Discussion essay
Longer Prison Sentences IELTS Essay: Structuring a Better Crime Response
Plan a longer prison sentences IELTS essay with discussion structure, balanced views, and a clearer opinion on crime reduction.
Prompt
Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others believe there are better ways to reduce crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
How to think about this question
This is one of the most common crime essays in IELTS. Weak answers often list deterrence, education, and poverty in random order without building a real comparison.
A better discussion essay treats punishment and prevention as two different models and then explains which combination is more convincing.
Why this prompt matters
It is excellent practice for discussing both views without losing your own stance.
It rewards clear examples about deterrence, rehabilitation, and root causes.
Planning steps
Build one paragraph for the case in favour of longer sentences.
Build one paragraph for prevention and rehabilitation.
Decide whether your opinion is balanced or clearly weighted.
Common mistakes
Turning the essay into a general discussion of crime instead of crime reduction methods.
Failing to compare effectiveness.
Giving your opinion too late or too vaguely.
Paragraph plan
Introduction with the issue and your overall stance.
Body 1 on deterrence and public protection.
Body 2 on prevention, rehabilitation, and root causes.
Conclusion on which approach is more sustainable.
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