IELTS WRITING TASK 2 - PRISON VS. EDUCATION

Prison is the common way in most countries to solve the problem of crime. However, a more effective solution is to provide people a better education. Do you agree or disagree?

It is arguable that if prison or education is more effective in decreasing the crime rate. In my opinion, prison is a must, and improvements on education are necessary but unable to replace the former.

Education is believed to be the better solution to reduce recidivism. Clearly, education plays an instrumental role in raising individuals’ intellectual standard. According to a research on the re-offending rate of robbery, people who are well educated are less likely to repeat the sin than ones with lower educational levels. Furthermore, vocational education and training programs can offer higher job opportunities for offenders, which would be a foundation for them to reintegrate into the community.

Granted, it is obvious that imprisoning individuals who break the law is a more ideal option to deter crimes. Firstly, prisons are places not only to incarcerate people committing crimes but also to protect law-abiding citizens from being exposed to heinous actions of dangerous criminals such as rapists or serial killers. Besides, imprisonment can also deter offenders from engaging in further criminal behavior. For instance, sending drug peddlers to jail can stop them from keeping illegally making money and spreading the use of the dope. In addition, the reputation of prisons can also act as a deterrent against people with criminal intention. Knowing the effects of incarceration like losing freedom and living a miserable life in cells, people would reconsider committing crimes.

In conclusion, I agree that a better education is an essential and humanitarian way to tackle to the increasing number of criminals, though I still believe prison is a more favorable choice of reducing the crime rate.