death penalty essay ielts

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IELTS band 9 essay: death penalty

Here you can find advice how to structure IELTS essay and IELTS model answer for death penalty topic. Question type: advantages and disadvantages .

Here is the question card:

Some people advocate death penalty for those who committed violent crimes. Others say that capital punishment is unacceptable in contemporary society.

Describe advantages and disadvantages of death penalty and give your opinion.

So this is the advantage/disadvantage essay. In this essay you're asked about :

• Advantages of capital punishment
• Disadvantages of capital punishment
• Your opinion about it

Before writing this IELTS essay, you should decide what’s your opinion and then choose your arguments to describe pros and cons of death penalty. You don’t have to make up very complicate ideas. Even simple, but well-written arguments can often give you a band 9 for writing .

Some of the possible arguments :

• Disadvantages of capital punishment :
• we have no rights to kill other humans
• innocent people can be killed because of unfair sentences
• even criminals deserve a second chance
• Advantages of capital punishment :
• it prevents major crimes
• it restores equilibrium of justice
• it lessens expenses on maintenance of prisoners

How to structure my answer?

Surely, there are a lot of ways to organise this essay. But here is one possible way of structuring the answer to produce a band 9 essay :

Introduction : rephrase the topic and state your opinion.

Body paragraphs :

• paragraph 1: disadvantages of death penalty
• paragraph 2: advantages of death penalty

Conclusion : sum up the ideas from body paragraphs and briefly give your opinion.

Band 9 essay sample (death penalty)

Many people believe that death penalty is necessary to keep security system efficient in the society. While there are some negative aspects of capital punishment, I agree with the view that without it we will become more vulnerable to violence.

Death penalty can be considered unsuitable punishment for several reasons. The strongest argument is that we have no rights to kill other humans. Right to live is the basic right of any human being, and no one can infringe this right, irrespective of the person’s deeds. Moreover, innocent people can face wrongful execution. Such unfair sentences take away lives of innocent people and make other citizens lose faith in law and justice. And besides, sometimes criminals repent of their acts. In this case they should be given a second chance to improve themselves.

However, I believe that capital punishment is necessary in the society. Firstly, it is an effective deterrent of major crimes. The best method to prevent a person from committing crime is to show the consequences of his or her actions. For example, the government of Pakistan has controlled the rate of terrorism by enforcing death penalties for the members of terrorist organisations. Secondly, the governments spend large sums of national budget on maintenance of prisoners. Instead, this money can be used for the development of the society and welfare of the people.

To sum up, although capital punishment has some disadvantages, I think that it proves to be the best way of controlling criminals, lessening governmental expenses and preventing other people from doing crimes.

(257 words)

Useful vocabulary

capital punishment = death penalty

to commit a crime - to do a crime

deterrent of major crimes - something that prevents big crimes

to face wrongful execution - to be mistaken for a criminal and killed for that

to infringe someone’s right - restrict someone’s right, hurt someone’s interests

innocent people - people who are not guilty or responsible for crimes

to repent of something - to feel sorry for something

right to live is basic right of any human being

unfair sentence - not fair judgement

Increasing Number of Serious Crimes Committed Each Year, and The Best Way Is to Use the Death Penalty as a Deterrent - IELTS Essay

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Model Essay 1

The perennial increase in grave offenses globally has sparked a contentious debate regarding the most effective deterrent—whether it is the implementation of the death penalty or the adoption of alternative rehabilitative measures. On one hand, the death penalty is advocated as a potent deterrent, while on the other, comprehensive rehabilitation programs are considered more humane and effective in the long term.

Proponents of the death penalty argue that it acts as a formidable deterrent, with the rationale that the fear of losing one's life is the ultimate discouragement against committing heinous acts. For example, countries like China and Iran, where the death penalty is frequently applied, often report lower rates of certain types of serious crimes, suggesting a potential deterrent effect. Critics, however, contest the morality and irrevocability of this measure, highlighting cases of wrongful executions and the lack of conclusive evidence proving its deterrent superiority over life imprisonment. They also raise concerns about the impact on justice systems, arguing that the possibility of error is too great a risk to justify its use.

Conversely, the rehabilitation perspective focuses on addressing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour, such as poverty, lack of education, and substance abuse. Advocates for this approach argue that rehabilitation, through programs aimed at skill development, psychological support, and social reintegration, not only reduces the likelihood of reoffending but also contributes to the fabric of society by transforming offenders into productive members. The success of rehabilitation-centric models in countries like Norway, where reoffending rates are remarkably low, supports the argument for its effectiveness. Proponents further contend that this method fosters a more humane and sustainable criminal justice system, emphasizing healing and reintegration over retribution, thereby benefiting both individuals and communities at large.

In conclusion, the death penalty and rehabilitation each have merits and flaws—capital punishment deters serious crimes but carries ethical risks, while rehabilitation addresses root causes but might not deter all. Therefore, blending both methods could offer a balanced solution to the complexities of crime and punishment.

Model Essay 2

The escalating prevalence of severe criminal activities annually ignites debates on effective deterrence methods. While some advocate for the reinstatement of the death penalty as a deterrent, others argue for alternative strategies. This essay will examine both perspectives, emphasizing the efficacy and ethical considerations of capital punishment versus rehabilitative measures.

Proponents of the death penalty argue that its ultimate finality serves as a formidable deterrent against serious crimes. They contend that the fear of losing one’s life is a powerful motivator for potential offenders to refrain from engaging in criminal activities. For instance, countries like Singapore, which rigorously enforce capital punishment, report significantly lower rates of serious crimes compared to nations where it is abolished. Advocates maintain that the death penalty not only prevents the recurrence of crime by the perpetrator but also sets a stark example for others who might contemplate similar offenses. Furthermore, they believe that this measure reassures the public, strengthening the justice system's perceived efficacy and maintaining social order.

Conversely, critics of the death penalty assert that the solution to crime does not lie in retribution but in prevention and rehabilitation. They suggest that improving socio-economic conditions, enhancing educational opportunities, and offering better mental health support can effectively reduce the inclination towards crime. For example, Scandinavian countries focus on rehabilitation and social reintegration, boasting some of the lowest recidivism rates globally. These critics argue that such measures not only prevent crime sustainably but also preserve human rights and dignity, fostering a more humane society. Additionally, they emphasize that rehabilitative strategies address the root causes of criminal behaviour, promoting long-term changes in individuals and reducing future criminality.

In conclusion, while the death penalty may deter crime to some extent, the evidence suggests that long-term prevention through societal improvements and rehabilitative approaches is more effective and ethically sound. A balanced criminal justice system should prioritize rehabilitation over retribution, aiming to transform individuals and, by extension, society.

Model Essay 3

As the severity of crimes is increasing each year, some people believe that death penalty should be used as a measure of dissuasion. Others think that different approaches should be taken. While death sentence is a strong measure to intimidate criminals against committing severe crimes, social reintegration programs offer a holistic alternative to prevent felonies.

The death penalty remains enforced in various countries worldwide. In some U.S. states, it is applied for severe offenses such as murder, genocide, or treason. Similarly, in countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, capital punishment is used for crimes associated with drug consumption, drug trafficking, and firearm offenses. Despite being a contentious measure, the low incidence rates of these crimes in these nations suggest that the death penalty effectively deters serious offenses. This correlation underscores the argument that the ultimate penalty may play a critical role in maintaining law and order by preventing grave crimes.

Conversely, preventative measures can be taken to prevent criminals from engaging in more serious activities. Most of the grave crimes are preceded by low level crimes such as robberies, infractions, or drug possession. Therefore, an effective strategy to lower the amount of serious crimes is getting criminals into offender rehabilitation programs. This initiative can help them address different challenges they face like housing, education, or employment. For instance, a recent study from the University of Michigan, found a positive correlation between lower numbers of crime recidivism, and reinsertion of former criminals into society. If we could get ex-convicts to live a normal life back into society, we would be able to observe a decrease in the number of severe crimes.

Delinquency is getting worse every year. One way to tackle this ongoing situation is to apply death penalty in serious offences to discourage criminals to commit serious crimes. However, other less severe measures can be applied for the same purpose. Emphasis in rehabilitation and reintegration to society may curtail recidivism and keep former criminals away from felonies.

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Life in Prison or the Death Penalty

by Viktoriia (Ukraine)

What should happen to him?

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Capital Punishment

by Azam (Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan)

Without capital punishment (the death penalty) our lives are less secure and crimes of violence increase. Capital punishment is essential to control violence in society. To what extent do you agree or disagree? I thoroughly agree with the proposition, capital punishment should be made mandatory in our society, where crime ratio is being increased day by day because we live in a world where people are not even certain about how they are going to return, either on legs or on shoulders. There is a law of physics, which is known as "Murphy's Law", which states that "Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong". So whose duty is it to make it right again? To start with, the ratio of crime and terrorism is being so increased exponentially. People feel unsafe, even being at their own homes. Criminals show no compassion or mercy to those who are being held by them as captives. I do not know what they get by doing such heinous and diabolical acts. In my opinion, death penalty should be made as an essential punishment for those criminals and insurgents who love to annihilate the humanity or the society we live in, where people get massacred brutally just like flies in air. The good example of this is in most of middle-eastern countries where criminals get beheaded or hanged publicly for their wrongdoings, that is why their crime ratio is equivalent to almost zero. Crime is afterall a crime, irrespective of how big or small it is. By this i mean that, adopting such policy might frightens those criminals and make them to think at least ten times before bringing any kind of furor among citizen and annihilate them. On the other hand, many people or activists think that criminals are also humans so they also deserve another chance to rectify themselves to become a better citizen in future. From these facts, I would maintain that, no human-being happens to be an insurgent, criminal or terrorist by birth. It is just the time which plays as a best teacher for some and worst for some.

