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In some countries, governments are making some criminals do voluntary community work..(Band 9 Essay)

Updated: Jun 27

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.


Write about the following topic:


In some countries, governments are making some criminals do voluntary community work rather than being put in prison.

To what extent do you agree with this?


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


You should write at least 250 words.


Task 2 Band 9 Essay Sample (In some countries, governments are making some criminals do voluntary community work rather than being put in prison.)

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Sample Essay 1

In recent years, an intriguing approach to criminal justice has emerged in some countries, where authorities opt for making certain offenders engage in voluntary community work instead of confining them to prison cells. This progressive strategy posits that rehabilitation through active contribution to society can be more beneficial than traditional incarceration. I strongly agree with this method for non-violent criminals, as it not only aids in their rehabilitation but also serves the community. This essay will delve into the merits of community service as a form of punishment and its positive impacts on both the individual and society.


Firstly, community service as a punitive measure allows offenders to make amends by contributing positively to society, thereby fostering a sense of responsibility and personal growth. Unlike the passive nature of prison sentences, governments are making some criminals do voluntary community work focusing on the tasks that benefit the public, such as environmental clean-ups or assisting in elderly care facilities. This hands-on approach not only helps in the personal development of the offender but also instills a work ethic and skills that can be beneficial post-service. Moreover, this method significantly reduces the societal costs associated with incarceration and redirects those resources into community development.


Furthermore, integrating offenders into community service programs plays a crucial role in reducing recidivism. By engaging in meaningful work, individuals build connections with the community, enhancing their support network which is vital for reintegration. This engagement contrasts sharply with the isolation experienced in prisons, which often exacerbates feelings of alienation and resentment towards society. "Governments are making some criminals do voluntary community work" thus becomes a bridge to rebuilding lives and preventing the cycle of crime from continuing.


In conclusion, the initiative by some governments to substitute prison sentences with compulsory community service for certain offenders is commendable. It not only rehabilitates the individual by encouraging personal responsibility and growth but also serves the community in a tangible way. This approach should be recognized as a forward-thinking strategy in criminal justice, reflecting a shift towards more humane and constructive methods of addressing crime.


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Sample Essay 2

In recent years, a novel approach to criminal justice has emerged, wherein governments are making some criminals do voluntary community work as an alternative to incarceration. This strategy posits a rehabilitation-focused model over traditional punitive measures. I advocate strongly for this method, given its dual benefits of fostering personal development in offenders and contributing positively to society. This essay will explore the efficacy of such rehabilitation programs in transforming individuals and the resultant societal benefits.


Firstly, the implementation of community service initiatives offers a pathway for offenders to make amends for their actions in a constructive manner. Unlike the isolating experience of prison, which often exacerbates criminal tendencies, engaging in community work allows individuals to develop empathy and understand the impact of their actions. For example, a person convicted of vandalism might be assigned to a beautification project, where they directly contribute to the enhancement of public spaces. This hands-on approach not only serves as a deterrent but also instills a sense of responsibility and belongingness, crucial elements for long-term behavioral change.


Moreover, the ripple effects of such programs extend beyond the individual to the community at large. By integrating offenders into constructive activities, governments are making some criminals do voluntary community work, thereby transforming potential societal liabilities into assets. Communities benefit from the labor and, simultaneously, witness the tangible outcomes of second chances. This nurtures a culture of forgiveness and inclusivity, essential for societal harmony and progress.


In conclusion, the shift towards requiring offenders to engage in voluntary community work as opposed to imprisonment stands as a beacon of progressive criminal justice reform. This approach not only aids in the rehabilitation of the individual, offering a chance for redemption and growth, but also serves the community, knitting a tighter social fabric through acts of service.


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Sample Essay 3

It is often noted that many governments are adopting policies that allow a few offenders to perform charitable services instead of staying in prison. I completely agree with this idea because it helps prevent recidivism as the convicts gain some important employment skills from the volunteer work and earn new connections that can bring them new jobs after serving the sentences.


According to the site Good Hire, volunteering curbs criminal thinking. “When a former offender understands the concept of ‘giving back’ through volunteering, that goes a very long way towards changing negative thought patterns,” the site says. Volunteering can help ex-felons improve the skills they have and develop new skills. Thus, they gain opportunity to practice the skills they already have and try new things usually in a low-pressure environment. Low pressure because it is just volunteering where employers are never going to pass on hiring someone just because they are more skilled.


From a different perspective, for ex-felons especially, it can be difficult to prove to a potential employer that they are worth the risk. Volunteering is a great way to deal with this challenge, because it helps these convicts get out there in the society, make new connections and meet a whole new circle of friends who can attest their skills to the potential employers in the future. Thus, an ex-felon can get the opportunity to prove that he or she is reliable, respectful, and hard-working. When an employer sees this, he or she is much more likely to take a chance and offer a paid position.

In conclusion, offenders should be given the opportunity to rehabilitate themselves, they should be facilitated to engage with the community through voluntary activities where they can learn new skills and develop a new network generating their potential employment and distracting from criminal thought.


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