IELTS Band 9 Essay About studies show criminals don’t have a high education level
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Studies show criminals don’t have a high education level”. This sample then will be further analyzed for its vocabulary, grammar and format, so we see how it has qualified for such band score. We also suggest over 200 band 9 IELTS samples released in 2025.
Sample Answer (Band 9):
Studies show criminals don’t have a high education level. Some people believe we should educate prisoners so they can have a job after they leave prison.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
The issue of whether prisoners should be provided with educational opportunities to facilitate their reintegration into society has sparked considerable debate. While some argue that investing in prisoner education is a waste of resources, I firmly believe that such initiatives are essential for reducing recidivism rates and fostering a more prosperous society.
Firstly, statistical evidence consistently demonstrates that individuals with higher levels of education are less likely to engage in criminal activities. By equipping prisoners with academic or vocational skills, they are more likely to secure stable employment upon release. This not only reduces the financial burden on the state but also minimizes the risk of reoffending. For instance, a study conducted by the Department of Justice revealed that inmates who participated in educational programs were 43% less likely to return to prison.
Moreover, education empowers individuals to make better life choices. Many prisoners come from disadvantaged backgrounds where access to quality education was limited. By addressing this deficiency, we can break the cycle of crime and poverty. For example, teaching prisoners financial literacy or technical skills can enable them to contribute positively to society, thereby enhancing their sense of self-worth and reducing societal stigma.
Critics may argue that funding prisoner education diverts resources from other critical areas, such as healthcare or public safety. However, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial costs. Educated ex-convicts are more likely to pay taxes, support their families, and reduce the strain on the criminal justice system. Thus, such investments should be viewed as a strategic approach to societal development rather than an unnecessary expense.
In conclusion, providing prisoners with educational opportunities is not only a humane approach but also a pragmatic solution to reducing crime and promoting social stability. By investing in their education, we can create a safer and more inclusive society for all.
5 Academic Vocabulary in the sample for studies show criminals don’t have a high education level
- Reintegration (/ˌriːɪnˈtɛɡrəˌʃən/)
- Example: Successful reintegration of former prisoners into society requires both community support and personal effort.
- Recidivism (/rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzəm/)
- Example: Educational programs in prisons have been shown to significantly reduce recidivism rates.
- Vocational (/voʊˈkeɪʃənəl/)
- Example: Vocational training can provide prisoners with practical skills that are directly applicable in the job market.
- Deficiency (/dɪˈfɪʃənsi/)
- Example: Many prisoners suffer from educational deficiencies that hinder their ability to find employment.
- Pragmatic (/præɡˈmætɪk/)
- Example: A pragmatic approach to criminal justice focuses on long-term solutions rather than short-term punishments.
5 Advanced Grammar Structures and Their Contribution to a Higher Band Score:
- Conditional Sentences (Third Conditional):
- Example: “If prisoners had been given access to education earlier, they might not have turned to crime.”
- Contribution: This structure demonstrates a high level of grammatical range and accuracy, which is essential for a Band 9 score.
- Passive Voice:
- Example: “Educational programs are often underfunded in many prison systems.”
- Contribution: The use of passive voice adds variety to sentence structures and emphasizes the action rather than the subject.
- Relative Clauses:
- Example: “Prisoners who participate in educational programs are less likely to reoffend.”
- Contribution: Relative clauses provide additional information without creating separate sentences, enhancing coherence and cohesion.
- Cleft Sentences:
- Example: “It is education that plays a crucial role in reducing recidivism.”
- Contribution: Cleft sentences emphasize key points and add sophistication to the writing.
- Nominalization:
- Example: “The reintegration of prisoners into society is a complex process.”
- Contribution: Nominalization allows for more concise and formal expression, which is a hallmark of academic writing.
These advanced grammatical structures not only showcase linguistic proficiency but also contribute to the overall clarity, coherence, and sophistication of the essay, thereby helping it achieve a Band 9 score.
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