Many People are Afraid to Leave their Home because of Crime- IELTS Writing Task 2

An opinion essay in IELTS Writing Task 2 requires candidates to clearly state their viewpoint and support it with relevant reasons and examples. The topic “Many People Are Afraid to Leave Their Home Because of Crime” examines public safety concerns, and this blog provides 3 sample answers along with useful vocabulary to help you write a high-scoring response.

Question

Outline

Essay Type

• IELTS Opinion Essay

Introduction

• Sentences 1&2 – It is alleged that the bulk of the population is fearful of venturing outside their homes due to the high prevalence of crimes. This has been a contentious issue, with some people asserting that more needs to be done to avert lawlessness, while others feel that hardly anything can be done to cease such heinous acts.
• Sentence 3 – I agree with the former and opine that more deterrent measures need to be implemented to put an end to most atrocities.

Body Paragraphs

• Paragraph 1 – Crimes that can be prevented would be the introduction of rehabilitation rather than punitive measures which would offer criminals the chance at a better life and deter them from crime.
• Paragraph 2 – Introducing community programs such as neighbourhood watch and providing mentorships for young people can be some of the actions taken to halt crimes.
• Paragraph 3 – Contrarily, some people believe that individuals themselves are powerless to stop crime and that those who have chosen to turn to crime have done so of their own free will and therefore, cannot be convinced otherwise.

Conclusion

• In conclusion, it can be said that taking active steps towards the prohibition of criminal transgressions, rather passively avoiding taking any action, can help build a better society and allow people to travel outside their homes without the fear of being a victim of crimes.

Many People are Afraid to Leave their Home because of Crime - Sample Answer 1

It is alleged that the bulk of the population is fearful of venturing outside their homes due to the high prevalence of crimes. This has been a contentious issue, with some people asserting that more needs to be done to avert lawlessness, while others feel that hardly anything can be done to cease such heinous acts. I agree with the former and opine that more deterrent measures need to be implemented to put an end to most atrocities.

Firstly, introducing rehabilitative measures rather than employing punitive action against criminals can actually deter them from committing crimes in the future. An example of this would be the penitentiary system in Norway which focuses on treating inmates with mutual respect and allowing them a chance at a better life, which has drastically reduced crime rates in Norway, with only one in five offenders committing repeat offences. Therefore, giving convicts a second chance at life through such measures can prove immensely beneficial in the long run.

Secondly, introducing community programs such as setting up a neighbourhood watch and holding anti-violence programs can be effective measures for reducing crime. Introducing mentorships to young people and offering them alternative occupations can dissuade them from engaging in unlawful activities.

However, some people are proponents of not taking any direct steps to reduce crime. In their perspective, sole individuals are powerless to stop the prevalence of crime. They also believe that those who have decided to break laws have done so on their accord, and others cannot steer them away from the path of crime.

In conclusion, it can be said that taking active steps towards the prohibition of criminal transgressions, rather than passively avoiding taking any action, can help build a better society and allow people to travel outside their homes without the fear of being a victim of crimes.

Many People are Afraid to Leave their Home because of Crime - Sample Answer 2

In many societies, fear of crime has reached a level where people hesitate to leave their homes, particularly after dark. While some argue that little can be done to prevent crime, I strongly believe that effective measures can significantly reduce criminal activity.

One of the most impactful ways to tackle crime is through stronger law enforcement and preventive policing. Increased police presence in high-risk areas, along with faster response times, can deter potential offenders. In addition, installing CCTV cameras and improving street lighting have proven to make public spaces safer. When people feel that criminals are likely to be caught, crime rates tend to decrease.

Moreover, long-term solutions such as education and employment opportunities play a crucial role in crime prevention. Many crimes are committed due to poverty, lack of education, or unemployment. By investing in skill development programs and youth engagement initiatives, governments can address the root causes of crime rather than merely dealing with its consequences.

In conclusion, although crime cannot be eliminated entirely, meaningful action by authorities and communities can greatly reduce it. Therefore, I firmly believe that taking stronger preventive measures is far more effective than accepting crime as unavoidable.

Many People are Afraid to Leave their Home because of Crime - Sample Answer 3

The fear of crime has become so widespread that many people feel unsafe even in their own neighborhoods. While some believe that crime is inevitable and cannot be controlled, I disagree and argue that coordinated efforts can make a noticeable difference.

To begin with, community involvement is a powerful tool in crime prevention. Neighborhood watch programs encourage residents to look out for one another and report suspicious activities. This sense of shared responsibility not only discourages criminal behavior but also helps rebuild trust among community members.

Additionally, technological advancements can be used to combat crime more effectively. Digital surveillance systems, crime-tracking software, and emergency alert apps enable authorities to respond quickly and efficiently. At the same time, public awareness campaigns can educate people about personal safety, reducing their vulnerability to crime.

In my opinion, although it is unrealistic to expect crime to disappear completely, consistent action from governments, communities, and individuals can substantially improve public safety. As a result, people can regain confidence and feel secure when going about their daily lives.

Many People are Afraid to Leave their Home because of Crime - IELTS Vocabulary

The following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the above writing sample answers. 

• Alleged

Meaning – Claimed
Example – The media alleged that the minister had taken bribes.

• Lawlessness

Meaning – Anarchy or chaos
Example – The country descended into a state of lawlessness following the overthrow of the government.

• Heinous

Meaning – Abominable or truly disgraceful
Example – He was sentenced to prison for committing such heinous acts of crime.

• Avert

Meaning – Prevent
Example – Despite their best efforts, they were not able to avert the crisis from occurring.

• Punitive

Meaning – Disciplinary or penal
Example – Punitive action will be taken against the employees who caused damage to the interests of the company.

• Transgression

Meaning – An act that goes against the law or rules
Example – Shoplifting is considered to be a minor transgression compared to other unlawful acts.

• Penitentiary

Meaning – Prison
Example – Although he was innocent, they sentenced him to the penitentiary.

• Proponent

Meaning – Advocate or supporter
Example – She was a major proponent of the idea that art can be healing.

• Powerless

Meaning – Helpless
Example – Without money, an individual is powerless in today’s society.

• Deterrent

Meaning – Discouragement
Example – Imposing hefty fines can deter people from committing crimes.

In conclusion, the IELTS opinion essay topic “Many People Are Afraid to Leave Their Home Because of Crime” requires a clear viewpoint supported by logical arguments and relevant examples. With 3 sample answers and useful vocabulary, this blog helps candidates confidently structure their responses and achieve a higher band score.

More Writing Task 2 Essay Topics

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• Some People Think That it is More Important to Plant Tree in Open Areas
• People's Shopping Habits Depend More On The Age Group That They Belong to Then Other Factors
• University Education Should be Free for all Students
• Music is a Good Way of Bringing People of Different Cultures and Ages Together
• Crime Rate Nowadays is Decreasing Compared to the Past Due to Advances in Technology