kill them. This gives them time to think about what they did wrong and maybe become better people. Also, killing people is wrong, even when the government does it. We should find better ways to stop crime and help victims’ families.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts with clear position
- Coherence/Cohesion: Logical organization with effective paragraphing
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary used naturally
- Grammar: Wide range of complex structures
- Word Count: 284
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses main points but less developed
- Coherence/Cohesion: Basic organization with some linking
- Lexical Resource: Adequate but repetitive vocabulary
- Grammar: Mix of simple and complex structures with errors
- Word Count: 179
Key Vocabulary
- abolition (n) /ˌæbəˈlɪʃən/ – the act of officially ending something
- deterrent (n) /dɪˈterənt/ – something that discourages certain behavior
- contentious (adj) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing disagreement or debate
- recidivism (n) /rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzəm/ – tendency to relapse into criminal behavior
- irreversible (adj) /ˌɪrɪˈvɜːsəbl/ – impossible to change back
- heinous (adj) /ˈheɪnəs/ – utterly odious or wicked
- retribution (n) /ˌretrɪˈbjuːʃn/ – punishment inflicted as vengeance
In conclusion, this topic remains relevant for IELTS candidates. Practice writing about related subjects like:
- Alternative forms of punishment
- Rehabilitation vs punishment
- Justice system reforms
- Crime prevention strategies
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement suggestions.
