A Longer Prison Term Is Not as Good as Other Methods - IELTS Task 2 Essay Band 9 Samples

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Sample Essay 1

While longer prison terms are often touted as the ultimate deterrent, they rarely outperform smarter sanctions. I agree, to a large extent, that extended incarceration is inferior to alternatives, except for high-risk violent or chronic offenders. This essay argues, first, that rehabilitative and supervisory measures reduce reoffending more reliably than simply adding years; and second, that proportionate, restorative responses better protect communities while avoiding the heavy social and fiscal costs of prolonged custody.

Extended custody incapacitates, but it rarely alters the drivers of crime. By contrast, calibrated community penalties—structured service, intensive probation, electronic monitoring and mandated treatment—target criminogenic needs and hasten desistance. Offenders practice punctuality, teamwork and self-control in real settings while receiving cognitive-behavioral support; supervision guarantees compliance with swift, certain consequences. In practice, deterrence flows more from certainty and celerity than from raw severity, so adding years yields diminishing returns. Problem-solving courts embody this logic: non-violent offenders who complete drug or mental-health programs keep jobs, rebuild ties and relapse less than those warehoused longer. Crucially, these sanctions protect the public twice—through active surveillance now and through skill-building that endures beyond the sentence.

Longer terms also fail the tests of proportionality and public value. Protracted imprisonment severs employment, education and family bonds—the anchors that stabilize behavior—while exposing people to entrenched criminal cultures. The fiscal burden is immense, diverting funds from policing, prevention and victim services that would yield greater safety per unit of public money. Restorative justice offers a principled alternative for many non-violent cases: mediated conferences require offenders to face victims, make amends and complete tailored community payback that visibly repairs harm. The process builds empathy and legitimacy, increasing compliance with the law, and it gives victims voice and closure—outcomes longer terms seldom deliver. None of this denies the need to confine a small cohort of dangerous repeat offenders; it rejects the reflex to lengthen sentences indiscriminately.

Therefore, longer prison terms are generally a blunt and costly tool. Smarter sanctions that combine supervision, treatment and restorative repair better reduce reoffending, strengthen communities and respect proportionality, while prison is reserved for those who pose a continuing, serious threat. In short, public safety is maximized not by length, but by the intelligent design of punishment.

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Sample Essay 2

Many argue that longer prison sentences are less effective than alternative punishments. However, I strongly disagree with this view. Extending prison terms remains one of the most effective ways to uphold justice and deter crime. This essay will argue that long-term imprisonment both prevents repeat offences by isolating offenders and serves as a powerful deterrent for potential criminals.

A primary advantage of longer prison terms is the incapacitation of dangerous individuals, which ensures public safety. When offenders serve extended sentences, society is shielded from their potential to reoffend. For instance, a repeat offender convicted of armed robbery poses an ongoing risk if released prematurely. Keeping such individuals behind bars for an extended period not only protects citizens but also provides more time for genuine rehabilitation programmes. In fact, shorter alternatives such as community service or fines may be appropriate for minor offences, yet they are ineffective for violent or habitual criminals who require stricter control. Without long-term imprisonment, societies risk exposing innocent people to recurring harm from individuals who clearly disregard legal and moral boundaries.

Moreover, longer prison sentences act as a strong deterrent, discouraging individuals from engaging in criminal behavior in the first place. People often weigh the risks of crime against the consequences, and harsher punishments elevate the cost of breaking the law. For example, countries such as Singapore, where severe penalties exist for crimes like drug trafficking, consistently report lower crime rates compared to nations with more lenient sentencing policies. This demonstrates that the fear of extended incarceration has a measurable effect on maintaining order. By contrast, alternative measures such as probation may be perceived as lenient, thereby failing to instill genuine fear of consequences. In this sense, long sentences play a psychological role in reinforcing the seriousness of crime.

In conclusion, longer prison terms remain indispensable for effective justice systems. They safeguard society by removing dangerous offenders and discourage crime through deterrence. While alternative measures may complement the justice process in minor cases, extended imprisonment is unmatched in its ability to protect communities and uphold law and order.

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