IELTS Band 9 Essay About Some people think technological developments can reduce crime
Here we take a look at a band 9 ielts writing task 2 sample about “Some people think technological developments can reduce 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 March 2025.
Sample Essay (Band 9)
Some people think technological developments can reduce crime. Others think technology encourages crime.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Technological advancements have been a topic of debate when it comes to their impact on crime rates. While some people argue that technology can help reduce crime, others believe that it facilitates criminal activities. In my view, technology has the potential to both prevent and promote crime, depending on how it is used.
On one hand, technology can be a powerful tool for combating crime. For example, the use of surveillance cameras and advanced tracking systems has significantly improved law enforcement’s ability to prevent and solve crimes. Modern technology allows for more efficient monitoring of public spaces, ensuring that criminal activities are detected early. Additionally, the rise of biometric identification methods, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, has made it more difficult for criminals to assume false identities, leading to greater security.
However, there is also a growing concern that technology can be exploited by criminals. The internet, for instance, has made it easier for individuals to engage in illegal activities such as hacking, online fraud, and identity theft. Moreover, the anonymity provided by the internet allows criminals to carry out illegal acts without fear of being caught, which can encourage crime. Cybercrime has become a significant global issue, with new forms of criminal activity emerging rapidly in response to technological progress.
In my opinion, while technology can indeed aid in crime prevention, its misuse by criminals is a serious concern. The dual nature of technology means that it is neither inherently good nor bad. Rather, it is how society chooses to utilize it that determines its impact on crime. Law enforcement agencies need to keep pace with technological advancements to ensure that they can effectively use these tools to combat crime, while also implementing measures to prevent criminals from exploiting them.
In conclusion, technology has both positive and negative implications for crime. It can be used to prevent criminal activities through tools like surveillance and biometric identification, but it can also be misused to facilitate illegal actions. Ultimately, the responsibility lies with society to regulate the use of technology and ensure that it is used for the greater good.
Academic Vocabulary in the sample for Some people think technological developments can reduce crime
Powerful tool /ˈpaʊərfl tʊl/
Sentence: Education is a powerful tool for improving social conditions.
Surveillance /sərˈveɪləns/
Sentence: The government has implemented widespread surveillance to ensure public safety.
Biometric identification /baɪˈɒmɛtrɪk aɪˌdɛntɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/
Sentence: Biometric identification is now commonly used at airports for security checks.
Anonymity /ˌænəˈmɪnɪti/
Sentence: The anonymity of online platforms allows people to express their opinions freely.
Dual nature /ˈdjuːəl ˈneɪtʃər/
Sentence: The dual nature of social media means that it can be both beneficial and harmful.
Advanced Grammar Structures
Complex Sentence Structure: “While some people argue that technology can help reduce crime, others believe that it facilitates criminal activities.”
This sentence uses a subordinating conjunction (“while”) to introduce a contrasting idea, creating a sophisticated and clear comparison of two views.
Passive Voice: “Modern technology allows for more efficient monitoring of public spaces, ensuring that criminal activities are detected early.”
The use of passive voice here focuses on the action (monitoring and detection) rather than the subject, which is a typical feature of formal academic writing.
Relative Clauses: “The internet, for instance, has made it easier for individuals to engage in illegal activities such as hacking, online fraud, and identity theft.”
The relative clause (“for instance”) adds extra information and clarifies the argument, making the sentence more detailed and precise.
Conditional Sentences: “Law enforcement agencies need to keep pace with technological advancements to ensure that they can effectively use these tools to combat crime.”
The conditional structure (“need to keep pace”) emphasizes the necessity for action in order to achieve a specific result.
Linking Words and Phrases: “On one hand,” “However,” “In my opinion,” “In conclusion.”
These linking phrases create cohesion and flow between ideas, helping to organize the argument clearly and logically.
How these structures help achieve a higher band score:
Complexity and Variety in Sentence Structure: The use of complex sentence structures and relative clauses demonstrates a high level of grammatical flexibility, which is important for scoring well in the grammatical range and accuracy criteria.
Formality and Academic Tone: The passive voice and formal vocabulary create an appropriate academic tone, which is a key aspect of achieving a high band score in IELTS writing.
Coherence and Cohesion: Linking words and advanced grammatical structures contribute to the coherence and cohesion of the essay, ensuring the argument is well-organized and easy to follow.
Precision in Expression: The use of specific and formal vocabulary, such as “biometric identification” and “surveillance,” allows for a more precise and sophisticated discussion of the topic.
Clear Argumentation: The conditional sentences and relative clauses contribute to presenting a nuanced and well-rounded argument, which is essential for a high-scoring IELTS essay.
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