Crime & LawAgree / DisagreeIntermediateHigh Frequency

IELTS Essay: In many situations, people who break the law should be warned instead of puni...

Prompt

In many situations, people who break the law should be warned instead of punished. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

#restorative_justice#warning_vs_punishment#deterrence#proportionality#low_level_crime

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Band 7 → 9 — Band 7 agrees/disagrees with caveats about offense type; Band 9 explains when graduated warnings work (first-time minor offenses) but argues punishment essential for repeat/serious crime—proposing tiered system.

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Key concepts in this essay

Deterrence theory: certainty vs. severity of punishment
Restorative vs. retributive justice philosophies
Proportionality in response: minor infractions vs. violent crime
Repeat offender patterns and escalation risk
Victim impact and social perception of justice

Pitfalls the model essay avoids

Failing to distinguish between crime categories: warnings may work for first-time minor offenses but not repeat serious crime
Oversimplifying deterrence—evidence shows certainty of punishment matters more than severity, yet warnings reduce perceived certainty
Not addressing victim perspective: warnings may feel like injustice to people harmed by crime (assault, theft) regardless of offender status

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