IELTS Writing Correction Service /
Writing Samples /
Band 7

Prison is the best punishment for criminals. How far do you agree or disagree with this statement. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

#prison #punishment #criminals
These days, every
time
 you turn on the television or flick through the pages of a newspaper, you learn about the victims of crime. But what is the most effective method of dealing with the rising crime rate in our society? Some people believe the best way to punish criminals is to sentence them to
time
 in
prison
. I completely disagree with
this
 idea and in
this
 essay, I will support my opinion with examples.
Firstly
, life in jail is far too comfortable for prisoners.
For instance
, many inmates have access to luxuries
such
 as televisions, computers and sports facilities and so on.
In other words
, spending
time
 behind bars is more like being in a holiday camp. If
prison
 is going to act as a deterrent,
then
 I believe it needs to be considerably tougher. Another reason why I disagree with
prison
 as a punishment is that a large number of prisoners are not a danger to society. Take shoplifters as an example. They are often locked up in the same cells as murderers, rapists, and violent criminals. I strongly believe that
this
 is a serious waste of taxpayers’ money. What is more, petty criminals may even learn how to commit more serious crimes when they are inside.
On the other hand
, there is an argument that
prison
 can help to rehabilitate offenders. Many inmates have the opportunity to study while they are doing
time
.
As a result
, many never re-offend when they are released. In conclusion,
although
 it is a common belief that
prison
 is the best way to punish criminals, I believe it is too soft and that it is not necessary in the majority of cases. I think
prison
 should be the
last
 option when all else has failed.
Submitted by hamdislam on

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

  • Paragraph 1 - Introduction
    • Sentence 1 - Background statement
    • Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
    • Sentence 3 - Thesis
    • Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
  • Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
    • Sentence 1 - Summary
    • Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
    • Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ »— a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

You are not ready for IELTS Speaking, if you

  • Can’t speak smoothly without pauses.
  • Use simple words and lack vocabulary.
  • Feel nervous and anxious when speaking.
What to do next:
Look at other essays:

Essentional vocabulary list for IELTS Writing 7+

Learn how to write high-scoring essays with powerful words.
Download Free PDF and start improving you writing skills today!