Prison education is a recurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately every 8-12 months in various forms. Recent examination trends show increased focus on prisoners’ rights and rehabilitation, making this theme highly relevant for test preparation. Let’s explore some actual questions from past tests and analyze model responses.
Ensure prisoners’ rights protected: how? has become an increasingly important discussion point in IELTS writing tasks, particularly regarding education access.
Task Analysis and Question Types
Some people believe that prisoners should have the right to education while serving their sentences, while others think education in prison is a waste of government money. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires:
- Discussion of multiple perspectives
- Clear position statement
- Balanced analysis
- Personal conclusion
Band 8.5 Model Essay
Education in correctional facilities remains a contentious issue, with valid arguments both supporting and opposing prisoner access to educational programs. While some view it as an unnecessary expense, I firmly believe that providing education to inmates is both a moral imperative and a practical investment in society’s future.
Those who oppose prison education programs primarily cite financial concerns. They argue that taxpayers’ money should not be spent on individuals who have violated society’s laws, suggesting these funds could be better allocated to law-abiding citizens’ education or other public services. Furthermore, critics contend that many inmates may not genuinely desire rehabilitation, making educational resources potentially wasteful.
However, the benefits of prison education significantly outweigh these concerns. Research consistently demonstrates that educated prisoners have substantially lower recidivism rates, directly contributing to reduced crime rates and decreased long-term incarceration costs. Moreover, education equips inmates with valuable skills that enhance their employability upon release, facilitating their successful reintegration into society. This aspect is particularly crucial as it addresses one of the root causes of criminal behavior – limited economic opportunities.
From my perspective, providing education to prisoners represents a sound investment in public safety and social welfare. Educational programs not only help break the cycle of crime but also promote personal development and human dignity. The cost of education is significantly lower than the expenses associated with repeat offenders, making it a fiscally responsible approach to crime prevention.
(Word count: 278)
importance of literacy programs in prisons demonstrates significant success rates in reducing recidivism.
Band 6.5 Model Essay
Nowadays, there is a debate about whether prisoners should get education during their time in jail. While some people think it’s good to give prisoners education, others believe it wastes government money. I will discuss both sides and share my opinion.
People who support prison education say it helps prisoners become better people. When prisoners learn new things, they can get jobs after leaving prison and won’t commit crimes again. Also, education makes them understand right from wrong better. Some prisoners never had good education before, so this is their chance to improve themselves.
On the other hand, some people think spending money on prisoner education is wrong. They say this money should go to regular schools or hospitals instead. Also, they believe that bad people don’t deserve free education when many good citizens have to pay for their studies. These people think punishment is more important than education for criminals.
In my opinion, giving education to prisoners is a good idea. Even though it costs money, it helps make society safer because educated prisoners are less likely to commit crimes again. Also, when prisoners get jobs after release, they pay taxes and help the economy. This is better than having them return to crime.
(Word count: 261)
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “contentious,” “moral imperative,” “recidivism rates”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear progression of ideas
- Strong cohesion and coherence
- Well-developed arguments
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Adequate organization
- Some repetition
- Limited range of expression
Should voting be compulsory in democratic societies? presents similar ethical considerations about rights and responsibilities.
Key Vocabulary
- Recidivism (n) /rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzəm/ – tendency to relapse into criminal behavior
- Rehabilitation (n) /ˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃən/ – restoration to normal life
- Imperative (n) /ɪmˈperətɪv/ – crucial necessity
- Contentious (adj) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing disagreement
- Reintegration (n) /riːˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃən/ – process of rejoining society
- Incarceration (n) /ɪnˌkɑːsəˈreɪʃən/ – imprisonment
- Fiscally (adv) /ˈfɪskəli/ – financially
- Employability (n) /ɪmˌplɔɪəˈbɪləti/ – ability to get employment
For practice, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments. Focus on maintaining clear structure and incorporating the vocabulary provided above. Consider exploring related topics such as prisoner rehabilitation programs or the cost-effectiveness of prison education systems.