Some people think all lawbreakers should be sent to prison, while others think there are better alternatives for those whose crimes are minor, such as making them do work for the local community. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

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Some people believe that every lawbreaker should be imprisoned,

whereas

Linking Words

others argue that less serious culprits should receive alternative punishments,

such

Linking Words

community

Use synonyms

service.

Although

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imprisonment is essential for dangerous criminals, I believe that non-custodial sentences are often a more effective solution for those who commit minor

offenses

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offences

show examples

. On the one hand, supporters of imprisonment argue that

prison

Use synonyms

is the most appropriate punishment because it protects

society

Use synonyms

and acts as a powerful deterrent. By removing

offenders

Use synonyms

from the

community

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, governments can reduce the risk of

further

Linking Words

crimes and reassure the public that justice is being enforced.

Furthermore

Linking Words

, strict

prison

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sentences may discourage others from breaking the law, particularly in cases involving violence, robbery or repeated offending.

Consequently

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, incarceration remains indispensable for individuals who pose a serious threat to

society

Use synonyms

On the other hand

Linking Words

, there are compelling reasons to

favor

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favour

show examples

alternatives for minor crimes. In many cases,

offenses

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offences

show examples

such

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as vandalism, shoplifting, or traffic violations do not justify the financial and social costs of imprisonment.

Community

Use synonyms

service,

for instance

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, allows

offenders

Use synonyms

to contribute positively to

society

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while

Linking Words

simultaneously accepting responsibility for their actions.

In addition

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such

Linking Words

penalties enable individuals to remain employed, continue their education, and support their families, thereby reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

As a result

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, rehabilitation rather than punishment becomes the primary objective. In my opinion, a balanced approach is the most sensible policy.

While

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serious criminals should undoubtedly be imprisoned, first-time and non-violent

offenders

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should be given opportunities to reform through

community

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service, probation or educational programs.

This

Linking Words

approach not only benefits the

offenders

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themselves

Punctuation problem

apply

show examples

but

also

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reduces pressure on overcrowded

prison

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systems and lowers public expenditure. In conclusion,

although

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prison

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is necessary for dangerous lawbreakers, alternative punishments are generally more appropriate for minor

offenses

Change the spelling

offences

show examples

because they promote rehabilitation and ultimately benefit

society

Use synonyms

more effectively.

acaitaz

Jul 23, 2026

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Task response

Score: 8. Your answer fully deals with the question. To get closer to 9, add one more real and clear detail. For example, say what kind of local work an offender could do and how it helps the local area.

Task response

Your view is clear, but you could say more about how judges should choose between prison and other forms of punishment. For example, they could look at the crime, past crimes, and harm done.

Coherence and cohesion

Score: 8. Your ideas are in a good order and each paragraph has one main point. To improve, make the link between the second view and your own view a little stronger. Say that your balanced plan takes the best part of both views.

Coherence and cohesion

A few sentences are long. Shorter sentences can make your meaning even easier to follow. For example, split the sentence about work, education, and family into two sentences.

Task response

You discuss both views and give a clear opinion. Your main idea stays the same from the start to the end.

Task response

You use good examples of minor crimes, such as vandalism and shoplifting. These help make your ideas clear.

Coherence and cohesion

The essay has a clear four-part form: start, first view, second view, your view, and end.

Coherence and cohesion

Linking words such as “On the one hand”, “On the other hand”, “Furthermore”, and “In conclusion” guide the reader well.

Support ideas with relevant, specific examples

Examples make your writing easier to understand by illustrating points more effectively.

Examples, if used properly, not only help you get higher marks for ‘Task Response’ but also for ‘Coherence’.

When giving examples it is best to put them after your main idea or topic sentence. They can be used in the middle of supporting sentences or they can be used to start a new sentence. There is no rule for where exactly to give examples in essays, logically they would come after your main idea/topic sentence or just after a supporting sentence.

Linking words for giving examples:

for example
for instance
to illustrate this
to give a clear example
such as
namely
to illustrate
take, for example

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13
Linking words
meeting the goal of 7 or more
4
Word repetition
meeting the goal of 3 or fewer
5
Grammar mistakes
detected issues

0123456789.0505

Overall Band Score

Coherence and Cohesion: 5.0

Logical structure

Introduction & conclusion present

Supported main points

Accurate linking words

Variety in linking words

Lexical resource: 5.0

Varied vocabulary

Accurate spelling & word formation

Grammatical Range: 5.0

Mix of complex & simple sentences

Clear and correct grammar

Task Achievement: 7.0

Complete response

Clear & comprehensive ideas

Relevant & specific examples

Appropriate word count

5 paragraphs

298 words

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