IELTS Writing Task 2: Crime & Punishment Essay Questions
Crime is a compact but persistent IELTS Writing chapter, and it is dominated by the causes–problems–solutions family: why do people commit crimes, does prison work, should young offenders be treated differently? The trap is writing a solutions paragraph when the question only asked for causes — a Task Response penalty that sinks otherwise strong essays. The questions below show exactly which components each prompt asks for.
How this topic is examined
20 questions in the current bank fall under this chapter, split by essay type:
- Opinion (agree/disagree)8
- Causes / problems / solutions4
- Discussion (both views)4
- Two-part question4
High-frequency subtopics
Chapters are too broad to prepare directly — the working unit is the subtopic. These are the subtopics this chapter's questions cluster around:
- causes of crime
- crime prevention and punishment
- cybercrime risks in online transactions
- solutions to crime
- role of prisons
- crime prevention through education
causes of crime
Free taste — one subtopic's idea bank- Socioeconomic disparities, particularly poverty, often contribute to criminal activity.
- Feelings of injustice and lack of societal support can motivate individuals to commit crimes.
- A lack of proper upbringing and limited educational opportunities can predispose individuals to criminal behavior.
Three of the idea sentences behind this subtopic. Inside the app, every subtopic in this chapter comes with a full idea bank and collocations, rebuilt around your own experience.
Questions in this chapter
Current questions in this chapter with free sample essays:
- Certain laws have little effect now because it is difficult for the police to enforce them. Why is that? How can this pr…
- Crime and other negative behaviours are increasing in modern society. What are the reasons for this? What problems does…
- In every country, there are driving laws to ensure road safety. Some people, however, still break these laws, such as by…
- In many countries, it is against the law for drivers to use phones while driving. However, many drivers still use phones…
- Many countries have laws banning phone use while driving, yet many drivers still use their phones while driving, even th…
- Some ex-prisoners commit crimes after being released from prison. What are the causes of this, and what can be done to a…
- Some ex-prisoners commit crimes after being released from prison. What do you think are the causes? How can this problem…
- Some laws are not effective because they are difficult for the police to enforce. What are the causes of this? What can…
- Some people believe that criminals who damage public property should perform community service instead of receiving othe…
- Some people believe that if a police force carries guns, it will encourage a higher level of violence in that society. T…
- Some people believe that improving parents' parenting skills is the best way to reduce the rate of youth crime. To what…
- Some people believe that when police officers in a community carry guns, it makes society more violent. To what extent d…
- Some people think all lawbreakers should be sent to prison, while others believe that there are better alternatives, suc…
- Some people think new technology helps to reduce crime, while others believe it could make crime easier. Discuss both vi…
- Some people think technological development decreases crime, while others believe it actually encourages crimes. Discuss…
- Some people think that the best way to improve road safety is to ask drivers to take a test each year. To what extent do…
- Some think most crime is the result of circumstances, e.g. poverty and other social problems. Others believe that most c…
- Teaching parents how to raise their children well is the best way to reduce crime committed by young people. To what ext…
- The best way to reduce youth crimes is to educate their parents with parental skills. To what extent do you agree or dis…
- Young people who commit crimes should be treated in the same way as adults by authorities. To what extent do you agree o…