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

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Before Reading

Key words:?

reduce crime: quench lawbreaking; bring down malefaction

longer prison sentences: keep in?the jail for a longer time;?

alternative ways: other methods / different measures?

Ideas:

longer prison sentences:?

1) pose a burden on the city's revenue

2) do no good to educate the wrongdoers

better ways:

1) engage in community activity

2) arrange more cctvs

3) improve education

While Reading

Key words:?

longer prison sentences: to be placed in prison for longer periods

altertenative ways: other measures

better: more effective

Good use of vocabulary and recommend complex structures

Linking words?

Crime is a serious and growing problem in most societies. Although many people believe that the best way to tackle this is to place people in prison for longer periods, others are of the opinion that other measures will be more effective.

?

There are benefits of giving offenders longer prison sentences. Firstly, spending a long time in prison provides an opportunity for the prison services to rehabilitate a prisoner. For example, someone who has committed a serious offence such as assault will need a long time in prison in order to be sure they can be re-educated not to re-offend. In addition to this, longer prison sentences will act as a deterrent for someone who is thinking of committing a crime.

?

However, some people argue that leaving people in prison for a long time means that they will mix with other criminals and so their character will not improve. One alternative is community service. This gives an offender the opportunity to give something positive back to society, and so it may improve their character. Also, the government could focus its resources on the causes of crime, which would lead to less crime in the future.

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In my opinion, it is important to look at alternative methods. Many countries have lengthy prison sentences, but crime has continued to increase throughout the world, so it is clear that this is not completely effective. That said, long prison sentences should remain for those who commit serious crimes such as assault or murder, as justice for the victim and their family should take priority.

?

To conclude, there are good arguments for and against long sentences, so governments must continue to research the various methods of crime reduction to ensure effective policies are in place.

After Reading?

Essay structure:?

Lead-in

benifits of longer sentences: rehabilitate prisoner; a deterrent

disadvantages of longer prison period: mix with other criminals;?

opinion: keep long prison sentences only for serious malefactions

to conclude: various methods are in need.