BAND 6.5 IELTS ESSAY SAMPLE: DISCUSSING EFFECTIVENESS OF PRISON SENTENCES VERSUS ALTERNATIVE METHODS IN CRIME REDUCTION

The use of prison sentences as a punishment is seen as an increasingly ineffective method for reducing crime rates. There are several alternative measures that could be explored and adopted. One alternative is restitution, in which responsible parties pay for damages caused by their actions. This method could easily and effectively serve both parties involved and it can garantee an equal satisfactory for them, as well as bringing justice into consideration, leaving all people involved happy and willing to drop the case. Another alternative is community service, in which a debt to society is paid through public works like picking up trash from the side of the road. Mental health counseling or rehabilitation is another alternative, in which criminal offenders receive help in an attempt to reduce their desire to commit crimes. Probation is another alternative which allows defendants to get out of jail or prison but under certain rules and conditions. House arrest is similar to probation. Dividing a prison sentence is another alternative. Paying for freedom: Restitution vs. bail is another alternative. Capital punishment, corporal punishment and electronic monitoring are also alternatives to imprisonment but are not promoted by modern prison reform movements for decarceration due to them being carceral in nature. In my opinion, while prison sentences may still be necessary in some cases, there are many alternatives that could be explored and adopted. These alternatives could be more effective at reducing crime rates and disbehavioring while also being more humane and cost-effective than traditional prison sentences.