IELTS Discuss Both Views Essay: Crime and Security Topics with Sample Answers
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Crime and security are common themes in IELTS Academic Writing Task 2, often focusing on how societies address criminal behavior and maintain public safety. Essay questions may cover topics such as prison vs. rehabilitation, youth crime, cybercrime, the role of education in crime prevention, or surveillance technology. These topics test your ability to present balanced arguments and suggest effective solutions.
Find useful IELTS vocabulary for Crime and Security here.
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Essay Topics
- Topic 1: Some people think that the best way to improve road safety is to lower the maximum speed limit. Others think there are better ways to do this. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
- Topic 2: Computer games and films containing violence are popular today. Some people think that these are harmful for our society and the government should ban them. Others argue that such games and films are fine for entertainment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Task
Some people think that the best way to improve road safety is to lower the maximum speed limit. Others think there are better ways to do this. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
How to approach the essay:
• Understand the Task: Identify the two sides — (1) those who believe reducing speed limits improves road safety and (2) those who think alternative methods are more effective. You must discuss both and clearly state your opinion.
| Argument for Speed Limits | Argument for Technological Solutions |
|---|---|
| • Helps regulate traffic and protect pedestrians and passengers • Encourages drivers to remain alert and cautious • Less effective on highways; distracted driving remains a major issue (e.g., mobile phone use) | • Al and automation offer proactive, real-time responses • Examples include Google’s autonomous vehicles and Al traffic grids • Technology can predict anomalies and improve collective road awareness |
Maintain Balance and Clarity: Ensure both views are explored fairly. State your opinion clearly in the conclusion, linking it to the ideas discussed.
Model Answer
There is no doubt that the fatality rate linked to transportation is one of the most alarming consequences of urban development. In the context of road safety, some individuals advocate for reducing the maximum speed limit as a way to improve safety, while others argue that more advanced solutions are required. This essay will discuss both perspectives and explain why I believe that speed limits have become increasingly outdated.
On one hand, supporters of speed limits argue that they serve as an essential tool for regulating traffic and protecting both pedestrians and passengers. Such limits alert drivers, thereby helping them maintain their focus on the road ahead. However, this approach may prove less effective on highways, where drivers often become easily distracted after prolonged periods of driving. A study conducted in 2008 revealed that over 50% of accidents involving drivers under the age of 35 were attributed to mobile phone usage. This alarming statistic has been steadily increasing year after year, leading one to argue that relying solely on speed limits to enhance road safety may no longer suffice.
On the other hand, could technological innovation be the key to resolving our road safety issues? I firmly believe that it holds great potential for the future. For instance, numerous applications for self-driving cars are currently undergoing testing, such as Google’s autonomous vehicles, which can travel over 200 kilometers without human intervention. Another promising solution is the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems that create a unified grid connecting all vehicles on the same road. This network, managed by a supercomputer, can predict anomalies and promptly alert all drivers to take necessary precautions.
In conclusion, while speed limits may have been an effective strategy in the past, when traffic conditions were less complex, I firmly believe that computer-based systems and automation now offer the most practical and forward-looking approach to enhancing road safety.
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Commentary
Essay Question:
Some people think that reducing maximum speed limits is the best way to improve road safety, while others believe that there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Introduction
Clarity: Yes, the topic is introduced clearly with relevant context.
Thesis: Clearly presents both sides and the writer’s stance (“speed limits have become increasingly outdated”).
Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):
Pros of speed limits:
• Regulate traffic
• Protect pedestrians and passengers
• Help drivers stay focused
Cons / Limitations:
• Less effective on highways
• Distraction from mobile phones more critical factor
Advanced alternatives:
• Self-driving cars (e.g., Google’s autonomous vehicles)
• AI-based connected vehicle networks for real-time alerts
Coherence: Balanced treatment of both perspectives
• Logical flow from traditional to modern solutions
• Transitions like “On one hand,” “On the other hand,” and “In conclusion” ensure smooth progression
Conclusion
Summary: Restates main ideas clearly
Opinion: Writer’s stance (favoring tech solutions) is reinforced strongly
Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:
• Fatality rate – the number of deaths in accidents
• Prolonged – lasting a long time
• Autonomous vehicles – self-driving cars
• Anomalies – irregular or unusual occurrences
• Outdated – no longer useful or effective
Academic Phrases:
• “This essay will discuss both perspectives …”
• “Such limits alert drivers…”
• “Another promising solution is…”
Complex Sentences:
• “This alarming statistic has been steadily increasing year after year, leading one to argue that relying solely on speed limits to enhance road safety may no longer suffice.”
