Essay 269 – The best way to reduce crime in society

GT Writing Task 2 / Essay Sample # 269

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some people think that the best way to reduce crime in society is to give longer prison sentences to offenders. Others think that there are better alternatives to reduce crime.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

People remain deeply divided when it comes to their opinion on punishing offenders and decreasing crime in society. Many believe that the most useful tool for curbing crime in society is to punish criminals by sentencing them to longer periods, whereas others believe there are more effective instruments for reducing crime. This essay will discuss both views, but I believe a short prison sentence with active community service and education programmes for offenders are the most useful steps to beat crime.

The advocates of longer prison sentences believe that it effectively cuts the crime rate in society. They go on arguing that long term imprisonment is more effective in reducing crime since it keeps criminals away from society while offering convicts enough time to ponder on what they have done wrong and how they can become better citizens once they are out of prison. Moreover, the thought of going back to jail is a motivator to dissuade them from committing further crimes. Interestingly, not only them but people in their circle are also scared of violating laws in the future when longer prison sentences are in place. Thus, the threat of longer prison time will deter crimes in society.

Others, on the contrary, argue that there are far better measures to beat crimes in society. One of the most prominent alternatives would be engaging convicts in community services. It offers an opportunity for the criminals to observe the damage caused by their crime. In addition, community services also provide the offenders with a constructive means of repairing the damage brought forth by their offence. This, in turn, can evoke responsibility for their actions, thereby averting them from committing further offences. According to the Bureau of Crime statistics and research study, for example, community service is more effective than incarcerating criminals.

In my opinion, however, the best approach to reducing crime is short prison sentences and education programmes along with community services. This is because it enhances skills to compete in the labour market; consequently helping previously imprisoned persons lead a decent life. This, in turn, reduces recidivism. For example, a growing body of studies suggests that an education scheme with a short prison sentence reduces the crime rate substantially by decreasing recidivism.

In conclusion, there are far more effective ways to tackle crimes in society than longer prison sentences. However, short prison periods with an education scheme are the most effective instrument for reducing crimes.