IELTS Capital Punishment Essay

Capital Punishment Essay

Please give some honest feedback. Without capital punishment (the death penalty) our lives are less secure and crimes of violence increase. Capital punishment in essential to control violence in society. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion? With rising violence and ghost gun availability, normal people are more prone to danger now than ever. The whole judicial process consumes a lot of time and effort to punish the guilty. Furthermore, the lighter penalities fail to dither the culprit from repeating the crime placing the public in danger. I partially agree that capital punishment is needed to control violence and will try to explain the same below. Many criminals repeat their offending behavioural pattern as soon as they come out of the prison after serving the sentence as prison fails to bring any change in their basic nature. Plenty of criminals jailed in sexual assualt cases and robbery continue such behaviour once they are out again. Many racists and terrorists with extreme nature also follow the similar kind of pursuit. Also ghost guns without serial numbers and unexcepted attacks inspired from online videos mak it difficult to guard against vulnerable victims. capital punishment thus sounds good to deter offenders depending on the gravity of the situation as such people are too risky to be left out in to the society again. Nevertheless, awarding a death penalty to criminals cannot alone change their behaviour as observed in ISIS follwers who are prepared to die in their own attacks. Thus, death sentence cannot be a solution that reduces the crimes and secures public. Also, it assumes that perpetrators can never change rejecting the basic notion behind the punishment and legal process. Death is too severe and cannot be reversed in terms of penalty. Thus, capital punishment fails to address the cause of concern in reducing the crime rate but it is imperative in few cases of extremely grave crimes. Just like how one shoe doesn't fit every foot, one punishment cannot address all the uprising violence in the society alone. It surely does apply to few scenarios and some other measures are to be taken to address the elephant in the room.

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Death Penalty

by sadineni (Bangalore)

With Out Capital punishment (The death Penalty) our lives are less secure and crimes of violence increase. Do you agree or disagree? Death is same for both good people and as well as bad people (criminals). Fear of death is the deepest and strongest fear in the humane race. Nobody raise hand aganist this point. But here the question is whether capital punishment is essential to controle violence in society? Can We use this fear of death to controle violence? Killing a person who was killed other person. How far it is correct? In Recent years, If we see some crimes. even death penality is not sufficient to punish the criminals of those crimes like Nirbhaya case in India, Terrorist attack on Taj hotel in India and famous attack on world trade towers. As i already mentioned inherited death will be there in all living creatures in this universe. We can user this fear of death to prevent crime in society by installing the fear in peoples mind by hanging the criminal in the crime like nirbhaya case in India. If some body ask the question, How far it is correct to kill a person with the name of punishment, then deffinetly my answer is "yes it is correct" Because we have to see the intention behind killing the person. A soldier killing an enemy is not at all a crime but a person who was killed other person for the sake of money is deffinetly a crime. Similarly killing a person who was killed other person is to prevent the crime and to make justice to the victim. Capital punishment is not a new concept to us, It is there from our ancient times. So i can conclude my argument as capital punishment is essential to controle violance in society along with efforts to chnage the idiology and way of thinking of criminals .There should be strong system not to misuse the capital punishment,other wise it may cause furthermore violence in society instead of decrease violence in society.

Death Penalty Essay

Some people advocate the death penalty for those who committed violent crimes. Others say that capital punishment is unacceptable in contemporary society. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the death penalty and give your opinion. It's always said that "forgiving and making people learn from the mistakes is the best solution".The death penalty is something that is given to the people who committed an absolute brutal or cruel crime. As it is known that every coin has two different sides and every aspect or decision has both advantages and disadvantages. In detail, the death penalty when given to the criminals the authorities hang them or kill them on a decided date. The death penalty brings fear in the people who think of attempting a crime and people will never have the audacity to commit a crime. Which results in clearance of the negatives in the society and keeping it safe. In other words, the death penalty brings awareness to people who commit an offense and force them to choose the right path. On the contrary, this causes a loss of human life and great grief to their friends and family. An innocent person may lose their due to this punishment. For an instance, many criminals these days use innocent people as a part of their crime, and later these people are caught instead of the original criminals. If these people are given the death penalty this results in taking away an innocents life. Also, this may lead to a revolt by the public on authorities. Moreover. killing someone is never a favorable solution, Teaching them the way of life and how to exceptionally use their ideas for a better living would be much more satisfactory and ideal. A punishment should teach someone how to go on the right way by following the rules and regulations, but should never kill someone. Therefore, I support the idea that capital punishment is unacceptable in contemporary society. Authorities should try to avoid death penalties to the maxing extent and should promote the ideology of changing the criminal's mindsets and thoughts and make them a better human being.

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• Death Penalty

IELTS WRITING TASK 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write at least 250 words about the following topic:

Some people argue that the death penalty should be abolished because it is inhumane and ineffective. Others believe it is necessary to deter crime. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5

• Paraphrase of the topic: The death penalty is a contentious issue, with some arguing for its abolition due to inhumanity and ineffectiveness, while others advocate for its necessity as a crime deterrent.
• Main opinion or idea: The death penalty should be abolished in favor of more humane and effective crime prevention and punishment methods.
• Support for the main opinion: The death penalty is considered inhumane and violates the right to life.
• Personal experience and knowledge: As someone who values the sanctity of human life, I find it challenging to support a system that takes away a person’s fundamental right to live.
• Support for the main opinion: The death penalty may not effectively deter crime.
• Personal experience and knowledge: While proponents argue it deters criminals, I believe focusing on rehabilitation and addressing root causes of crime can be more effective in reducing criminal behavior.
• Summary of body paragraphs: The death penalty debate revolves around its perceived inhumanity and effectiveness as a deterrent.
• Restate the main opinion: Abolishing the death penalty is the more just and compassionate approach, emphasizing humane crime prevention and punishment methods.
• Closing thought: Prioritizing rehabilitation, education, employment opportunities, and mental health support can contribute to building a more equitable and safer society.

The topic of the death penalty has long been a subject of intense debate, with some advocating for its abolition due to its perceived inhumanity and lack of efficacy, while others argue for its necessity as a crime deterrent. In this essay, I will explore both viewpoints and offer my opinion on the matter, drawing from personal experiences and knowledge.

Those in favor of abolishing the death penalty assert that it is a cruel and inhumane form of punishment that violates the right to life. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest that the death penalty does not serve as an effective deterrent against crime. As someone who believes in the sanctity of human life, I find it difficult to support a system that takes away the very essence of what it means to be human.

On the other hand, proponents of the death penalty argue that it serves as a necessary deterrent, preventing potential criminals from committing heinous acts out of fear of the ultimate consequence. They believe that the fear of facing the death penalty can dissuade individuals from engaging in violent and severe crimes. While I understand the intention behind this viewpoint, I believe that the death penalty fails to address the root causes of crime and does not effectively reduce criminal behavior.

In my opinion, the death penalty should be abolished in favor of more humane and effective methods of punishment and crime prevention. Instead of focusing on punishment alone, society should invest in rehabilitation and social programs that address the underlying factors that lead individuals to commit crimes. Additionally, promoting education, employment opportunities, and mental health support can play a crucial role in reducing crime rates.

In conclusion, the debate over the death penalty is complex, with valid arguments on both sides. While some believe it is necessary for deterring crime, others argue for its abolition due to concerns of inhumanity and inefficacy. From my perspective, prioritizing humane and effective approaches to crime prevention and rehabilitation is essential for building a more just and compassionate society.

The death penalty has been a topic of debate, with some advocating for its abolition due to concerns of inhumanity and ineffectiveness, while others argue for its necessity as a deterrent against crime. In this essay, I will explore both viewpoints and offer my opinion based on personal experiences and knowledge.

Those in favor of abolishing the death penalty argue that it is a cruel and inhumane punishment that violates the right to life. Moreover, studies suggest that it may not serve as an effective deterrent to crime. As someone who values the sanctity of human life, I am inclined to agree with this perspective. The idea of taking a person’s life as a form of punishment raises moral and ethical concerns, and there is evidence to suggest that the death penalty does not necessarily prevent crime from occurring.

However, proponents of the death penalty believe that it acts as a necessary deterrent, preventing potential criminals from committing serious offenses due to fear of the ultimate consequence. While I understand the intention behind this viewpoint, I remain skeptical of its effectiveness as a crime deterrent. From my observations, crime rates do not necessarily decrease in regions with the death penalty, indicating that other factors play a significant role in crime prevention.

In my opinion, the death penalty should be abolished in favor of more humane and effective crime prevention methods. Rather than focusing solely on punishment, societies should invest in addressing the root causes of crime through education, rehabilitation programs, and social support. A comprehensive approach that emphasizes rehabilitation and prevention can be more conducive to reducing crime rates and fostering a safer society.

In conclusion, the debate over the death penalty revolves around its perceived inhumanity and efficacy as a crime deterrent. While some argue for its abolition to uphold human rights, others advocate for its necessity to deter potential criminals. From my perspective, prioritizing humane crime prevention measures and rehabilitation is a more progressive and just approach to building a safer and more compassionate society.

The death penalty has long been a contentious topic, with some advocating for its abolition due to concerns of inhumanity and inefficacy, while others assert its necessity as a crime deterrent. In this essay, I will explore both perspectives and offer my opinion based on personal experiences and knowledge.

Supporters of abolishing the death penalty argue that it is a cruel and inhumane form of punishment that violates the right to life. Additionally, there is evidence to suggest that the death penalty does not effectively deter crime. As someone who values human rights and believes in the sanctity of life, I am inclined to agree with this viewpoint. The idea of taking a life as a means of retribution raises ethical dilemmas and does not necessarily address the root causes of criminal behavior.

On the other hand, proponents of the death penalty believe that it serves as a necessary deterrent, discouraging potential offenders from committing heinous crimes. While I understand the intention behind this perspective, I find it challenging to support a system that relies on fear rather than focusing on rehabilitation and crime prevention. From my observations, crime rates do not necessarily decrease in regions with the death penalty, indicating the need for more comprehensive approaches to addressing criminal behavior.

