IELTS 5 to 6

Crime and Punishment IELTS Essay Ideas (Band 8+ Model + Structure)

Introduction

Crime and punishment is a classic IELTS Task 2 topic. Whether the question is about capital punishment, youth crime, rehabilitation vs punishment, or the causes of crime, you need:

  • Clear logic
  • Relevant vocabulary
  • Realistic examples
  • And sentence variety that boosts your grammar score

This page delivers:

  • A Band 8 sample thesis
  • Strong ideas for body paragraphs
  • High-level vocabulary with examples
  • A grammar tool (tag questions)
  • Internal links to related content for SEO and user engagement

Explore more:

  • [IELTS Writing Task 2 Essay Types]
  • [Band 8 Essay Samples by Theme]
  • [Crime Vocabulary for IELTS Writing]
  • [Grammar for IELTS Band 8 Essays]
  • [IELTS Writing: Problem–Solution Structure]

Sample Question

“Some people believe that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others argue that alternative methods such as education and rehabilitation are more effective. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”

Sample Thesis

This essay will argue that education and rehabilitation are more effective than long prison sentences because they address the root causes of crime and promote long-term social reintegration.

Ideas for Crime & Punishment Essays

Arguments for Longer Prison Sentences

  • Deterrence: harsh punishments may prevent crime
  • Public safety: keeps dangerous offenders off the streets
  • Justice for victims: punishment reflects severity of the crime

Arguments for Rehabilitation and Alternatives

  • Addresses root causes: poverty, addiction, lack of education
  • Reduces reoffending: reintegration helps ex-offenders contribute to society
  • More cost-effective long-term, wouldn’t you agree?

Essay Body Ideas Example (Band 8+ Style)

BP1 – Argument for punishment:
Long prison sentences serve as a deterrent. When laws are enforced strictly, potential offenders may think twice before committing a crime. For example, countries with severe penalties for drug trafficking often report lower levels of drug-related crime.

BP2 – Argument for rehabilitation:
However, focusing solely on punishment overlooks the social causes of crime. Rehabilitation programs such as therapy, education, and vocational training help offenders develop skills and re-enter society. Countries that invest in such programs often see lower recidivism rates, don’t they?

5 Vocabulary Words for Crime & Punishment

1. Recidivism

Definition: The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.
Example: Educational programs in prison help reduce recidivism rates.

2. Deterrent

Definition: Something that discourages someone from doing something.
Example: Strict laws can act as a deterrent to violent crime.

3. Rehabilitation

Definition: The process of helping someone return to normal life after criminal behavior.
Example: Rehabilitation is more humane and effective than lengthy sentences.

4. Incarceration

Definition: The act of putting someone in prison.
Example: Long-term incarceration can sometimes make prisoners more violent.

5. Restorative justice

Definition: A system focused on repairing harm by involving victims and offenders in dialogue.
Example: Restorative justice is used in many countries for youth crime.

Grammar Focus: Tag Questions

Tag questions show flexibility and natural tone, especially in conclusions.

Examples:

  • Harsh punishments don’t always work, do they?
  • Society benefits when ex-prisoners are reintegrated, doesn’t it?

Use them for range and band 7+ tone control.

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Need help turning these ideas into high-scoring essays?

  • Download: “25 Crime & Punishment Topic Sentences (Band 7–9)”
  • Study: Band 8+ essay models with structure and feedback
  • Master: IELTS crime vocabulary with sentence-building drills
  • Join: The IELTS Power Writing Course — unlock templates, feedback, and essay-building strategies that push you toward your target score

This page is part of our Writing Task 2 Master Series — built by a teacher with 25 years of real classroom success. You bring the effort. We give you the structure.