TASK 2:
ESSAY INFORMATION:
Written by: IELTS I-Ready, 16/9/2024
Marked by: Ex-BC Examiner
(IELTS Academic – 14/9/2024)
Question: Some people believe that crime is a result of social problems and poverty. Others believe that crime is a result of a bad person’s nature. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
ANSWER:
The causes of crime have long been debated, with differing opinions on whether it is primarily driven by external social factors or by the inherent nature of individuals. Both views present valid arguments, and in this essay, I will discuss both sides before offering my perspective.
On one side, many believe that crime is a direct consequence of social problems and poverty. One compelling reason for this view is that individuals living in poverty often struggle to meet their basic needs. In these circumstances, crime can seem like a viable solution for survival. For example, theft and drug-related crimes are often more prevalent in economically disadvantaged communities. Another reason supporting this view is the correlation between poverty and a lack of access to education and employment opportunities. In many impoverished areas, schools are underfunded, and job prospects are scarce, leaving individuals with few options for personal and financial growth. As a result, those who feel marginalized by society may turn to crime out of frustration or desperation.
On the other hand, there is the belief that crime is a product of a person’s inherent nature, rather than external social conditions. One of the main reasons supporting this argument is the role of personality traits such as aggression, impulsivity, and a lack of empathy. Individuals who possess these traits may be more likely to engage in criminal behavior, regardless of their socioeconomic background. A second reason for this viewpoint is that some criminals engage in unlawful activities despite having access to education and employment. In these cases, it is clear that the individual’s personal nature plays a significant role in their criminal behavior. For instance, white-collar crimes like fraud and embezzlement are often committed by individuals in well-paying jobs, which indicates that greed can drive crime just as much as poverty or social problems.
In conclusion, both sides of the argument have merit. While I acknowledge that crime can stem from a bad person’s nature, but more often, I believe it is a product of societal conditions such as poverty and lack of opportunity. Therefore, tackling social issues at their core is key to reducing crime in the long term.
(359 words)
Highlight Vocabulary:
| English | Vietnamese |
| Inherent nature | Bản chất vốn có |
| Impoverished | Nghèo đói |
| Underfunded | Thiếu kinh phí |
| Marginalized | Bị gạt ra ngoài lề |
| Aggression | Hung hăng |
| Impulsivity | Bốc đồng |
| Fraud | Gian lận |
| Embezzlement | Tham ô |