In my opinion, the death penalty should be abolished in favor of alternative forms of punishment and crime prevention. Rather than focusing on retribution, societies should prioritize rehabilitation programs that aim to address the underlying causes of criminal activity. Furthermore, investing in education, social support systems, and mental health resources can contribute to reducing crime rates more effectively.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding the death penalty centers on its perceived inhumanity and effectiveness as a crime deterrent. While some argue for its abolition to uphold human rights, others believe in its necessity to deter potential offenders. From my perspective, shifting the focus from punitive measures to comprehensive crime prevention strategies is essential for building a more just and compassionate society.

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January 02, 2013

Ielts writing task 2: 'capital punishment' topic.

Here are some ideas from my ebook about the topic of capital punishment. Remember that you won't be able to write a good essay unless you have good ideas. Also, you should always try to prepare both sides of the argument.

Arguments for capital punishment:

• Supporters say that capital punishment deters crime.
• Fear of the death penalty stops people from committing offences.
• The death penalty shows that crime is not tolerated.
• It is a form of revenge.
• The cost of imprisonment is avoided.
• The offender cannot pose a threat to others.

Arguments against capital punishment:

• Innocent people could be wrongly convicted and executed.
• Crime rates are not necessarily reduced.
• Many criminals do not think they will be caught.
• Capital punishment is not a good deterrent.
• Executing prisoners creates a violent culture and encourages revenge.
• We have no right to take another human life.

Hi Simon.This is sheshi from Hyderabad India.hope ur in ol.i have my exam on jan 12th.practicing to the core to get 7 band to apply for masters in canada.read ur previous sessions of almost from past 1 year.tel me the things which i have to do in these last 10 days .expecting a positive reply.

Posted by: shashi reddy | January 02, 2013 at 12:44

Hello Simon I wish you could write an essay about the role of politicians and scientist in the society. I think it is not an easy essay especially under exam conditions. Regards.

Posted by: Hibba | January 02, 2013 at 15:19

Hello Simon

thank you very much for your valuable lessons I thought the exam would be harder. i did not expect such a good results:

writing: 8 speaking:9 listening:9 Reading:8.5

Thank you very much

[email protected]

Posted by: carolina | January 02, 2013 at 23:04

Congratulation carolina . Wish you all the best in your life.pls could you tell me how many times have you done the exam?

Posted by: hiba | January 02, 2013 at 23:17

Without capital punishment our lives are less secure and crimes or violence increase. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

There are various ways to punish criminals all around the world in order to reduce criminality and provide security to civilians. I accept that sometimes capital punishment is necessary. However, I believe that death sentences are not fruitful in decreasing crime, violence and other offenses In one hand, supports say that capital punishment deters crime effectively as people have fear of the death penalty which stops them from committing offences. Moreover, capital punishment defines seriousness of offence so before committing such offence person will think twice. Also, Death sentence is a form of revenge which gives a feeling of peace for victim. Otherwise many times a victim converted into offender in order to take revenge and punish accuse by own. Additionally, capital punishment is a way to avoid imprisonment cost which can otherwise be used by government in development. On other hand, I think that capital punishment is not a good way as Innocent people could be wrongly convicted and executed. There is no evidence about the reduction of crime rates due to the way of death penalty. Many criminals do not think they will be caught therefore they do not have fear of this kind of punishment. Also, Capital punishment is not a good deterrent. Rehabilitation and education is good way in order to prevent or minimise offensive acts. Executing prisoners creates a violent culture and encourages revenge which can increase crime. In conclusion, I think that we have no rights to take another human life so lifelong imprisonment until death can be a better way to punish criminals.

Posted by: Alka | January 03, 2013 at 08:51

Congratulations Carolina!

Your results are extraordinary! Are you a native speaker or such a good English user, giving more hope to non-native people struggling to achieve similar results?

Posted by: Aleksandra Bucholc | January 03, 2013 at 12:22

Wow, great scores Carolina. Well done!

Posted by: Simon | January 03, 2013 at 18:39

1)I started teaching english 2)I start to tech english.

which is correct

Posted by: jay | January 04, 2013 at 06:44

Hi Friends,

Can someone please provide your feedback on the below passage. Do I covered the entire question and organised nicely for band 7:

Task 2: Nowadays, people can work and study at home through the internet. However, the effects of long-distance programs can never be as good as fact to face programs. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Answer: People have different views about working and studying, while there are some advantages of being working at home and studying at home. However, I personally believe that personal interactions are usually more productive.

On the one hand, I agree that there are greater opportunities of being working and studying at home thought internet. Many people have a tendency to earn money out of their free time by staying back at home. Internet has brought a rich variety of opportunities to get connect with any organisation across globe. On top of these, internet also facilitates to expand their knowledge and gain greater qualification that opens the door to better job opportunities. There are huge ranges of eLearning, eCertifications and variety of study materials for regular academic course are also availed in Internet, which simplifies the student life to enhance the knowledge.

However, I believe that group work and group study are more beneficial. Working at workplace opens the door for creativity and expands the knowledge of organisation traits. It is clearly visible that a majority of successful people in life are profoundly preferred working in a team. Moreover, combined studies and teacher interaction courses are also useful. Combined studies smoothens the lives of student for better understanding of the subjects , to easily clear-off the doubts and to provoke thoughts, eventually help to secure higher grades.

To conclude, for the aforementioned reasons, I personally believe that group activities are more beneficial than automated computer learning to lead successfully their job or studies.

Posted by: JSP | January 06, 2013 at 12:02

If the question ask to 'discuss both views and give your opinion', then can I write my conclusion like below:

To conclude, for the aforementioned reasons I believe that the advantages of technology are out weighted by the disadvantages.

Thanks in advance !!

Posted by: JSP | January 06, 2013 at 13:14

I just want to congratulate Carolina, one of your commenter on this blog.

Your results are absolutely extraordinary! You really gives hope to non-native people struggling to achieve similar results. TheIELTSSolution.com

Posted by: TheIELTSSolution.com | January 15, 2013 at 08:04

Posted by: baljeet kaur | February 03, 2013 at 17:05

GREAT CAROLINA...........Pls let us know how did u achieve such a great score! we shall be obliged...thanks and good luck forever.....

Posted by: Dilshi Fernando | June 27, 2013 at 11:00

Hiiii......simon......i have exam on january 17 th...i practise well...but still i find difficulty in writing and reading modules....so i need to get your valuable suggestion for my results

Posted by: ramesh ap | December 18, 2014 at 14:33

Hi my writing is poor so what can i do for improve my writing

Posted by: surinder | May 16, 2015 at 07:54

"Do you believe that societies ought to enforce capital punishment or Are there alternative forms of punishment that would be better used?"

Hi Simon! I need your help. Please help me to check my essay with this topic.

It is an obvious fact that capital punishment is highly controversial issue arounf the globe to this era. Some people argue that the national government should enforce the death penalty to make the righteous society, whilst others deem that it should be banned in our society. As for me the latter assertion proves to be more convincing.

To begin with, death penalty can prevent the increasing crime rate. Many people deem that if the government implements the stricter law, the offender might fear the death penalty to commit similar offence. By enforcing this law, people can feel that crime is not tolerated. Moreover, since there is only limited imprisonment, the citizen does not cost a lot of money. Therefore, the criminal would deter commiting offences.

Looking at the issue from a different religious point of view, capital punishment is an definitely immoral act. According to the bible, there is only one creator and God himself has the only supereme right to take a person's life. Even the most righteous members of the justice league has an accurate decision on a person. It can infringe upon human right.

It is also an indubitable fact that capital pinishment ought to be opposed. This is due to the fact that peope who are needy can become the victim of this penalty. A lot of innocent poeple would be wrongly convicted and executed by this law. Because of that, death penalty is not a good deterrent and even East Asia countries: the government still fight to the high sexual abuse rate and it is the heaviest sentence.

In a nutshell, death penalty may be effective to prevent any capital offence; however, I still would strongly claim that death penalty has to be revoked. As a matter of fact, in the present day world, many countries still abolish this penalty and we must give a chance for sinner to plead forgiveness like our almighty God has done to us.

Posted by: Kiwon | June 05, 2015 at 05:05

Hi Simon. I will be happy if you check my essay. Thanks. People have different views about whether or not official authorities should invest more funds on schooling rather than on leisure and competitive games. While I agree that education is the main tool for a success of a nation, the benefits of sport and recreation should not be neglected. I must acknowledge that there are several opportunities which have been created by sports and recreation. They help to attract record numbers of tourists and raise the tourism profile of the country . For example, during Baku2015 1st European Games many tourist visited Azerbaijan to see fascinating opening and closing ceremonies of games. From my point of view, spending money on sports and leisure can not only make a healthy community, but also bring income or revenue for a country. Apart from sport and recreation, governments, to me, must also subsidize education. Literacy is the main necessity of the life. Firstly, education has enriched in understanding of people and it created civilized society as compared to past barbaric community. For instance, today well-educated people are more aware of social evils such as, drugs and alcohol. Moreover, investment in education system is one of the best way in order to improve a country's economy in the long-term. Take an example, South Korea and Finland invested a large proportion of their budget on education and this gained benefits in the form of high - tech companies such as Samsung or Nokia, respectively. I suppose education has changed not only the capacity of a person but also it has altered the whole world. In conclusion, although there are many beneficial aspects of sports and recreation , governments should spend subsidize on education as it plays a key role in improvement of society.

