Serious violent crimes among people who are under 18 are becoming more common. Some people think that children who commit serious crimes should be treated like adults, while others would say that they should be rehabilitated. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

 Serious violent crimes among people who are under 18 are becoming more common. Some people think that children who commit serious crimes should be treated like adults, while others would say that they should be rehabilitated. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion

Useful vocabulary:

1. Juvenile delinquency: Criminal behavior among young people who are under the age of 18.

Collocations:

• Juvenile delinquency rates have been on the rise.
• Prevention programs have been put in place to address juvenile delinquency.

2. Misconduct: Behavior that is illegal, unethical, or goes against social norms.

Collocations:

• Misconduct in the workplace can lead to disciplinary action.
• Teachers who engage in misconduct may face consequences such as suspension or dismissal.

3. Offender: A person who commits a crime or breaks the law.

Collocations:

• The offender was sentenced to ten years in prison.
• Police were able to identify the offender through DNA evidence.

4. Repercussions: The negative consequences of an action or event.

Collocations:

• The repercussions of the crime were felt by the entire community.
• The company faced severe repercussions after the scandal was exposed.

5. Deterrence: The act of discouraging someone from doing something through fear of punishment.

Collocations:

• The threat of punishment serves as a deterrence to potential offenders.
• The hope is that stricter laws will act as a deterrence to criminal behavior.

6. Incarceration: The act of being imprisoned or held in custody.

Collocations:

• The judge decided that incarceration was necessary in this case.
• Many believe that incarceration is not always an effective form of punishment.

7. Rehabilitation: The process of restoring someone to a normal or healthy state, particularly in the context of helping someone who has committed a crime to become a productive member of society.

Collocations:

• Rehabilitation programs can help reduce recidivism rates.
• The goal of the justice system should be to focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

8. Reformative measures: Steps taken to improve or correct a situation, often in the context of addressing criminal behavior.

Collocations:

• Reformative measures should be prioritized over punitive measures.
• Many advocates for criminal justice reform argue that more emphasis should be placed on reformative measures.

9. Psychiatric evaluation: An assessment of someone's mental health by a trained mental health professional.

Collocations:

• A psychiatric evaluation is often ordered in criminal cases where mental illness is suspected.
• It's important to ensure that those who need psychiatric evaluations have access to them.

10. Recidivism: The tendency for someone who has been released from prison to reoffend.

Collocations:

• Recidivism rates are often high among those who have been incarcerated.
• Addressing the root causes of criminal behavior can help reduce recidivism rates.

11. Criminological theories: Theories that seek to explain why people commit crimes, and how society can prevent crime.

Collocations:

• There are many different criminological theories, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
• Criminological theories are constantly evolving as new research emerges.

12. Recourse: A course of action that someone can take in order to address a problem or seek justice.

Collocations:

• Victims of crime may have legal recourse to seek compensation.
• It's important for people to understand their legal recourse in the event of wrongdoing.

13. Maladjustment: The inability to adapt to one's environment, often in the context of causing problematic behavior.

Collocations:

• Maladjustment can be a contributing factor to juvenile delinquency.
• Addressing maladjustment through therapy or other interventions can help prevent criminal behavior.

14. Inculpate: To accuse someone of wrongdoing or criminal behavior.

Collocations:

• The evidence presented in court was enough to inculpate the defendant.
• It's important to ensure that those who are inculpated are given a fair trial

Ideas

Here are some ideas that could be explored in an IELTS essay on the topic of serious violent crimes among minors:

For treating children like adults:

1. The severity of the crime committed by minors should be taken into account.
2. Treating minors as adults could act as a deterrent to future criminal activity.
3. It could be argued that minors are aware of the consequences of their actions and should be held accountable.
4. The age of the offender should not be the only determining factor in how they are treated.

Against treating children like adults:

1. The brain development of minors means they are not capable of fully understanding the consequences of their actions.
2. Incarcerating minors in adult prisons could lead to them being further exposed to criminal activity and negative influences.
3. Rehabilitation is a more effective approach in preventing recidivism and addressing the underlying causes of criminal behaviour.
4. Treating minors as adults could lead to excessive and disproportionate punishments being imposed.

Additional points:

1. The importance of distinguishing between different types of crimes, and their impact on victims.
2. The need for a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of criminal behaviour, including social and economic factors.
3. The role of the justice system in ensuring fairness and equity, particularly for disadvantaged and marginalized youth.
4. The importance of balancing individual responsibility with the need for compassion and understanding.

Remember, it's important to present a balanced argument and provide evidence to support your ideas. You should also clearly state your own opinion on the matter and explain the reasons for your position.

Band 9 Sample essay:

It has been observed that adolescents are increasingly involved in committing misdeeds. While some believe that these youthful perpetrators should be punished with imprisonment, I wholeheartedly argue that these individuals are psychologically troubled and must be rehabilitated rather than incarcerated. In this essay, I will examine both perspectives, while substantiating my own position.

On the one hand, some people argue that juvenile offenders should be treated like adults and face the consequences of their actions. They suggest that incarceration is the most effective way to deter criminal behavior. However, I firmly believe that this approach could have a negative impact on the mental health of these young individuals. As adolescents, they are still in the process of developing and maturing, and are therefore less capable of taking responsibility for their actions in the same way that adults can. Imprisonment could lead to increased stress and anxiety, and could also contribute to their antisocial behavior in the future.

