TASK 1

TASK 2
Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences.
Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer Task 1:
The pie charts illustrate the primary reasons that people came to and left the UK in 2007. At
first glance it is clear that the main factor influencing this decision was employment.

Having a definite job accounted for 30 per cent of immigration to the UK, and this figure was
very similar for emigration, at 29%. A large number of people, 22%, also emigrated because
they were looking for a job, though the proportion of people entering the UK for this purpose
was noticeably lower at less than a fifth.

Another major factor influencing a move to the UK was for formal study, with over a quarter
of people immigrating for this reason. However, interestingly, only a small minority, 4%, left for
this.

The proportions of those moving to join a family member were quite similar for immigration
and emigration, at 15% and 13% respectively. Although a significant number of people
(32%) gave ‘other’ reasons or did not give a reason why they emigrated, this accounted for
only 17% with regards to immigration.

173 words

Model Answer 1:
In the modern century, the world suffers from the increase of crime rate throughout many
nations. This eventually breeds the fear of innocent civilians and forces them to demand
stronger punishment on those who committed a crime. Some insist giving prisoners longer
prison sentence, and others insist alternative ways will be more effective and I lay my
thoughts alongside the alternative ways as well.

There are many benefits of sentencing offenders longer prison period. The longer the
criminals who committed serious damage to others such as steal, violence, arson and
murder are separated from the society, the higher the chances of the innocence being safe
increases dramatically. During the time in prison, the offenders will have an opportunity to
get them rehabilitated through many services available inside. For instance, they could
reflect their own behaviour and educate themselves the way not to re-offend once they are
released. Moreover, this long period of the prison sentence will work as a deterrent to future
criminals.

On the other hand, others argue that there are more effective ways to reduce the crime
rate. They insist that sparing their life after committing serious crimes involving one’s life will be
only wasting the tax that citizens paid. Hence to sentence to death will show a powerful
warning to other, which result in a stiff drop in crime rate. In my opinion, these people can be
of the service to the whole community during their imprisonment. The labour force from
these criminals will be a great contribution to the societies. It does not imply that these
violent and dangerous people will be released and walk around the inner city freely. They
will be under heavy supervision. For example, they will be tied to the heavy chains and
placed in construction sites to assist the building companies or they could be working as
farmers when the harvesting season comes.

To summarise, there are clear grounds both for and against long imprisonment. Thus the
government must protect innocent lives from brutal and reckless criminals by researching the
best method out of all these fine arguments.

[ Written by - Jun Park ]

Model Answer 2:
Crime levels have been increasing at an exorbitant rate in the recent decades. The methods
with which to kerb the rising levels of crime are often a debated topic. Some argue that the
best way to reduce delinquency is to give longer prison sentences, while others contend that
there are better alternatives to tackle this epidemic. Both sides of this debate will be
analysed in this essay before a reasoned conclusion is drawn.

On the one hand, many believe that handing out longer jail sentences is the right measure
to be employed, this makes sense as the main purpose of such punishments is to deter
individuals from committing crimes in the first place. For instance, Saudi Arabia, where
ramifications for committing a crime are much harsher than the rest of the world, has much
lower crime rates than even the most developed nations. This example illustrates the fear
that harsher sentences can instil in the hearts of potential criminals. Hence, it is obvious why
this point of view has garnered support.

On contrary, some argue that there are better alternatives than longer prison sentences
such as educational programs and community services. Take a study conducted by a non-
profit organisation in my area, for example, which found out that people become more
empathetic after spending time with people from disadvantaged backgrounds. As a result
of this increased sympathy, people are less likely to commit heinous crimes. Therefore, it is
comprehensible why this is a popular opinion among many.

After musing upon both sides of this argument, it is felt that a balance should be struck
between handing out longer prison sentences and other measures. It is hoped that felony
rates will be decreased in the coming years and the world will become a safer place to live
in.

[ Written by - Sameed Qureshi ]

Crime is a serious and growing problem in most societies. Although many people believe
that the best way to tackle this is to place people in prison for longer periods, others are of
the opinion that other measures will be more effective.

There are benefits of giving offenders longer prison sentences. Firstly, spending a long time in
prison provides an opportunity for the prison services to rehabilitate a prisoner. For example,
someone who has committed a serious offence such as assault will need a long time in
prison in order to be sure they can be re-educated not to re-offend. In addition to this,
longer prison sentences will act as a deterrent for someone who is thinking of committing a
crime.

However, some people argue that leaving people in prison for a long time means that they
will mix with other criminals and so their character will not improve. One alternative is
community service. This gives an offender the opportunity to give something positive back to
society, and so it may improve their character. Also, the government could focus its
resources on the causes of crime, which would lead to less crime in the future.

In my opinion, it is important to look at alternative methods. Many countries have lengthy

prison sentences, but crime has continued to increase throughout the world, so it is clear that
this is not completely effective. That said, long prison sentences should remain for those who
commit serious crimes such as assault or murder, as justice for the victim and their family
should take priority.

To conclude, there are good arguments for and against long sentences, so governments
must continue to research the various methods of crime reduction to ensure effective
policies are in place.

(290 words)