Posted by: Narmin | August 26, 2015 at 20:18

Without capital punishment (the death penalty) our lives are less secure and crimes of violence increase. Capital punishment is essential to control violence in society. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Write at least 250 words. Many people believe that death penalties are necessary to keep law and order under control in our society. While there are some drawbacks of capital punishment, I agree with the view that without capital punishment we will become more vulnerable to violence. The death penalty could be an uncivilised law in some cases.We have no rights to kill another human.It can be a violation of human rights to kill someone by poisonous injections, hanging or by electrocution. Besides, some innocent people could be convicted and executed for the crimes they never did. For example, sometimes the law and administration are not efficient, and the police might capture the innocent citizens by mistake during an investigation process. Therefore, the death penalty is argued to be a barbaric and savage approach. However, I believe that many times it becomes essential to enforce capital punishment in society. Firstly, it is an effective deterrent to major crimes. If there are stricter punishments, the people will be afraid of committing offences. For example, Pakistan has controlled the rate of terrorism in the country by enforcing death penalties for the members of terrorist organisations. Secondly, the government spends an ample sum of the national budget on the maintenance of prisoners with lifetime sentences. So, by capital punishment the administration can get rid of criminals who are involved in major crimes, such as murders, terrorists, drug smuggling, rape, and consequently, can avoid the amount spends on imprisonment. In conclusion, although capital punishment could be seen as an aggressive rule in some cases, I believe that it is an extremely important law that can control many violent crimes of society.

Posted by: angel | February 20, 2016 at 21:19

hi Simon ,I'm Bangladeshi,i will sit my ielts xm after 3 month later.so what can i do in that 3 month for 6 band score.plz give me some advise.

Posted by: Mirza Saiful | March 03, 2016 at 19:00

hi simon i am from punjab plz give me some advise to improve my reading module because am very weak in this module

Posted by: Rajdeep | April 28, 2016 at 18:34

Hi Simon plz give me some suggestion to improve my reading module or writing module because I am very weak in this modules

Posted by: Anil kumar | November 17, 2016 at 17:19

Hi Simon... I've given my ielts exam for many many times..Always I get 6.5 for writing alone.Even if I write it very well also I'm not able to achieve 7 in that particular module.I fed up.What should I do to get 7 band.please help me.i found your essays are very good and many achieve score in ielts..please give necessary guidance

Posted by: Mariamol | March 29, 2017 at 18:24

Hi Simon,, I have attempted ielts exam for many times but I every time I got 6in writing. I need 7in this module,, please suggest me what should I do to get 7 in writing

Posted by: Riya | July 17, 2017 at 17:17

Hi simon,thanks a lot. 1. How do I approach a question that the task only says " discuss your opinion ". What will my paragraphs contain? Just two my opinions? 2. Must there be recommendation, hopes,fears e.t.c.in the conclusion of all essays? 3. In agree/ disagree, can I agree or disagree 100%? Thanks,anticipating your response.

Posted by: Ezeokafor Lynda | July 30, 2017 at 22:44

The comments to this entry are closed.

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Crime & Punishment Essay Titles

IELTS Essay Questions for the Topic of Crime & Punishment. All essay questions below are reported by IELTS candidates and seem to have been repeated over the years. Regardless of the years the questions were reported, you could get any question below in your test. You should, therefore, prepare ideas for all questions given below. This topic is more likely to appear in the Academic test than the GT writing test. However, all candidates should prepare for all topics to be safe.

Crime & Punishment Essay Questions for IELTS Writing Task 2

The crime rate nowadays is decreasing compared to the past due to advance technology which can prevent and solve crime. Do you agree or disagree? (Reported 2017, 2021 Academic Test)

Many criminals commit further crimes as soon as they released from prison. What do you think are the causes of this? What possible solutions can you suggest? (Reported 2015, 2017, 2022 Academic Test)

It is often thought that the increase in juvenile crime can be attributed to violence in the media. Do you agree that this is the main cause of juvenile crime? What solutions can you offer to deal with this situation? (common question)

In some societies, the number of crimes committed by teenagers is growing. Some people think that regardless of age, teenagers who commit major crimes should receive adult punishment. To what extent do you agree? (2020, 2023)

Some countries are struggling with an increase in the rate of crime. Many people think that having more police on the streets is the only way to reduce crime. To what extent do you agree? (2018, 2020)

Some people think that women should not be allowed to work in the police force. Do you agree or disagree?

Many crimes are often related to the consumption of alcohol. Some people think that the best way to reduce the crime rate is to ban alcohol. Do you think this is an effective measure against crime? What other solutions can you suggest?

Some people think certain prisoners should be made to do unpaid community work instead of being put behind bars. To what extent do you agree? (Reported 2017, 2020, GT Test)

Many people believe that having a fixed punishment for all crimes is more efficient. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a fixed punishment? (common question)

Some people think that the government should be responsible for crime prevention, while others believe that it is the responsibility of the individual to protect themselves. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

The death penalty is the best way to control and reduce serious crime. To what extent do you agree? (2018, 2020)

While it is sometimes thought that prison is the best place for criminals, others believe that there are better ways to deal with them. What is your opinion? (common question – this is often reworded with a focus on the best ways to deal with criminals)

Crime rate, in most countries, is often higher in urban areas than in rural areas. Why do you think that is? What can be done to reduce the crime rate?

Some people think that poverty is the reason behind most crimes. Do you agree or disagree?

Internet crime is increasing rapidly as more and more people are using the internet to make financial transactions. What can be done to tackle this problem ?

Some people think that the parents of children who commit crime should also receive a punishment. Do you agree or disagree? (2020)

Reported essay questions are from students who have taken their IELTS test. That means questions may have appeared more frequently than have been reported. These questions may vary slightly in wording and focus from the original question. Also note that these questions could also appear in IELTS speaking part 3 which is another good reason to prepare all topics thoroughly.

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IELTS WRITING TASK 2 – CRIME AND THE LAW – THE DEATH PENALTY

Some people think that the death penalty is the only suitable punishment for some of the worse crimes, but others think it is wrong and should not be allowed. CONSIDER BOTH SIDES AND GIVE YOUR OWN OPINION. Write at least 250 words.

All over the world, capital punishment is carried out against convicted delinquents who have been found guilty of committing heinous crimes. On the one hand, opponents of capital punishment agree that it should be forbidden, whereas proponents can point to a number of equally arguments in favor of the death sentence.

From the pro-life viewpoint, it is morally wrong for a government to execute its own citizens, and the death penalty is an ineffective deterrent. Indeed, there is inconclusive evidence to show that it deters people from committing horrific crimes. For example, in the USA pro-death penalty states do not have lower murder rates. In addition, pro-life lobbyists point to the fact that while poor people are over-represented in death penalty statistics, rich people often pay their way out of trouble with clever lawyers. Consequently, innocent poor people could be unjustly executed, whereas some culpable rich people might escape justice. Thus unless a legal system is flawless, capital punishment ought to be illegal.

Despite the above arguments, advocates of capital punishment would argue that executing murderers and serial killers is justified. To begin with, if a criminal murders someone, then the victim’s family ought to expect a punishment that is proportionate to the convicted killer’s crime, which will help the bereaved family to find ‘closure’ and move on with their shattered lives. Moreover, it is unfair to expect taxpayers to pay for convicted murderers, rapists, and serial killers to live in prison for life. For instance, it costs the U.S. taxpayers approximately $100.000 a year to keep a lifer in a high-security prison. Finally, while D.N.A and forensics have made it less likely for innocent people to be convicted, some dangerous killers have escaped or been released from prison and killed successively.

On balance, it is my opinion that if somebody has been proven beyond all reasonable doubt to have intentionally murdered another citizen, then the punishment should be equal to their crime. Therefore, in order for justice to be fair, I believe that the death penalty ought to be applied to the most evil of crimes.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 essay sample 3118 – Band 6.0

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Policies and Government , Society and Community , Task 2 essay , Writing samples , Writing topics

The writing sample displayed here is the work of IELTS candidates and has been assessed by our team for guidance and practice purposes. These scores are not official IELTS scores.

Candidate’s Response:

While it is believed by some people that death penalty is advisable for hardened criminals, others consider that the capital punishment should be banned. In my opinion, death penalty should be kept as a red line for those who involved in committing serious offending but it is essential to consider carefully before providing a final verdict.

There is little room for doubt that any crime committed by anyone must be punished in order to prevent others from offending. By providing punishment, it will ensure that people would be more concerned before being involved in any dodgy circumstances or human rights law in certain cases. Therefore, people who offended serious law abuses, such as a murder, inconsequentially should be punished by receiving a capital punishment. Thus, it will help others understand their overall responsibilities and prevent them, especially first-year criminals, from offending.

On the other hand, there are some disadvantages of providing death penalty. Firstly, in some countries, specifically in low-income countries, with high level of corruption this type of punishment might be used in personal purposes. As usual, these countries are presided over by a handful of corrupted people who have the ability to manipulate any activity to their own benefit and punish people in order to frighten them. Secondly, there is a high probability to condemn an innocent person and commit a penalty. In such a case, capital punishment prohibition would help authorities and people to develop a clearer understanding of criminals’ intentions and find a real offender.

In conclusion, while capital punishment certainly helps people understand their responsibilities, there are some circumstances where this measure might lead to the state of turmoil within society.

Presented By: Shahab Hosseinzadeh

January 23, 2024

IELTS Writing Band Descriptors:

Thank you indeed for writing this essay. Your stance in favor of the death penalty is clearly stated. However, you mentioned that it should be kept as a "red line" and that careful consideration is essential, providing a nuanced perspective. While the essay touches on several key points, it should consider expanding on ideas for a more comprehensive analysis. Providing specific examples or evidence can enhance the persuasiveness of the essay's argument. Regarding sentence structure and clarity, some sentences are complex, and a few could be rephrased for better clarity. For instance, in the concluding sentence, consider clarifying what "state of turmoil" refers to. Although the vocabulary range is wide, there are some vocabulary issues. For instance, instead of "dodgy circumstances," the essay can use "illegal activities" for a more academic tone.

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IELTS Writing Task 2 essay sample 3368 – Band 5.5

Family and Relationships , Health and Well-being , Society and Community , Task 2 essay , Writing samples

In many countries, people are now living longer than ever before. Some people say an ageing population creates problems for governments. Other people think there are benefits if society has more elderly people.