• “This network, managed by a supercomputer, can predict anomalies and promptly alert all drivers to take necessary precautions.
Task
Computer games and films containing violence are popular today. Some people think that these are harmful for our society and the government should ban them. Others argue that such games and films are fine for entertainment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
How to approach the essay:
• Understand the Task: Identify the two opposing views — harmful and should be banned vs acceptable entertainment — and note that you’re required to discuss both and give your opinion.
| Positive Aspects of Games/Films | Negative Aspects of Games/Films |
|---|---|
| • Offer educational and psychological benefits, especially for youth • Create engaging virtual environments that boost cognitive stimulation • Can simulate real-world careers (e.g., pilot training) | • Lead to neglect of academic and social responsibilities • Result in social isolation and weakened emotional connections • Promote unhealthy competition, stress, and feelings of inadequacy |
Opinion & Conclusion: Clearly state your view (e.g., harmful effects outweigh benefits) and emphasize the need for regulation rather than a total ban. Keep the tone balanced and solution-oriented.
Model Answer
With the rapid advancement of modernization, people are increasingly drawn to computer games and films. While many argue that the widespread presence of violent content in these media has contributed to a rise in criminal behavior, others contend that such games and films serve as legitimate sources of entertainment. This essay will discuss both views before presenting my viewpoint.
On one hand, computer games can be particularly beneficial, especially for young people, from both educational and psychological perspectives. Playing these games immerses children in virtual environments that are often more engaging than real life, allowing them to experience more appealing scenarios. Furthermore, exposure to a wide range of games can significantly enhance cognitive abilities. Not only do children focus on various learning materials, but their mental faculties are also regularly stimulated. For instance, computer simulations can prepare children for future careers, such as piloting aircrafts. In essence, today’s youth are becoming more innovative and productive, due to their early familiarity with digital technology.
On the other hand, I believe that the negative aspects of violent games and films outweigh their advantages. Most importantly, children often neglect academic duties and social commitments due to excessive screen time. This overuse can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, as their social interactions become limited, weakening emotional connections with family and peers. Additionally, some game developers intentionally create competitive environments, which may pressure children to outperform others, further exacerbating feelings of inadequacy and stress.
In conclusion, from my perspective, while children can benefit from games that support cognitive growth, it is crucial to strike a balance. They must also prioritize their educational responsibilities and maintain healthy relationships with those around them.
Essay Question:
Computer games and films containing violence are popular today. Some people think that these are harmful for our society and the government should ban them. Others argue that such games and films are fine for entertainment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Introduction
Clarity: Yes, the topic is introduced clearly and linked to modernization.
Thesis: States both perspectives and indicates the writer’s opinion will be given.
Body Paragraphs
Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):
Pros:
• Games offer educational and psychological benefits
• Virtual experiences are more enjoyable and engaging
• Enhance cognitive skills and simulate real-world professions
Cons:
• Excessive gaming leads to neglect of academics and social life
• Causes loneliness and weakens family bonds
• Competitive environments in games increase stress and self-doubt
Coherence: Balanced coverage of both views
• Logical paragraph structure with clear transitions: “On one hand,” / “On the other hand”
• Opinion is clearly expressed in second body paragraph and reinforced in conclusion
Conclusion
Summary: Effectively restates the need for balance
Opinion: Writer believes in moderate use and the importance of regulation
Vocabulary & Grammar
High-Level Vocabulary:
• Immerses – deeply engages or involves
• Cognitive abilities – mental skills related to learning and problem-solving
• Familiarity – close understanding or knowledge
• Exacerbating – making a situation worse
• Isolation – feeling of being separated or alone
Academic Phrases:
• “From both educational and psychological perspectives”
• “This essay will discuss both perspectives …”
• “It is crucial to strike a balance…”
Complex Sentences:
• “Not only do children focus on various learning materials, but their mental faculties are also regularly stimulated.”
• “Additionally, some game developers intentionally create competitive environments, which may pressure children to outperform others, further exacerbating feelings of inadequacy and stress.”
