IELTS Crime Writing Task 2 Questions

Question 1

Some people believe that the purpose of prison sentences should be to punish offenders, while others argue that the primary aim should be to rehabilitate criminals and prepare them to re-enter society. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Avoid oversimplifying punishment as purely retributive. Develop the rehabilitation argument with specific mechanisms — education, job training, counselling.

Question 2

Capital punishment is used in many countries around the world as a punishment for the most serious crimes. Some people believe it is a necessary and justified penalty, while others argue it is morally wrong and should be abolished. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Take a clear stance. A partially agree structure works — e.g. acknowledge deterrence arguments but rebut with wrongful conviction risk. Maintain academic register throughout.

Question 3

Youth crime is increasing in many cities around the world. What are the main causes of this trend and what can governments and communities do to address the problem?

Link solutions directly to your stated causes. If you cite lack of parental supervision as a cause, offer parenting support programmes as a solution — not generic policing measures.

Question 4

Many cities have introduced closed-circuit television cameras in public spaces as a means of reducing crime and improving public safety. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.

Develop the civil liberties angle as a genuine disadvantage, not an afterthought. Mass surveillance normalisation is a strong counter-argument worth exploring.

Question 5

Some people argue that poverty is the main cause of crime in society, and that reducing poverty would therefore be the most effective way to reduce crime rates. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

A nuanced response acknowledges poverty as a significant but not exclusive factor. White-collar crime and crime in affluent societies are useful counter-evidence.

Question 6

Some people believe that prison sentences are the most effective way to deter criminals, while others argue that community service and rehabilitation programmes produce better outcomes for society. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Define what 'better outcomes' means — recidivism rates, cost to the state, victim satisfaction — to add analytical depth beyond surface-level claims.

Question 7

The rise of the internet has led to a significant increase in cybercrime, including identity theft, online fraud, and hacking. What are the main causes of this growth in cybercrime and what steps can governments and individuals take to combat it?

Separate government-level responses (legislation, international cooperation) from individual-level responses (password hygiene, two-factor authentication). Both must be addressed.

Question 8

In some countries, the possession and use of certain drugs is illegal, while in others it has been decriminalised or regulated. Some argue that decriminalisation reduces harm, while others believe it increases drug use. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Reference real-world examples such as Portugal's decriminalisation model to add credibility. Keep framing academic — 'public health outcomes' rather than personal moral stances.

Question 9

News media frequently reports on violent crime in detail. Some argue that this coverage deters crime by raising public awareness, while others claim it desensitises society to violence and may inspire copycat behaviour. Do the benefits of crime reporting in the media outweigh the drawbacks?

This is an implicit two-part structure — benefits and drawbacks — wrapped in a single overall question. Ensure you answer both before giving your overall verdict.

Question 10

Some people argue that parents are ultimately responsible for preventing youth crime, and that children who commit crimes are a reflection of poor parenting. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

Avoid fully agreeing — this ignores systemic factors. A strong essay acknowledges parental influence while arguing that social environment, peer pressure and inequality share the burden.