To what extent do the advantages of having an aging population outweigh the disadvantages?

IELTS Writing Task 2 essay sample 3022 – Band 6.0

Health and Well-being , Task 2 essay , Writing samples

Many working people get little or no exercise either during the working day or in their free time, and have health problems as a result.

Why do many working people not get enough exercise? What can be done about this problem?

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IELTS Discussion Essay 1 - Writing Task 2

Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give death penalty. Others, however, believe there are better alternative ways of reducing crime.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer:

Some people argue that the death penalty is the most effective way to reduce crime, while others claim that alternative methods would be more beneficial. I strongly believe that the death penalty offers greater outcomes in reducing crime.

One side of the argument supports the implementation of the death penalty. Enforcing a death sentence could help to reduce serious crime rates in a country. In the UAE, for example, criminals who commit major crimes like murder are sentenced to death, which would deter a considerable number of individuals from committing violent crimes they had otherwise planned. Hence, the crime rate would be at its lowest.

Regardless of the aforementioned point of view, some other methods could be used to reduce crime rather than judicial execution. Offenders can be punished with extended jail terms of up to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime. For example, drug traffickers may be sent behind bars for the rest of their lives, while minor criminals may only be sentenced to a few years. As a consequence, dangerous criminals would be kept out of society for the long term.

In my opinion, people who commit severe crimes, such as murder or rape, should be condemned to death, eliminating any opportunity for the guilty to escape the repercussions of their actions. This approach will not give offenders another chance to commit crime in the future.

In conclusion, both the death penalty and long-term imprisonment help society by reducing crime. However, criminals who commit major criminal offences should be executed in order to give justice to the victim and their family.

> Opinion (Agree or Disagree) Essay 1 > Opinion (Agree or Disagree) Essay 2 > Advantages and Disadvantages Essay 1 > Advantages and Disadvantages Essay 1

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IELTS Essay, topic: Capital punishment

• IELTS Essays - Band 7

Without capital punishment (the death penalty) our lives are less secure and crimes of violence increase. Capital punishment is essential to control violence in society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Those who are in favor of capital punishment mostly live in developing countries. However, this is not just an image of the Third World countries. Actually, the USA is one country where this kind of punishment has its rates of application. The state of Texas, in particular, is at the top, supporting this measure against crime, especially those involving serial killers and crimes against children. In a society dominated by fear and government control, it is foreseen that this penalty will continue .

Maybe this is not a simple question. As we can see there are several values here and of course cultural behavior. The roots of the question are religious, cultural, ethical and even geographical. The world is divided and the law systems show this division. The solutions, however can lead us to other questions concerning revenge and justice. better to kill a person because of his crimes? Can we admit that a life sentence could be a much better sentence? In fact, rehabilitation is the right way especially with an accurate psychological evaluation first. Some people are lost forever, and in my opinion some murderers and other criminals will suffer more in jail. In this sense, capital punishment is an easy way out.

This is a good essay, you should do well in the Task 2 Writing Test.

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2 thoughts on “IELTS Essay, topic: Capital punishment”

I don\’t think the essay answers the question. It is not clear whether the writer agrees or disagree with the prompt. Maybe I\’m missing something on the matter but don\’t you have to clearly state your stance in opinion/argument essays?

You are correct to notice that the writer’s position isn’t apparent throughout the entire essay, it is only expressed in the conclusion, and that is why this essay would get a 6 for task response. To get a 7 for TR the writer’s position has to be clear throughout the essay. This essay, however, would get an 8 for lexical resource and 7’s for coherence/cohesion and grammatical range, so that makes the total score a 7.

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Some People Advocate Death Penalty for those Who Committed Violent Crimes- IELTS Writing Task 2

Updated On Feb 17, 2022

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Some people advocate the death penalty for those who committed violent crimes. Others say that capital punishment is unacceptable in contemporary society. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of the death penalty and give your opinion.

Advantages/Disadvantages essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the topic of the essay and mention that capital punishment is the right approach to severe offenders.

Body paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – Talk about the advantages and exemplify them too.

Paragraph 2 – Implore the disadvantage of how the death penalty is wrong.

Restate your opinions.

Sample Essay

Many people have the perspective that people who commit heinous crimes should be given capital punishment. In contrast, others believe it is not the right approach to punish serious offenders. However, I agree that we will become more vulnerable to violence without it.

On the one hand, compensating the victim’s life with the criminals’ life is an “an-eye-for-an-eye” justice. Apart from that, the cost of imprisonment is avoided. The money which is used in accommodation and budget food can be spared when criminals are punished with state-sanctioned killing. This money could be wisely spent elsewhere, like for the development of the society and the welfare of the people. Furthermore, this way of retribution may create fear in the mind of the perpetrators and many criminalities can be avoided.

On the other hand, no one has the right to take away anyone’s precious life, even for justice. The survival right is the ultimate prerogative of humankind. Additionally, extenuating circumstances and miscarriage of justice should be considered that make people face execution while being wrongfully convicted. Such unfair confinement can take away the lives of innocent people and make other citizens lose faith in law and justice. The right to live is the fundamental right of any human being, and no one can infringe this right, irrespective of the person’s actions.

In conclusion, although the death penalty is an unusual and inhumane method of punishing severe criminals, it is also the best deterrent. Besides, it proves to be the best way of controlling criminals, lessening governmental expenses and preventing other people from committing crimes.

Meaning – (of a person or wrongful act, especially a crime) utterly odious or wicked. Example – He got caught red-handed in the most heinous of crimes but she saved him.

Meaning – exposed to the possibility of being attacked or harmed, either physically or emotionally. Example – Limited water for washing leaves people vulnerable to skin diseases like scabies.

Meaning – a person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action. Example – The father of the 16-year-old kidnap victim appealed to her abductors to release her.

Meaning – refrain from killing, injuring, or distressing. Example – Hundreds of dogs and their owners were spared from bad encounters with rattlers.

• Prerogative

Meaning – a right or privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class. Example – Shades of yellow that included brown were the prerogative of the princes and princesses.

• Extenuating

Meaning – (of a factor or situation) serving to lessen the seriousness of an offence. Example – The two had a stimulating discussion about whether extenuating circumstances can ever justify murder.

Meaning – the carrying out of a sentence of death on a condemned person. Example – Jews faced execution by the Nazis during the First World War.

Meaning – breaking the terms of a law, agreement, etc.; violation. Example – If you infringe this particular law, it can lead to severe punishment.

• Confinement

Meaning – the action of confining or state of being confined. Example – Ken suggested that prisoners will be kept in solitary confinement.

Meaning – a thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something Example – I have sympathy with anyone who has suffered a burglary, but I fail to see how any of these alarms had a deterrent effect.

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Soon after graduating with a Master’s in Literature from Southern Arkansas University, she joined an institute as an English language trainer. She has had innumerous student interactions and has produced a couple of research papers on English language teaching. She soon found that non-native speakers struggled to meet the English language requirements set by foreign universities. It was when she decided to jump ship into IELTS training. From then on, she has been mentoring IELTS aspirants. She joined IELTSMaterial about a year ago, and her contributions have been exceptional. Her essay ideas and vocabulary have taken many students to a band 9.

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IELTS Writing task 2 band 5.5 essay | Capital punishment

Today, we will be looking at an opinion essay and giving it a rating from an examiner’s perspective. The essay in this IELTS task 2 rating would score 5.5 in the test.

Without capital punishment (the death penalty) our lives are less secure and crimes of violence increase. Capital punishment is essential to control violence in society.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

You should write at least 250 words.

Before talking about the essential role of the death penalty,  you  have to think about the meaning, and the purpose, of any kind of punishment. If  you   consider that the purpose is to prevent the guilty from  being nasty again, you   can be seduced by an  argumentation  in favour of the suppression of capital punishment.

But  you  have to think about another aspect of the problem: a punishment is also useful to   impress  people, to make them fear the law. In fact,   let’s   take the example of a young  misfit ,  which   has grown in a violent atmosphere, influenced by older delinquents,  etc .  He lives  in   the streets;  he’s   got no aim but to survive. This is the kind of person who could possibly kill someone for money, or even for fun. Why would he fear prison? Life would be easier for him there . In addition, in many cases, when you behave normally, you can benefit from penalty reductions .  This young misfit needs to be  impressed ; he needs to know that the law is a frontier. When you cross it,  you  can lose your life. That is why capital punishment helps keep a distance between robbery and murder. If  you   abolish it,  you  suppress the difference between these two types of crime, which are completely different.

But there is also a limit to define: even if the death penalty is unavoidable, it would be a crime to apply it to inadequate cases. If there is no premeditation or past facts which can justify such a punishment, it is far too strict to apply the death penalty. That is why the lawmakers have to establish precisely the context in which capital punishment  car   being pronounced .   That is the price to pay to limit violence without using excessive violence .

The first thing you will notice about this essay is that there are only three paragraphs. The first paragraph does not read like an introduction but an unfinished body paragraph, it doesn’t clearly tell the reader what is going to be discussed in the essay. The last sentence mentions ‘the suppression of capital punishment ‘ but the next paragraph is about deterring criminals from committing crimes so there is no clear progression here. There is also a lack of cohesive devices, and on reading the full essay you will also notice that there is no conclusion, so the writer is not going to score higher than a 5 .  It may seem odd to start with coherence rather than task response, but inadequate paragraphing stands out immediately here, so it is easy to rate. Examiners would usually look at task response first.

• Presents information with some organisation but there may be a lack of  overall progression
• Makes inadequate , inaccurate or overuse of cohesive devices
• May be repetitive because of lack of referencing and substitution  may not write in paragraphs, or paragraphing may be inadequate .

