The role of police in community relations is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This topic has appeared multiple times in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant due to its societal importance. Based on analysis of previous IELTS questions, we’ve identified a common essay prompt related to this subject:
Some people think that the police force should be friendly towards the community. Others believe that they should be strict in dealing with crime. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Let’s break down this question and explore sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This essay prompt falls under the “discuss both views and give your opinion” category. It requires you to:
- Discuss the view that police should be friendly towards the community
- Discuss the view that police should be strict in dealing with crime
- Provide your own opinion on the matter
The importance of community policing is a key aspect to consider when addressing this topic. Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Here’s a high-scoring sample essay:
Community policing is a contentious issue, with some advocating for a friendly approach while others support strict law enforcement. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Those who favor a friendly police force argue that it fosters trust and cooperation between law enforcement and citizens. When officers engage positively with community members, it becomes easier for people to report crimes and provide valuable information. This approach can lead to more effective crime prevention and improved public safety. Moreover, a approachable police force can help break down barriers and stereotypes, particularly in marginalized communities where distrust of law enforcement may be high.
On the other hand, proponents of strict policing believe that a firm approach is necessary to maintain order and deter criminal activity. They argue that leniency could embolden criminals and lead to an increase in crime rates. A tough stance on law-breaking sends a clear message that illegal activities will not be tolerated, potentially discouraging would-be offenders. Additionally, some argue that the primary role of the police is to enforce the law, not to be friends with the community.
In my opinion, a balanced approach that combines elements of both strategies is most effective. Police officers should strive to build positive relationships with community members while still maintaining a professional demeanor and enforcing the law when necessary. This nuanced approach allows for the benefits of community engagement without compromising the authority required to combat crime effectively.
In conclusion, while there are valid arguments for both friendly and strict policing styles, I believe a middle ground that incorporates aspects of both is the most beneficial for society. This balanced approach can help create safer communities while fostering trust between law enforcement and the public.
(Word count: 292)
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
- Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout the essay. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately, with some less common phrases (e.g., “contentious issue,” “marginalized communities”).
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
There are different opinions about how the police should interact with the community. Some people think they should be friendly, while others believe they should be strict. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.
People who think the police should be friendly say it can help build trust. When police officers are nice to people, it makes it easier for citizens to talk to them and report crimes. This can help solve more crimes and make the community safer. Also, if the police are friendly, it can make people feel more comfortable around them, especially in areas where people don’t usually trust the police.
On the other hand, some people believe the police should be strict to prevent crime. They think that if the police are too nice, criminals might not take them seriously. Being strict can show that breaking the law is not okay and might stop some people from committing crimes. These people also say that the main job of the police is to enforce the law, not to be friends with everyone.
I think the best way is to combine both approaches. Police officers should try to be friendly and build good relationships with the community, but they should also be firm when dealing with crime. This way, they can get the benefits of being friendly while still doing their job of keeping everyone safe.
In conclusion, while there are good points for both friendly and strict policing, I believe a mix of both is best. This can help create safer communities and better relationships between the police and the public.
(Word count: 268)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates characteristics that would likely place it in the Band 6-7 range:
- Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, but lacks the flexibility seen in higher band scores.
The role of community policing in crime prevention is a crucial aspect that both essays touch upon, highlighting its importance in the discussion of police-community relations.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some important words and phrases used in the essays, along with their definitions:
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement or argument
- Foster (verb) /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – encourage or promote the development of something
- Marginalized (adjective) /ˈmɑːdʒɪnəlaɪzd/ – treated as insignificant or peripheral
- Deter (verb) /dɪˈtɜː(r)/ – discourage (someone) from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of consequences
- Embolden (verb) /ɪmˈbəʊldən/ – give (someone) the courage or confidence to do something
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Demeanor (noun) /dɪˈmiːnə(r)/ – outward behavior or bearing
- Cohesive (adjective) /kəʊˈhiːsɪv/ – characterized by or causing cohesion; unified
Police officers patrolling a neighborhood
Conclusion
The topic of police-community relations is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. To prepare for similar questions, consider practicing with prompts such as:
- “Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of community policing programs.”
- “Some people believe that increasing police presence in neighborhoods reduces crime. Others think it creates tension. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
- “To what extent do you agree or disagree that police officers should receive training in cultural sensitivity and community relations?”
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is to fully address the question, organize your ideas logically, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing essays on this topic and consider sharing them in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
Why community building is essential for reducing crime rates is another important aspect to consider when discussing police-community relations in your essays.