IELTS Band 9 Essay About Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime”. 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 Essay (Band 9)
Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Others. However, argue that circumstances of an individual crime and the motivation for committing it, should always be taken into account.
Discuss both side and give your opinion.
The issue of criminal sentencing is a contentious one, with some advocating for fixed punishments for each crime, while others emphasize the need for judicial discretion based on the circumstances of each case. While the former approach ensures consistency and deterrence, the latter fosters justice by considering individual motivations and external factors. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting a personal viewpoint.
On the one hand, establishing predetermined sentences for specific crimes eliminates subjectivity and ensures equity in the judicial system. This approach not only guarantees that all offenders who commit the same crime face identical consequences, but also strengthens the deterrent effect, discouraging individuals from engaging in unlawful activities. Furthermore, a uniform system of punishment expedites legal proceedings, reducing court congestion and administrative burdens. For instance, in countries where strict sentencing guidelines exist, the judicial process is significantly more efficient, ensuring swift justice.
On the other hand, disregarding the nuances of each case may lead to unjust outcomes. Crimes are often committed under vastly different circumstances, influenced by psychological, social, or economic factors. For example, a person who steals food due to extreme poverty should not be subjected to the same penalty as an individual engaging in theft for personal gain. Moreover, considering intent and mitigating factors prevents the criminal justice system from punishing individuals disproportionately. If courts were bound by rigid laws, cases of self-defense or coerced criminal activity could result in unfair sentencing.
In my opinion, while consistency in sentencing is necessary to maintain public confidence in the judicial system, absolute rigidity is neither practical nor ethical. Judges should be granted the flexibility to evaluate aggravating and mitigating circumstances to ensure that justice is served appropriately. A hybrid approach—where general sentencing frameworks exist but allow for judicial latitude—would be the most effective solution.
To conclude, while fixed punishments provide clarity and efficiency, they fail to account for the complexity of human behavior and motivations. Therefore, judicial discretion is essential in ensuring a fair and ethical legal system, balancing uniformity with individualized justice.
5 Academic Words in the sample for Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime
Deterrence /dɪˈtɜːrəns/
- Example: Many believe that harsh prison sentences act as a strong deterrence against criminal behavior.
Discretion /dɪˈskrɛʃən/
- Example: Judges must use their discretion to determine an appropriate punishment based on the circumstances of a case.
Mitigating /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪtɪŋ/
- Example: The defendant’s difficult childhood was considered a mitigating factor in reducing his sentence.
Aggravating /ˈæɡrəveɪtɪŋ/
- Example: The use of a weapon during the robbery was seen as an aggravating factor, leading to a harsher sentence.
Coerced /koʊˈɜːrst/
- Example: The witness claimed that he was coerced into giving false testimony by the authorities.
5 Advanced Grammar Structures and How They Enhance the Essay
Complex Sentences with Subordinate Clauses
- “While the former approach ensures consistency and deterrence, the latter fosters justice by considering individual motivations and external factors.”
- This structure enhances coherence and clarity by linking contrasting ideas in a sophisticated manner.
Passive Voice for Formality
- “If courts were bound by rigid laws, cases of self-defense or coerced criminal activity could result in unfair sentencing.”
- The passive structure makes the argument more objective and removes unnecessary personal involvement, which is crucial for an academic tone.
Conditional Sentences (Second & Third Conditionals)
- “If courts were bound by rigid laws, cases of self-defense or coerced criminal activity could result in unfair sentencing.”
- This use of conditionals helps to explore hypothetical scenarios, which strengthens the logical reasoning of the essay.
Nominalization for Formality
- “Judges should be granted the flexibility to evaluate aggravating and mitigating circumstances to ensure that justice is served appropriately.”
- Using nominalized phrases like “the flexibility to evaluate” instead of a verb-based structure enhances the formal register of the writing.
Parallelism for Emphasis
- “While fixed punishments provide clarity and efficiency, they fail to account for the complexity of human behavior and motivations.”
- Parallel structures improve readability and make arguments more persuasive by emphasizing key points.
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