Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others believe there are better ways to reduce crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

✍️ Want to check your own essay?Try for free →

There is

ongoing

Correct article usage

an ongoing

show examples

debate about the most effective methods for reducing

crime

Use synonyms

in society.

While

Linking Words

some argue that longer

prisonsentences

Correct your spelling

prison sentences

are the best solution, others believe that addressing the root causes of

crime

Use synonyms

through education and employment is more effective. I agree with those who support long-term preventative approaches, as they offer more sustainable results. On one hand, supporters of longer prison sentences argue that stricter punishments act as a powerful deterrent. When

people

Use synonyms

know they face serious consequences for breaking the law, they may be less likely to commit crimes.

Furthermore

Linking Words

, keeping offenders in prison for longer periods prevents them from reoffending and protects the wider community during that time. From

Linking Words

this

Change preposition

From this

show examples

perspective, longer sentences offer both punishment and protection.

On the other hand

Linking Words

, many

people

Use synonyms

believe that tackling the underlying causes of

crime

Use synonyms

is far more effective. Young

people

Use synonyms

who leave school without qualifications often struggle to find stable work and may turn to criminal groups for a sense of belonging and financial survival. Investing in education during the early years can keep young

people

Use synonyms

engaged and provide them with skills for the future.

Similarly

Linking Words

, creating accessible job opportunities and vocational training gives individuals a legitimate path to financial independence, reducing their motivation to engage in criminal activity. Countries that have prioritised employment programmes have seen improvements in community safety over time. In conclusion,

while

Linking Words

longer prison sentences can offer short-term protection for society, I believe that education and job creation are more effective long-term solutions. By addressing the root causes of

crime

Use synonyms

, governments can create safer communities for everyone.

yalmohamed23

May 19, 2026

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.

task response

Make your view a bit stronger in the body, not only in the start and end.

task response

Add one more clear real world example to make your ideas stronger.

coherence and cohesion

Link one idea to the next with a few more simple words like also, so, and because.

coherence and cohesion

Check small word spacing and spelling like 'prison sentences' to keep the writing smooth.

task response

You answered both sides and gave your own view clearly.

task response

Your main ideas are clear and easy to follow.

coherence and cohesion

The essay has a clear start, middle, and end.

coherence and cohesion

Each body part stays on one main idea.

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.

Do you want to check your IELTS essays?

Submit unlimited essays, letters and charts. Sign up right now and start improving your writing skills.

5
Linking words
meeting the goal of 7 or more
2
Word repetition
meeting the goal of 3 or fewer
3
Grammar mistakes
detected issues

0123456789.0505

Overall Band Score

Coherence and Cohesion: 7.0

Logical structure

Introduction & conclusion present

Supported main points

Accurate linking words

Variety in linking words

Lexical resource: 6.0

Varied vocabulary

Accurate spelling & word formation

Grammatical Range: 6.0

Mix of complex & simple sentences

Clear and correct grammar

Task Achievement: 7.0

Complete response

Clear & comprehensive ideas

Relevant & specific examples

Appropriate word count

9 paragraphs

262 words

🚀 Prepare for IELTS writing section today!

Unlimited Task 1 & Task 2 checks
Practice with essays, charts, and letters.
Personalized suggestions & mistake analysis
Spot every mistake and boost your score.
Topic ideas & vocabulary helpers
Expand your ideas and use the right words.
Progress tracking
Watch your writing improve with every practice.

Topic Vocabulary:

crime
prison
jail
sentence
longer
punishment
deter
deterrence
keep safe
remove danger
cost
money
crowding
rehab
rehabilitation
prevention
education
jobs
housing
health
mental health
addiction
early intervention
support
programs
probation
community service
fines
alternative penalties
fairness
justice
equal
repeat crime
reoffend
root causes
poverty
policy
government
invest
effectiveness

What to do next:

Look at other essays:

7.5
band
In many countries today, crime novels an TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular. Why do you think that these books an Tv shows are popular? What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas?
In many parts of the world, crime novels and television crime dramas have become increasingly popular forms of entertainment. This rise in popularity can be seen across all age groups and social backgrounds, suggesting a widespread appeal. Some people consider this a reflection of society’s growing interest in justice and human psychology, while others see it as mere entertainment. This essay will discuss the reasons for this trend and present my opinion on crime-related media.
6.5
band
Education should be accessible to people of all economic background. All level of education from primary school to tertiary education should be free. To what extent do you agree with this opinion.
The importance of public commute facilities is essential for the sustainable growth of the nation, improving the rail system allows fast access between two points which was always been debatable and has now become more controversial with many people claiming that investing in all transportation networks is more beneficial while others reject this notion. The substantial influence of this trend has sparked controversy over its potential influence in recent years. In my opinion, the former proposition appears to be more rational. This essay will further elaborate on both perspectives of this trend and thus will lead to a logical conclusion.
8
band
Nowadays, people have developed poor eating habits and do not eat a balanced diet. What are the reasons behind this? Suggest possible solutions to control this.
Today, many people have adopted irregular and unbalanced diets. There are multiple reasons for this, budget constraints and a busy lifestyle being the most important. These can be mended by avoiding unhealthy food and adopting a nutritious eating routine.
6.5
band
The rise of social media has affected personal relationships and society as a whole. Do the advantages of using social media for communicatio outweigh the disadvantage?
The development of social networks has had a profound impact on the relationships between the community and the public. This writer argues that the lack of communication and cybercriticism overshadow the connection within the distance.
9
band
Some schools are very strict about their school uniforms and the appearance of their pupils, while other schools have a very relaxed dress code. What are the advantages and disadvantages of children of having a school uniform?
In this day and age, it is considered by a plethora of individuals that, a good deal of schools have made uniforms obligatory. However, there are plenty of schools where students are allowed to dress what they want. In this following essay, I shall express the merits and demerits of wearing a uniform.

Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others believe there are better ways to reduce crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

In many countries today, crime novels an TV crime dramas are becoming more and more popular. Why do you think that these books an Tv shows are popular? What is your opinion of crime fiction and TV crime dramas?

Education should be accessible to people of all economic background. All level of education from primary school to tertiary education should be free. To what extent do you agree with this opinion.

Nowadays, people have developed poor eating habits and do not eat a balanced diet. What are the reasons behind this? Suggest possible solutions to control this.

The rise of social media has affected personal relationships and society as a whole. Do the advantages of using social media for communicatio outweigh the disadvantage?

Some schools are very strict about their school uniforms and the appearance of their pupils, while other schools have a very relaxed dress code. What are the advantages and disadvantages of children of having a school uniform?