The topic of prisoners’ rights and their protection in correctional facilities has appeared several times in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, particularly between 2019-2023. This social justice theme frequently emerges in various forms, from discussing rehabilitation programs to debating humane treatment in prisons.
Let’s examine a recent IELTS task 2 question that exemplifies this topic:
Some people believe that prisoners should have basic human rights protected, while others think they deserve punishment for their crimes. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
- Topic: Prisoners’ rights vs punishment
- Task type: Discussion + Opinion
- Key points to address:
- Arguments for protecting prisoners’ rights
- Arguments for harsh punishment
- Personal stance with justification
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
The debate over whether incarcerated individuals should maintain their fundamental human rights or face severe consequences for their offenses remains contentious in modern society. While both perspectives have merit, I believe that protecting prisoners’ basic rights is crucial for both ethical and practical reasons.
Those who advocate for prisoners’ rights argue that human dignity is universal and inalienable. Regardless of their crimes, inmates remain human beings deserving of basic necessities, medical care, and protection from abuse. Furthermore, research demonstrates that humane treatment significantly reduces recidivism rates and facilitates successful rehabilitation. Countries like Norway, with their focus on prisoners’ rights and rehabilitation, have achieved remarkably low reoffending rates.
Conversely, proponents of strict punishment contend that criminals forfeit their rights upon breaking society’s laws. They maintain that harsh conditions serve as both retribution and deterrence for future crimes. Additionally, they argue that providing comfortable conditions for prisoners seems unjust when many law-abiding citizens struggle with basic necessities.
In my view, protecting prisoners’ fundamental rights while maintaining appropriate consequences for their actions represents the most effective approach. This balanced strategy ensures justice while preserving human dignity and promoting rehabilitation. Moreover, treating prisoners humanely often proves more cost-effective long-term, as it reduces repeat offenses and facilitates their eventual reintegration into society.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
The question of prisoners’ rights is an important topic in many countries today. Some people think prisoners should have their basic rights protected, while others believe they should be punished severely. I will discuss both views and share my opinion.
On one side, people think prisoners deserve their basic human rights. They say that every person should have access to food, healthcare, and safety, even if they did something wrong. When prisoners are treated well, they have a better chance to become good citizens again. For example, some prisons offer education and job training to help prisoners change their lives.
However, other people believe criminals should face tough punishment. They think that if prison life is too comfortable, it won’t stop other people from committing crimes. These people say that victims of crimes suffer, so criminals should also suffer consequences. They worry that focusing on prisoners’ rights ignores the rights of victims.
In my opinion, we should find a middle way between rights and punishment. While prisoners should face consequences for their actions, they should still have basic human rights. This approach helps society by reducing crime in the long term and showing that we believe in human dignity.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.0 Essay:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts with well-developed ideas
- Coherence/Cohesion: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary with natural usage
- Grammar: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Addresses main points but less developed
- Coherence/Cohesion: Basic organization with some progression
- Lexical Resource: Adequate vocabulary with some repetition
- Grammar: Mix of simple and complex structures with errors
Key Vocabulary
- incarcerated (adj) /ɪnˈkɑːsəreɪtɪd/ – imprisoned
- recidivism (n) /rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzəm/ – tendency to reoffend
- rehabilitation (n) /ˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃən/ – restoration to normal life
- retribution (n) /ˌretrɪˈbjuːʃən/ – punishment deserved
- inalienable (adj) /ɪnˈeɪliənəbəl/ – cannot be taken away
- deterrence (n) /dɪˈterəns/ – prevention through fear of consequences
- reintegration (n) /ˌriːɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən/ – process of rejoining society
For practice, try writing your own essay addressing a related topic: “Should prisoners be allowed to vote in elections? Discuss the arguments for and against this proposal.” Share your response in the comments for feedback and discussion.