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

Many people are afraid to leave their home because of crime. Some believe that more actions should be taken to prevent crime. While others feel that little action can be done to stop crime. What is your opinion?

Outline

Essay Type

Opinion type

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.

Sample Essay

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.

Vocabulary

• 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.