Task Response

The writer has not fully addressed the question for task response. The last sentence in the first paragraph is not clear at all and is a contradiction. If the purpose is to stop criminals reoffending or committing violent crime again it is not likely to be ‘supressed’ as the writer says. The second paragraph talks about deterring criminals and we can assume through that crimes of violence can be reduced. I have also underlined a sentence where the writer drifts off topic by talking about ‘penalty reductions’. In the last paragraph the writer talks about under which circumstances capital punishment should be given as a sentence which is not related to the question prompt. Also, the last sentence doesn’t really make any sense. The whole essay is poorly written, and it is difficult to come to any clear conclusions. An important point to note, the tone of the essay is inappropriate. The writer uses ‘you’ in the first two paragraphs as if speaking to someone. Writing task 2 is an academic essay and therefore requires a formal tone ie  Before discussing the essential role of the death penalty, the meaning, and the purpose, of any kind of punishment should be considered.

• addresses the task only partially ; the format may be inappropriate in places
• expresses a position but the development is not always clear and there may be no conclusions drawn
• presents some main ideas but these are limited and not s ufficiently developed ; there may be irrelevant detail

There are quite a few word-choice errors, the most obvious being ‘you’ as already discussed. In the first paragraph ‘being nasty again’ could be changed to  ‘reoffending ’.  In the second paragraph the writer uses ‘impress people’ and ‘needs to be impressed’. It would be more appropriate to use  ‘deter’  and  ‘deterred’  here ie  ‘deter people’  and  ‘needs to be deterred’ . ‘Living in the street’ should be  ‘living on the streets’ . You will also notice that when referencing the male pronoun ‘he’ is used. It would have been more appropriate to just say  ‘young person’  instead of ‘misfit’ and then use the plural pronoun  ‘they’  to include both male and female. In academic writing nowadays it is inappropriate to use language that excludes one of the sexes –  ‘sexist language’ . We often use  ‘people’  or  ‘person’  to include both male and female ie  Man is a social animal – People are social animals.  In the last sentence ‘car’ should obviously be ‘can’ and ‘be pronounced’ are errors –  ‘can be given or used’  would be better. Overall, the vocabulary is adequate for the task.

• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task
• Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy
• Makes some errors in spelling a nd/or word formation, but they do not impede communication

There are some errors with contractions ‘let’s’ and ‘he’s’. In academic essays always use the full forms of words as we only use contractions in informal writing or speech. The use of ‘etc’ means the sentence in the second paragraph is incomplete. Avoid using ‘etc’ and ‘so on’.

The main causes of pollution are factory emissions, car exhaust emissions, discharge of waste into rivers etc.

We can change into the complete sentence below.

The main causes of pollution are factory emissions, car exhaust emissions, and discharge of waste into rivers.

There are quite a few simple sentences in the second paragraph, but punctuation is actually well controlled throughout the essay.

• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
• Makes some errors in grammar and punctuation but they rarely reduce communication

That brings an end to this essay rating. If you are preparing for your IELTS test and want to find out a bit more about task 2, check out our post giving five tips to improve your IELTS writing task 2 ! Our candidate would have scored a 5 for coherence and task achievement, with grammar and vocabulary scoring 6 each, giving an overall score of 5.5. Is there anything that surprised you about this essay’s score? Have your say, and comment in the section below!  Click here for the full public IELTS task 2 writing descriptors .

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The death penalty is still used as punishment for crimes in many places in the world, though there

The death penalty: ethical considerations, sample answer:.

The death penalty has been a controversial topic for centuries, with strong arguments on both sides of the debate. Proponents of the death penalty argue that it serves as a deterrent to crime, particularly in cases of heinous offenses such as murder. They believe that the ultimate punishment is necessary to ensure justice for the victims and their families. Additionally, some argue that certain individuals are beyond rehabilitation and pose a continued threat to society, making the death penalty the only viable option for protecting the public.

On the other hand, opponents of the death penalty argue that it is an inhumane and irreversible form of punishment. They point to the potential for wrongful convictions and the fact that the death penalty disproportionately affects marginalized and minority communities. Additionally, many argue that the death penalty does not effectively deter crime and that there are more humane and ethical alternatives, such as life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

In my opinion, the death penalty is never ethical. The potential for wrongful convictions and the irreversible nature of the punishment are too great of a risk. Furthermore, the death penalty does not address the root causes of crime and fails to provide true justice for the victims and their families. Instead, I believe that a focus on rehabilitation, restorative justice, and addressing systemic issues within the criminal justice system are more effective and ethical approaches to addressing crime and punishment.

Overall, while there are valid arguments on both sides of the debate, I firmly believe that the death penalty is an outdated and unethical practice that has no place in a modern and just society.

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Band 5+: It is a commonly held belief that the death penalty is a good deterrent to prevent heinous crimes. However, others believe that life long sentence is a better deterrent. Discuss both views.

Many people consider the fact that death sentence is the fair way to control extremely evil or horrible incidents. Whereas few other people consider the fact that life-time imprisonment is the best solution. This essay will further deep dive and analyze both the views in detail.

On the one hand, the usual belief of many that death sentence is a good way out to control heinous instances is because of the fact that an individual about to commit a crime will always have a fear of loosing life. This fear leads to emotional dilemma of caring for loved ones and family. Also, it has been believed that if these criminals will be merely imprisoned they can get bail easily and can again be a threat to society. For instance, if law provides for death sentence in case of murder than the individual about to commit it will think twice about the circumstances of his act on him and his family.

On the other hand, there are few others who believe that every individual has a right to live and should get an opportunity to realise and correct their wrong acts. Hence, they feel that life imprisonment is the best alternative as the criminal would get a chance to improve his behaviour and also provide for his family by working in the jail. For example, a criminal sentenced for lifetime can learn and educate himself and perform good acts while in jail, which could probably reduce the punishment period.

To conclude, the commonly held belief is that a death penalty is a good way to reduce extremely evil crimes. There are others who are still of the view that lifetime imprisonment is a better alternate of punishment.

Check Your Own Essay On This Topic?

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Ielts writing task 2 sample 626 - capital punishment is essential to control violence and crime in society, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, capital punishment is essential to control violence and crime in society. without enforcing capital punishment like dead sentence our life would become less secure and the number of crime and violence in society would increase..

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Essay 36 – Capital punishment is essential to control violence in society

Gt writing task 2 (essay writing) sample # 36.

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Without capital punishment (the death penalty) our lives are less secure and crimes of violence increase. Capital punishment is essential to control violence in society.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

You should write at least 250 words.

You should use your own ideas, knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

Model Answer 1: [Disagree]

The topic of capital punishment elicits strong emotions and diverse viewpoints, and some opine that without capital punishment, our society is prone to more crime and violence. I believe that there are more effective and humane ways to address crime and ensure public safety rather than implementing capital punishment.

Firstly, the claim that capital punishment deters crimes of violence is not strongly supported by empirical evidence. Numerous studies have shown that the presence or absence of the death penalty does not significantly affect crime rates. Factors such as socioeconomic conditions, education, and effective law enforcement play more substantial roles in preventing crime. Therefore, relying on capital punishment as a means to control violence may be misguided and overlook more comprehensive approaches to crime prevention.

Furthermore, the application of capital punishment raises ethical concerns. The irreversible nature of the death penalty means that any errors or miscarriages of justice cannot be rectified. There have been cases where innocent individuals have been wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death, only to be exonerated years later. Such occurrences highlight the inherent fallibility of the justice system and the irreversible consequences of capital punishment.

Rather than relying on capital punishment, societies can focus on implementing more effective crime prevention measures and rehabilitation programmes. Investing in education, social support systems, and rehabilitation initiatives can address the root causes of criminal behaviour and help reintegrate individuals back into society. Moreover, a shift towards restorative justice approaches can offer a more compassionate and meaningful response to crime. Restorative justice focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime, promoting accountability, and facilitating the healing and reconciliation of all parties involved.

In conclusion, the evidence does not convincingly support the claim that the death penalty serves as an effective deterrent for crime. Moreover, ethical concerns, the potential for wrongful convictions, and the irreversibility of the punishment call into question its legitimacy. Instead, I believe that focusing on crime prevention, rehabilitation, and restorative justice can lead to more equitable, humane, and secure societies.

Model Answer 2: [Agree]

Many people believe that the death penalty is necessary for serious offenders to keep our society safe and for the country to function and advance. While such punishments might seem cruel and inhuman to some, I sincerely believe that without capital punishment, our society will become unsafe for ordinary citizens and vulnerable to brutality and crime.

To begin with, our society has laws and punishments so that ordinary citizens can live without fear and violent individuals are kept away from creating havoc. Thus when we talk about a burglar who has stolen more than once, we have a prison sentence for such crime and he is given an opportunity to repent and come clean after he serves the prison time. However, when we talk about a pathological criminal who is a serial killer or has an obsessive-compulsive disorder to rape a child, they are beyond correction and should never be allowed to be able to harm a single innocent soul on our watch. For such capital offences, we need to have capital punishment to make our society secure and safe.

Moreover, I believe that capital punishment is necessary as it is an effective deterrent to many major offences. According to many, the best method to keep crimes under a tolerable level is to show people the consequences of their misconduct and felonies. For example, many Asian countries, including Singapore, have controlled drug trafficking and drug dealing by enforcing death penalties for such offenders. The result of it was astounding and all of those countries have alleviated the drug trafficking and drug dealing problems to a staggering lower level.

To conclude, despite some sentiments against capital punishment, I believe that it proves out to be the best method to make our society a far better place to live in.

Model Answer 3: [Disagree]

Many people believe that the death sentence is necessary to counter the violence and maintain peace in society. However, I believe that there are better alternatives to curb the crime rates and the death penalty is inhumane in a civilised world.

According to many, the death sentence is the only way to make an example to deter others from committing heinous crimes. They believe that serious offenders are like worms in a righteous society and should not be given a second chance. However, for both ideas- in and against capital punishment, several research works have been conducted, and the findings indicate the contrary. It is interesting to note that countries that have implemented capital punishment still have a higher crime rate than those countries that have abolished it. Besides, I personally believe that we do not have the right to kill a human being as this would be another crime.

