IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1249 - In many countries the amount of crime is increasing
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In many countries, the amount of crime is increasing.
What do you think are the main causes of crime?
How can we deal with those causes?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
Crime is a pervasive issue that plagues many countries around the world. In recent years, the amount of crime has been on the rise, causing widespread concern among policymakers and the public alike. In this essay, I will explore some of the main causes of crime and discuss potential strategies to tackle these causes.
Several factors contribute to the rise in crime. Firstly, poverty and unemployment are key factors that drive people to commit crimes. Individuals who are unable to make ends meet through legitimate means often resort to illegal activities to support themselves and their families. This can be substantiated by the correlation between unemployment and crime rates in many South Asian and African nations. Countries with higher poverty rates tend to have higher crime rates. In addition, substance abuse is another major contributor to criminal behaviour. Drug addiction and alcoholism can impair an individual's judgment and decision-making abilities, leading to poor choices and criminal activity. For instance, many drug abusers get involved in crimes to manage the money required for purchasing illegal drugs. The influence of drugs clouds their judgment and rational thinking.
To deal with the causes of crime, a multifaceted approach is necessary. Firstly, governments must invest in programmes aimed at reducing poverty and unemployment. This can include job training and education programmes, as well as financial assistance for struggling families. Countries like Malaysia and Thailand have been successful in checking their crime rates with their economic development in recent years. Additionally, more resources must be allocated to addiction treatment programmes to help individuals overcome substance abuse issues. Some European countries like Norway and Sweden have taken initiatives to help addicts overcome their substance abuse issues, and it has successfully reduced their crime rates in the process.
In conclusion, the rise in crime is a complex issue that requires a comprehensive approach. By addressing the root causes of criminal behaviour and implementing effective strategies to combat crime, governments and communities can work together to create a safer and more secure society for all.
Model Answer 2:
In recent years, the rise in crime rates has become a major concern for many countries around the world. While there are various reasons for this trend, three key factors stand out as major contributors: poverty, political instability, and inefficient law enforcement. This essay will primarily explain why these three are prominent factors for increasing crime rates in many countries, and how we can deal with these causes.
Firstly, poverty is one of the leading causes of crime. In many low-income areas, people struggle to meet their basic needs, including food and shelter, which can push them towards criminal activities. They may resort to theft, robbery, and other illegal means to provide for themselves and their families. Therefore, it is important for governments to address poverty through various means, such as creating job opportunities, increasing wages, and providing basic needs to help reduce the incidence of crime.
Political instability and conflict can lead to increased crime rates in many countries. When the government is unstable and unable to provide basic services, such as law enforcement and judicial systems, criminals may take advantage of the situation. The lack of political stability and conflict can also create an environment where individuals are more likely to engage in criminal activities and corruption. To deal with the issue of crimes arising from political instability and conflict, the nation must prioritize conflict resolution and work towards creating stable political environments. This can be achieved by promoting political reforms, providing economic and social opportunities, and investing in education.
Finally, corruption and lack of accountability within law enforcement agencies can further undermine public trust and exacerbate the problem. To address this issue, governments should invest in training and equipping law enforcement agencies, enforcing accountability measures, and improving the justice system to ensure swift and fair prosecution of criminals.
In conclusion, there are various reasons for the increase in crime rates in many countries. But to deal with these root causes, the governments and the authorities must implement comprehensive strategies that address these issues, including poverty reduction initiatives, and improvements to political, law enforcement and justice systems. Only through these efforts can we hope to curb the rise in crime rates and create safer communities for everyone.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay Question:
In many countries, the amount of crime is increasing.
What do you think are the main causes of crime?
How can we deal with those causes?
Essay type:
Cause-Solution Essay
The main question of this essay:
What are the primary causes of increasing crime rates in many countries, and what solutions can address these issues?
Causes of increasing crime rates:
1. Poverty and unemployment:
Economic hardship often forces people into criminal activities to meet basic needs. High unemployment rates can lead to feelings of hopelessness and increase the likelihood of crime. For example, regions experiencing economic recessions typically see a rise in theft and robbery cases.
2. Lack of education:
Insufficient education can limit employment opportunities, pushing individuals toward illegal activities. Poor education also reduces awareness of the consequences of criminal actions. For example, areas with lower literacy rates often experience higher crime rates compared to more educated communities.
3. Breakdown of family structures:
Families experiencing domestic violence, divorce, or parental neglect often produce individuals prone to criminal behaviour. Without emotional and moral support from a stable family, youths may become vulnerable to negative influences. For instance, studies show higher crime rates among children from broken families.
4. Drug and alcohol abuse:
Substance abuse significantly impairs judgement, leading to violent and irrational behaviour. Additionally, drug addiction often pushes individuals to commit theft to support their habits. For example, drug-related crime is particularly high in areas where substance abuse is prevalent.
5. Inadequate law enforcement and justice systems:
Weak or corrupt law enforcement agencies and lenient judicial systems fail to deter crime effectively. Criminals may feel emboldened due to a low likelihood of being caught or punished. For example, corruption in police departments leads to increased organised crime and violence.
Solutions to reduce crime rates:
1. Providing education and job opportunities:
Governments should invest in education and vocational training programmes to increase employability. Reducing unemployment and poverty significantly lowers crime rates. For example, Scandinavian countries, known for their robust education and employment support, maintain relatively low crime rates.
2. Strengthening family and community support:
Social services should assist families experiencing domestic issues, offering counselling and support programmes. Strong family and community ties discourage criminal behaviour. For instance, community initiatives supporting families and at-risk youths have successfully reduced crime in several UK cities.
3. Improving law enforcement and judicial effectiveness:
Investing in better training, resources, and technology for law enforcement agencies ensures effective crime prevention and investigation. Transparent and swift justice systems also deter potential offenders. For example, Singapore’s rigorous law enforcement policies contribute to its reputation for safety and low crime rates.
4. Rehabilitation programmes for offenders:
Rather than solely punishing criminals, effective rehabilitation programmes can reintegrate offenders into society as productive members, reducing reoffending rates. For example, Germany's rehabilitation-focused prisons significantly lower repeat crime.
5. Tackling drug and substance abuse:
Initiatives targeting substance abuse, including rehabilitation centres and public awareness campaigns, can substantially lower crime. By treating addiction, fewer individuals resort to drug-related criminal activities. For example, Portugal significantly reduced drug-related crime through comprehensive addiction treatment programmes.
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