Prison is the most effective punishment for people who commit

parinaz valizadeh
آوریل 11, 2025
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IELTS Band 9 Essay About Prison is the most effective punishment for people who commit crimes

Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Prison is the most effective punishment for people”. 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 100 band 9 IELTS samples released in April 2025.

Sample Essay (Band 9)

Prison is the most effective punishment for people who commit crimes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Whether incarceration is the most efficacious form of punishment remains a contentious issue in criminal justice. While some argue that prison is the most suitable method for deterring criminal behavior, I partially disagree with this assertion and believe that alternative punishments can be equally, if not more, effective depending on the nature of the crime and the rehabilitative goals of a society.

It is undeniable that prison plays a crucial role in safeguarding society. Individuals who pose a serious threat, such as violent offenders or repeat criminals, must be separated from the general population to prevent further harm. Additionally, the prospect of imprisonment may serve as a deterrent to those contemplating serious criminal acts. From this perspective, incarceration can be viewed as a necessary tool for maintaining public order and security.

However, for non-violent or first-time offenders, prison may not always yield the most productive outcomes. Studies have shown that incarceration often leads to social isolation, mental health deterioration, and difficulty in reintegration into society. In such cases, alternative punishments such as community service, restorative justice programs, or probation may better serve the individual and society. These measures focus not only on punishment but also on correcting behavior and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

Furthermore, the economic burden of maintaining prison systems is substantial. Governments must allocate significant public funds to support correctional facilities, staff salaries, and inmate needs. By contrast, alternative sanctions often prove to be more cost-effective and sustainable in the long term.

In conclusion, while prison remains essential for dealing with serious crimes, it is not a universally effective punishment for all types of offenders. A more nuanced approach that incorporates both punitive and rehabilitative strategies is necessary for a more just and effective criminal justice system.

Five Academic Words in the sample for Prison is the most effective punishment for people

Incarceration /ɪnˌkɑː.səˈreɪ.ʃən/
Example: The country’s high rate of incarceration has sparked debate over criminal justice reform.
Efficacious /ˌef.ɪˈkeɪ.ʃəs/
Example: The new treatment proved to be more efficacious than previous methods.
Rehabilitative /ˌriː.həˈbɪl.ɪ.teɪ.tɪv/
Example: The program offers rehabilitative support to help former prisoners adjust to life outside.
Safeguarding /ˈseɪf.ɡɑː.dɪŋ/
Example: Laws aimed at safeguarding children from abuse must be strictly enforced.
Reintegration /ˌriː.ɪn.tɪˈɡreɪ.ʃən/
Example: The organization assists with the reintegration of ex-offenders into the workforce.

Five Advanced Grammar Structures:

Passive Voice – “prison may not always yield the most productive outcomes”
- Enhances formality and objectivity, key traits of high-scoring essays.
Complex Sentences – “While some argue that prison is the most suitable method for deterring criminal behavior, I partially disagree…”
- Shows the ability to express balanced arguments and subtle opinions.
Cohesive Devices – “Furthermore,” “By contrast,” “From this perspective”
- Helps with coherence and logical flow, contributing to a high Coherence and Cohesion score.
Conditional Sentences – “If rehabilitation is the goal, then alternative punishments might be more appropriate.”
- Demonstrates flexibility in expression and ability to discuss hypothetical situations.
Nominalization – “the economic burden of maintaining prison systems”
- Increases the level of academic formality by turning verbs into nouns.

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