Thus it is only rational to suggest that counselling and educating criminals in prisons could be a great way to convert criminals into good human beings. Norway, where the crime rate is lower than most other countries in the world, is a great example of how proper counselling can change criminals. Moreover, we have to deal with the core factors of crimes and their backgrounds, give people economic freedom and tackle pressing issues in society to reduce crime rates. A society with a strong economy and educated members has lower crime rates and that is what we should be working on to achieve. Finally, we can replace capital punishment with life imprisonment for repeat offenders and heinous criminals who are beyond correction.

To conclude, persuaded by what has been discussed as well as compelled by what I have learnt and experienced, I would like to reiterate that capital punishment can not reduce the crime rate in the long run and it is inhumane to kill someone for his/her crime.

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Essay 12: Is the Death Penalty Best Deterrent To Curb Crime?

There seems to be an increasing number of serious crimes committed each year. While some think the best way is to use the death penalty as a deterrent, many people believe that other measures will be needed. Discuss both sides.

1 (death penalty vs. alternative measures: tackling serious crimes).

The rate of crime is increasing each year, creating a worrisome situation for governments. Although there are some people who consider the death penalty as the best solution to curb the spike in dangerous crimes, many view initiatives like the provision of job opportunities and education facilities as superior options.

On one hand, a section of society believes capital punishment to be the optimal solution for the eradication of crimes. They believe that life is precious to everyone, and fear of death would definitely deter people from committing serious crimes. They have sound evidence to provide through the example of countries like China and Iran that applied the severe punishment rule to crimes of serious nature and have observed a downtrend in crimes. Similarly, Saudi Arabia has witnessed negligible cases of murder and rape since the announcement of beheading criminals involved in such crimes. Thus, this group of people has a valid argument to support the death penalty.

On the other hand, it is propagated by many that the death sentence alone may not be sufficient for lowering the crime rate. This is because, firstly, people need to be given enough earning opportunities so that they do not have to look for illegal means to feed themselves. To illustrate, a recent survey by Daily Mail revealed that 60% of juvenile delinquents caught by police committed crimes just because they could not find jobs to earn a livelihood. Secondly, education for all can be instrumental in imparting awareness about the consequences of opting wrong means to make both ends meet. That is to say, those who are educated are less likely to get attracted to criminal activities due to the awareness of unpleasant consequences given to them by their teachers; hence, legally earn instead of indulging in crimes for making money.

To conclude, the death penalty is the best-considered solution by some to tackle dangerous criminal acts as it creates fear in potential criminals and bars them from doing heinous crimes; however, many suggested additional solutions to overcome the increasing rate of crimes, such as compulsory education and creation of jobs.

2 (The Death Penalty Debate: Effective Deterrent or Inhumane Punishment?)

In recent times, the issue of serious crimes has been a matter of great concern for societies across the globe. While some individuals argue that the death penalty serves as a potent deterrent to curb such heinous acts, others believe that alternative measures are needed to address the root causes of these crimes. This essay will explore both perspectives in detail before drawing a conclusion.

On one hand, proponents of the death penalty argue that it is the most effective way to deter individuals from committing serious crimes. They contend that the prospect of facing the ultimate punishment will make people think twice before engaging in activities that could result in such consequences. Furthermore, they argue that the death penalty sends a clear message to potential offenders that society will not tolerate such criminal behavior.

However, opponents of the death penalty argue that it is an ineffective and barbaric method of punishment. They argue that research has consistently shown that the death penalty does not serve as a deterrent. Moreover, they assert that the possibility of executing an innocent person is a significant risk that cannot be ignored. Instead of relying on the death penalty, they propose alternative measures, such as increased investment in education, social welfare, and mental health services, to address the underlying causes of serious crimes.

In conclusion, while the death penalty is seen by some as an effective deterrent against serious crimes, it is not a panacea for the issue. Instead, it is crucial to address the root causes of criminal behavior by investing in alternative measures. By providing individuals with education, social welfare, and mental health services, we can work to create a society where serious crimes are less likely to occur. Ultimately, it is only through a comprehensive approach that we can hope to make our communities safer and more secure.

3 (Curbing Serious Crimes: A Comprehensive Approach)

The rising incidence of serious crimes is a grave concern for societies worldwide. Some people believe that the death penalty is the most effective way to deter individuals from committing such heinous acts. On the other hand, many others argue that alternative measures are necessary to tackle the underlying causes of these crimes. This essay will examine both perspectives and provide a reasoned conclusion.

Those in favor of the death penalty argue that it serves as a powerful deterrent. They believe that the prospect of facing the ultimate punishment will instill fear in potential offenders and prevent them from committing serious crimes. Additionally, they argue that it acts as a form of retribution for the victims and their families, providing them with a sense of closure and justice.

However, opponents of the death penalty claim that it is an inhumane and ineffective method of punishment. They argue that studies have shown no conclusive evidence that the death penalty serves as a deterrent. Moreover, there is always the risk of executing an innocent person, which is a grave injustice. Furthermore, they argue that the underlying causes of serious crimes, such as poverty, social inequality, and lack of education, must be addressed through a comprehensive approach involving education, social welfare programs, and mental health services.

For instance, in countries where the death penalty is abolished, such as Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, the crime rates are relatively low. Instead of relying on the death penalty, these countries have invested in social welfare programs, education, and mental health services. As a result, their citizens are less likely to engage in criminal activities.

In conclusion, while the death penalty may seem like an effective deterrent, it is not a comprehensive solution to addressing the underlying causes of serious crimes. Instead, alternative measures, such as investing in education, social welfare, and mental health services, are necessary to create a society where such crimes are less likely to occur. Ultimately, it is only through a multi-faceted approach that we can hope to make our communities safer and more secure.

Did you like these sample responses? Read more here:

• Some people think that paying taxes is their only duty, while others believe that we have more responsibilities towards our society. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
• Some people say that to produce a happier society we must ensure that there is a small difference in earnings between the rich and the poor. To what extent do you agree?
• Some people believe that it is better to spend more money to eliminate the cause of crime, while others think that the government should spend more on punishment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Related Posts

Essay 49: combating crime by increasing police presence on the streets, essay 48: juvenile delinquency: why parental punishment isn’t justifiable, essay 47: is taking a gap year before university beneficial, essay 45: longer prison sentences for effective crime reduction.

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The Astonishing Lengths Samuel Alito Will Go to Execute Death Row Inmates

This is part of Opinionpalooza , Slate’s coverage of the major decisions from the Supreme Court this June. Alongside Amicus , we kicked things off this year by explaining How Originalism Ate the Law . The best way to support our work is by joining Slate Plus . (If you are already a member, consider a donation or merch !)

At the end of last month, the six-justice conservative majority on the Supreme Court went out of its way again to make clear its fervent support for the death penalty and its hostility to claims of ineffective assistance of counsel in capital cases. In a May 30 decision, the court’s majority used its opinion in Thornell v. Jones to show that it will only grant relief (if it grants relief at all) in cases where capital defense lawyers commit the most extreme and egregious errors.

Danny Lee Jones had been convicted and sentenced to death in Arizona for the 1992 murders of Robert Weaver, his 7-year-old daughter Tisha Weaver, and Robert’s grandmother Katherine Gumina. He killed them during an attempt to steal Weaver’s gun collection, which Jones thought was worth $2,000. Jones blamed his drug use for the crime.

Critically, according to Courthouse News, the public defender who represented Jones

learned that he was oxygen-deprived at birth and had a lithium deficiency—a condition linked to serious psychiatric disorders. Jones’s medical records showed that he was medicated for mood disorders, had attempted suicide and had been admitted to a mental hospital.

But “despite having access to this information,” the Courthouse News report continues, “Jones’s attorney did not further investigate his mental health until after he was convicted.” Jones appealed his sentence, claiming that his Sixth Amendment right to the effective assistance of counsel had been violated.

While a federal district court dismissed his claims, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9 th Circuit reversed the decision. It found that the public defender’s performance was deficient and that there was a “reasonable probability” that “Jones would not have received a death sentence” if the full evidence about his mental health had been presented at sentencing.

The state of Arizona appealed to the Supreme Court. That appeal, in front of several justices who treat the death penalty as sacrosanct at the expense of so many constitutional rights, did not go well for Jones. During oral argument , Justice Samuel Alito, who would end up writing the majority opinion, likened the defendant to “Hannibal Lecter.”

Justice Neil Gorsuch, notoriously impatient with death penalty appeals , said that the Jones case “has been lingering for decades.” He suggested that, to resolve the case once and for all, the Supreme Court should take the unusual step of examining the aggravating and mitigating factors itself rather than following the standard procedure of leaving the fact finding necessary to determine whether there was ineffective assistance of counsel to lower courts.

And that is what the court did.

It did so even though, as Justice Sonia Sotomayor pointed out in her dissent, the factual record in the Jones case “is complex, contested, and thousands of pages long.” She argued that “‘this is not an appropriate case to reach and settle [a] fact-sensitive issue.’”

“That is particularly true,” Sotomayor explained, “when, as here, the majority in the first instance parses a complex record containing contested medical diagnoses and disputed allegations of abuse and trauma.”

As Gorsuch had urged them to do, his conservative colleagues ignored what Sotomayor called the court’s “usual practice” of not deciding on its own the “predicate factual questions in the first instance.” This deviation from standard procedure showed the lengths to which this pro–death penalty majority will go to clear almost any barrier standing in the way of carrying out executions.

At issue in the Jones case was whether the 9 th Circuit had faithfully applied the standards for judging ineffective assistance of counsel claims laid out by the Supreme Court in its 1984 Strickland v. Washington decision. The Strickland court said that “the benchmark for judging any claim of ineffectiveness must be whether counsel’s conduct so undermined the proper functioning of the adversarial process that the trial (and sentencing proceeding) cannot be relied on as having produced a just result.”

Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who wrote the Strickland opinion, said that “A convicted defendant’s claim that counsel’s assistance was so defective as to require reversal of a conviction or setting aside of a death sentence requires that the defendant show, first, that counsel’s performance was deficient and, second, that the deficient performance prejudiced the defense so as to deprive the defendant of a fair trial.”

Justice Thurgood Marshall dissented in Strickland . He claimed that the majority had adopted a standard “that is so malleable that, in practice, it will either have no grip at all or will yield excessive variation in the manner in which the Sixth Amendment is interpreted.”

The court, Marshall wrote, “not only abdicated its own responsibility to interpret the Constitution, but also impaired the ability of the lower courts to exercise theirs.”

The way Strickland has been interpreted bears out Marshall’s fears. As Michael L. Perlin and his collaborators wrote in 2019, “Individual post- Strickland cases are striking and, by any metric, bizarre.”

They cite many examples of such bizarre decisions.

“In one case,” they note, “counsel was found to be effective even though he had failed to introduce ballistics evidence showing that the gun taken from the defendant was not the murder weapon. In another, an attorney was found constitutionally adequate to provide representation to a death-eligible defendant notwithstanding the fact that he had been admitted to the bar for only six months and had never tried a jury case. Another lawyer was found constitutionally adequate even where during the middle of the trial he appeared in court intoxicated and spent a night in jail.”

We now know, as law professor Brandon Garrett has argued in Slate, that effective representation in death cases “does not take the ‘best of the best’ or some kind of ‘dream team.’ ”

Instead, as Garrett contends, it just requires “a team of specialist capital defense lawyers and investigators, preferably working in an office, that understand the very different way that a death penalty case must be litigated from its inception.”

Still, one doesn’t have to look far to find examples of the kind of ineffective assistance that occurred in the Jones case. Like Jones , many of those accused of capital crimes are still represented by lawyers who have never tried a capital case.

The Supreme Court’s decision in the Jones case sends a chilling message to those defendants.

Acting as if he were a juror or trial judge in the sentencing phase of Jones’ case, Justice Alito decided that “the mitigating evidence Jones presented … ‘would barely have altered the sentencing profile presented to the sentencing judge,’ and it is insufficient to show prejudice.”

Continuing in the same vein, Alito added that “[t]he weakness of Jones’s mitigating evidence contrasts sharply with the strength of the aggravating circumstances. These circumstances—multiple homicides, cruelty, pecuniary motivation, and murder of a child—are given great weight in Arizona.”

But even more troubling than this departure from standard procedure was Alito’s conclusion that the court will find ineffective assistance of counsel only in cases when a lawyer “introduced little, if any, mitigating evidence at the original sentencing.” In his view, defense lawyers in capital cases should be deemed ineffective only if they do nothing, or next to nothing, to try to save their client’s life in the sentencing phase of a capital case.

For Alito and his conservative colleagues, no other mistakes, omissions, or failures to do the things that every capital defense lawyer should do matter. In the end, the  Jones  decision may make it easier for states to turn death sentences into executions, but it is a real setback for the Constitution and its commitment to fairness in capital cases.

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• Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/shooter-who-killed-5-at-colorado-lgbt-club-pleads-guilty-to-50-federal-hate-crimes-avoids-death-penalty

Shooter who killed 5 at Colorado LGBT club pleads guilty to 50 federal hate crimes, avoids death penalty

DENVER (AP) — The shooter who killed five people and injured 19 others at a nightclub in Colorado Springs pleaded guilty to 50 federal hate crime charges on Tuesday.

Anderson Lee Aldrich, 24, is already serving life in prison after pleading guilty to state charges in the 2022 shooting last year. Federal prosecutors have focused on proving that the attack at Club Q — a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ people in the mostly conservative city — was premeditated and fueled by bias.

READ MORE: Club Q shooter who killed 5 gets life in prison

Aldrich entered the guilty pleas under a deal with prosecutors that allows the shooter to avoid the death penalty and instead be sentenced to more multiple life sentences for the hate crimes plus a total of 190 years on gun charges and other counts.

Defense attorneys in the state case, who said their client is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, argued that Aldrich was drugged up on cocaine and medication at the time. In phone calls from jail with The Associated Press last year, Aldrich didn’t answer directly when asked whether the attack was motivated by hate, saying only, that’s “completely off base,” and did not reveal a motivation to the AP or in state court.

“The admission that these were hate crimes is important to the government, and it’s important to the community of Club Q,” said prosecutor Alison Connaughty.

Club Q was more than just a bar, Connaughty said.

“It’s a special gathering place for anyone who needed community and anyone who needed that safe place,” she said. “We met people who said ‘this venue saved my life and I was able to feel normal again.'”

Defense lawyer David Kraut said there’s no singular explanation for why Aldrich carried out the shooting, but he mentioned childhood trauma, a sometimes abusive mother, online extremism, drug use and access to guns as contributing factors.

U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney, the first openly gay federal judge in Colorado, said she would hear victim testimony before deciding whether to accept the sentencing agreement.

Less than a month before the shooting, Aldrich coordinated a spam email campaign against a former work supervisor who is gay, according to recent court filings by prosecutors. They also accuse Aldrich of disseminating someone else’s manifesto, which included racist and antisemitic statements and falsely claimed being transgender is a mental illness.

Aldrich spent over $9,000 on weapons-related purchases from at least 56 vendors between September 2020 and the attack on Nov. 19, 2022, according to new evidence cited by prosecutors.

Investigators found a hand drawn map of Club Q with an entry and exit point marked was found inside Aldrich’s apartment, evidence that was also presented in state court. There was also a black binder of training material entitled “How to handle an active shooter.”

Defense attorneys in the state case, who said their client is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns, argued that Aldrich was drugged up on cocaine and medication at the time.

In a series of phone calls from jail with The Associated Press last year, Aldrich didn’t answer directly when asked whether the attack was motivated by hate, saying only, that’s “completely off base.” Aldrich did not reveal a motivation to the AP or in state court and declined to speak during that sentencing.

That Aldrich is nonbinary is a claim rejected by some of the victims as well as the district attorney who prosecuted Aldrich in state court, who called it an effort to avoid hate crime charges.

They include Ashtin Gamblin, who worked the front door that night and remains in physical therapy after being shot nine times. A true member of the LGBTQ+ community would know about the discrimination and the mental health challenges they face and wouldn’t attack its members in such a sanctuary, she said.

“To come into the one safe place to do that, you’re not part of the community. You just wanted the community gone,” Gamblin said. She’s among the survivors expected to speak during the hearing about how the attack still affects their lives.

Aldrich visited the club at least eight times before the attack, including stopping by an hour and a half before the shooting, according to prosecutors. Just before midnight, Aldrich returned wearing a tactical vest with ballistic plates and carrying an AR-15 style rifle and started firing immediately. Aldrich killed the first person in the entryway, shot at bartenders and customers at the bar and then moved onto the dance floor, pausing to reload the rifle’s magazine.

The shooting was stopped by a Navy officer who grabbed the barrel of the suspect’s rifle, burning his hand, and an Army veteran who helped subdue Aldrich until police arrived, authorities have said.

There had been a chance to prevent such violence: Aldrich was arrested in June 2021, accused of threatening their grandparents and vowing to become “the next mass killer ” while stockpiling weapons, body armor and bomb-making materials. But Aldrich’s mother and grandparents refused to cooperate, and prosecutors failed to serve subpoenas to family members that could have kept the case alive, so the charges were eventually dismissed.

A felony conviction in the case would have prevented Aldrich from legally buying more firearms. But District Attorney Michael Allen pointed out that most of the gun components used in the shooting were untraceable ghost gun parts that did not require Aldrich to pass a background check to acquire. Two guns seized from Aldrich in the 2021 case were still held by the sheriff’s office at the time of the Club Q shooting, he said.

Justifying the proposed sentence, prosecutors wrote: “The horrors that the victims and survivors experienced at the hands of the defendant cannot be overstated. The victims and survivors, who were celebrating Transgender Day of Remembrance, were attacked when they least suspected it by someone who had stood in their presence mere hours before.”

Aldrich, who will be returned to state prison after the hearing, is being sentenced federally under the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expanded federal law in 2009 to include crimes motivated by sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

Gamblin wanted the death penalty as an acknowledgement of how many people’s lives have been harmed. She said some friends don’t want to go out to events anymore and others struggle to keep jobs that involve working with the public.

“We want nothing more to go back to normal, but we know it’s not going to happen,” she said.

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Behind the Republican Effort to Win Over Black Men

The party is trying to make inroads with Black voters, a key demographic for Democrats, which could swing the 2024 election.

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By Maya King

Reported from Philadelphia and Atlanta

Two Black Republican House members and Trump surrogates reserved a cigar bar near downtown Philadelphia last week and invited conservative organizers and Trump-curious Black voters to smoke and sip cognac.

Some Democrats denounced it as a crass play, rooted in stereotype. But the event was geared toward a demographic that Republicans — and especially former President Donald J. Trump’s campaign — see as one they can cut into just enough to win in November: Black men.

Republicans, pointing to recent polls that show Black voters’ support for Democrats softening , are making a push to win the votes of Black men, an important part of the Democratic base that has shown openness to voting for Mr. Trump.

The effort has led to a series of awkward — and what some say are offensive — episodes of political theater. Mr. Trump has marketed gold sneakers to young men of color . He has suggested that his conviction on felony charges makes him more relatable to Black voters . And he has campaigned with rappers facing charges of gang murder and weapons possession.

Mr. Trump’s allies say that his critics are missing the point: The Republican Party, which was nearly 60 percent white as recently as 2022, according to exit polls, isn’t trying to appeal to every Black voter. It needs just enough Black support to undermine President Biden’s bedrock coalition.

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