The topic of crime causation has been a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 3-4 times annually. Based on analysis of past exam papers from 2018-2023, questions about social factors versus individual responsibility in criminal behavior frequently appear in different forms. Let’s examine one common variant of this topic.
Analysis of Task Question
Some people believe that most crimes are caused by circumstances such as poverty, while others think that crimes are committed because of bad nature of criminals. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine two opposing views on crime causation
- Present arguments for both environmental and inherent factors
- Provide a balanced discussion
- Express and justify a personal opinion
Model Answer 1 (Band 8.5)
The root causes of criminal behavior have long been debated, with some attributing it to socioeconomic conditions like poverty, while others believe it stems from individuals’ inherent moral deficiencies. In my view, while both factors play a role, environmental circumstances tend to have a more significant impact on criminal conduct.
Those who emphasize environmental factors argue that poverty and deprivation create conditions that drive people toward crime. In many developing countries, individuals living in extreme poverty may resort to theft or fraud simply to survive. Furthermore, limited access to education and employment opportunities can leave people feeling they have no legitimate means of improving their situation. For instance, in overcrowded urban areas with high unemployment rates, young people may join criminal gangs as their only perceived path to financial security.
Conversely, proponents of the “bad nature” theory contend that criminal behavior stems from inherent personality flaws or moral failings. They point to cases where wealthy individuals commit white-collar crimes, demonstrating that criminal tendencies exist independently of economic necessity. Additionally, they argue that many people facing poverty maintain their moral integrity and never turn to crime, suggesting that personal character is the decisive factor.
In my assessment, while individual character certainly influences behavior, socioeconomic circumstances play a more fundamental role in driving criminal activity. Research consistently shows that crime rates correlate strongly with poverty levels, unemployment, and social inequality. Moreover, successful crime reduction programs often focus on addressing these environmental factors through education, job training, and community support rather than assuming criminal tendencies are fixed personality traits.
I believe the most effective approach to reducing crime involves addressing both aspects – improving social conditions while promoting positive personal values. Governments should prioritize poverty reduction and equal opportunity while simultaneously strengthening moral education and community support systems.
Model Answer 2 (Band 6.5)
Many people have different opinions about why people commit crimes. Some think it’s because of poverty and difficult situations, while others believe it’s because criminals are naturally bad people. I will discuss both views and share my opinion.
People who blame poverty for crime have some good points. When people are very poor, they might steal food or money because they need to survive. Also, poor people often live in bad areas where there are more criminals around them. For example, in my country, many young people from poor families join gangs because they can’t find good jobs.
On the other hand, some people think criminals are just bad people. They say that even rich people sometimes commit crimes, so it’s not about being poor. They also point out that many poor people never commit crimes, so being poor is not an excuse for criminal behavior.
I think both ideas have some truth, but poverty is probably more important. When people have no money and no opportunities, they are more likely to do bad things. However, I also think that some people make bad choices even when they have other options.
To solve the crime problem, we need to help poor people get better jobs and education. But we also need to teach people good values and help them make better choices. If we do both things, we can reduce crime in our society.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts of the task with well-developed arguments
- Coherence and Cohesion: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary with natural and precise usage
- Grammatical Range: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis
- Task Response: Addresses the task but some points lack development
- Coherence and Cohesion: Basic organization but sometimes unclear
- Lexical Resource: Adequate vocabulary but limited range
- Grammatical Range: Mix of simple and complex structures with some errors
Key Vocabulary
- socioeconomic (adj) /ˌsəʊsɪəʊˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk/ – relating to social and economic factors
- deprivation (n) /ˌdeprɪˈveɪʃn/ – the lack of basic necessities
- inherent (adj) /ɪnˈhɪərənt/ – existing as a natural or permanent quality
- white-collar crime (n) /waɪt ˈkɒlə kraɪm/ – financial crimes committed by business professionals
- moral integrity (n) /ˈmɒrəl ɪnˈteɡrəti/ – adherence to moral principles
- correlation (n) /ˌkɒrəˈleɪʃn/ – mutual relationship between things
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments. Future similar topics might include questions about youth crime, cybercrime, or the effectiveness of different punishment approaches.