Ielts Essay Simon Band 9
Please note: the following essays would all achieve IELTS band 9.
1. Discussion Essay
Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime.
Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the
motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on
the punishment.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
People have different views about whether or not punishments for crimes should be fixed.
Although there are some advantages of fixed punishments, I would argue that it is better to
judge each crime individually.
There are some good arguments for having one punishment for each crime. This system
ensures that each member of society knows and understands the consequences of
committing any crime. It is a fair system, and it leaves people with no doubt that breaking
the law is not tolerated. At the same time, it is much easier for judges and lawyers when
there is a clear rule dictating how each offender should be sentenced. For example, if
someone is found guilty of stealing, the judge will simply follow the rules and apply the
appropriate punishment.
Despite the above arguments, I believe that the context of any criminal act should be
taken into account when sentencing an offender. This means that the judge should
consider the details of each particular case before deciding on the appropriate
punishment. For example, a person who steals something from a shop for the first time
should not be treated in the same way as a repeat offender who has been caught
shoplifting many times before. It would be sensible to give the first-time offender a small
punishment, such as a fine, while the repeat offender may be sent to prison.
In conclusion, it seems to me that a mature and humane legal system would be flexible
rather than fixed in terms of how decisions about punishments are made.
(257 words)
1. Discussion Essay
Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime.
Others, however, argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the
motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account when deciding on
the punishment.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
People have different views about whether or not punishments for crimes should be fixed.
Although there are some advantages of fixed punishments, I would argue that it is better to
judge each crime individually.
There are some good arguments for having one punishment for each crime. This system
ensures that each member of society knows and understands the consequences of
committing any crime. It is a fair system, and it leaves people with no doubt that breaking
the law is not tolerated. At the same time, it is much easier for judges and lawyers when
there is a clear rule dictating how each offender should be sentenced. For example, if
someone is found guilty of stealing, the judge will simply follow the rules and apply the
appropriate punishment.
Despite the above arguments, I believe that the context of any criminal act should be
taken into account when sentencing an offender. This means that the judge should
consider the details of each particular case before deciding on the appropriate
punishment. For example, a person who steals something from a shop for the first time
should not be treated in the same way as a repeat offender who has been caught
shoplifting many times before. It would be sensible to give the first-time offender a small
punishment, such as a fine, while the repeat offender may be sent to prison.
In conclusion, it seems to me that a mature and humane legal system would be flexible
rather than fixed in terms of how decisions about punishments are made.
(257 words)