On the other hand, rehabilitation provides young offenders with the opportunity to understand the implications of their criminal behavior. By addressing the underlying causes of their actions, such as family problems or emotional issues, they can receive the necessary support and guidance to reform and reintegrate into society. Rehabilitation programs also equip them with the tools to cope with future challenges and prevent recidivism. For example, counseling sessions or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help young individuals to regulate their emotions, manage stress, and improve their communication skills. These programs may also involve community service or vocational training, which can enhance their sense of responsibility and provide them with meaningful opportunities to contribute to society.

In conclusion, adolescent offenders are not just harmful to others, but also to themselves due to their youth and immaturity. Incarceration is not a viable option for these individuals, as it could exacerbate their problems and contribute to the cycle of criminality. Rehabilitation, on the other hand, provides a more effective and humane alternative by addressing the underlying issues and equipping them with the necessary skills to lead a successful and fulfilling life. Therefore, I argue that psychological treatment and guidance is the best course of action for juvenile offenders.

Band 8.5 essay

The issue of juveniles' punishment for criminal offenses has become a prominent subject of public discourse in recent years, primarily due to the escalating incidence of severe violent crimes committed by children. While there are those who contend that adolescents should be treated on par with adults, I staunchly advocate for the notion that they warrant distinct treatment and an opportunity for rehabilitation.

On one hand, it is incontrovertible that the ramifications of a crime on the victim and their kin remain unaltered, irrespective of whether the offender is a minor or an adult. The bereaved relatives, who have suffered the anguish of losing a loved one, would perceive any clemency in the perpetrator's sentence as a profound injustice. For instance, in the case of the savage murder of Anna Vasilieva, her family members lodged a petition demanding the apprehension and incarceration of the underage culprit. This petition garnered substantial public support, precipitating a reevaluation of the case. Nevertheless, I steadfastly maintain that the age of the offenders must be taken into account, acknowledging their incomplete cognitive and emotional development.

On the other hand, it is widely acknowledged by the general populace that children do not possess an equivalent level of cognitive acuity as adults due to their chronological immaturity. This recognition has prompted Great Britain to adopt a rehabilitation strategy for juvenile criminals, which endeavors to afford them a fresh start by endowing them with new identities. I wholeheartedly endorse this approach, as it facilitates the reformation of underage offenders and serves as a deterrent against recurrent criminal behavior. By addressing the fundamental causes of their actions and providing them with sagacious guidance, we can effectively steer these young individuals towards becoming exemplar members of society.

To recapitulate, while subjecting young criminals to prison terms under identical circumstances as adults may afford a degree of justice to the victims, we must concurrently acknowledge that these young individuals themselves are to some extent victims, as their actions are influenced by their ongoing cognitive development. Consequently, I ardently believe that society's pivotal responsibility is to guide and support them, equipping them with the requisite tools for successful societal reintegration and nurturing their transformation into responsible citizens.

Sample essay:

The increasing involvement of adolescents in serious criminal activities has sparked a debate on how society should respond to juvenile offenders. While some argue that young offenders should face adult-like punishments, I contend that a comprehensive approach focusing on rehabilitation is the most effective way to address this issue. In this essay, I will explore both perspectives and explain why rehabilitation is the preferred path.

On one side of the spectrum, proponents of treating juvenile offenders like adults argue that imposing adult-like punishments may act as a strong deterrent. They contend that by holding young offenders fully accountable for their actions, society sends a clear message that serious crimes committed by minors will not be tolerated. The hope is that this strict approach may ultimately instill discipline and prevent future criminal behavior among young individuals. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the drawbacks of this punitive approach. Incarcerating young offenders can have adverse consequences. For instance, studies have shown that imprisonment can lead to increased stress and anxiety among juveniles, which may exacerbate their antisocial tendencies. Moreover, young offenders may emerge from the criminal justice system with a heightened propensity for reoffending, having been exposed to negative influences within correctional facilities.

On the other end of the spectrum, rehabilitation offers a more nuanced and effective approach to dealing with juvenile offenders. This approach recognizes that many young individuals engage in criminal activities due to underlying factors, such as family problems or emotional issues. By addressing these root causes, rehabilitation programs provide the necessary support and guidance for young offenders to reform and reintegrate into society successfully. Rehabilitation initiatives often encompass counseling sessions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and educational programs. These interventions help young individuals regulate their emotions, develop better communication skills, and gain a deeper understanding of the consequences of their actions. For example, CBT equips them with the tools to manage anger and make positive choices, reducing the likelihood of recidivism. Furthermore, rehabilitation fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability among juvenile offenders. When they receive guidance and support, they are more likely to recognize the impact of their actions on victims and society at large. As a result, they become motivated to contribute positively to their communities, reducing the burden on the criminal justice system.

In conclusion, while there are arguments for treating juvenile offenders like adults, the rehabilitative approach is far more effective and beneficial for society as a whole. A punitive stance may deter some young individuals temporarily, but it fails to address the root causes of criminal behavior and may even exacerbate the problem. Rehabilitation, on the other hand, provides the necessary tools and support to help young offenders reform and reintegrate successfully. By focusing on rehabilitation, society not only helps young individuals turn their lives around but also contributes to a safer and more inclusive future for all.