Children And Crime
Young people committing crimes should be treated the same as adults by the authorities.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many argue that young people who commit crimes should be punished in the same way as adults by authorities. I agree with this viewpoint, as laws should be applied equally to all individuals and serve as a deterrent for crime. However, there are rare cases where a child’s background must be considered.
Critics of this stance claim that parents and primary caregivers are often responsible for the criminal actions of children. For example, children who experience abusive behavior, such as verbal or physical abuse or sexual abuse, may develop resentment and hatred towards others that can lead to criminal behavior. In such cases, imposing harsh punishments, such as imprisonment, may cause physical and mental harm to the child. Therefore, it seems unjust to apply the same degree of penalty to vulnerable children.
Nevertheless, such cases are rare and should not justify treating children differently from adults under the law. Laws should be non-discriminatory, applying equally to individuals of all ages, races, and genders. This principle is essential to maintaining an orderly and just society, as lax law enforcement could lead to an increase in crime rates. When the law is strict and consistent, it serves as a deterrent for all individuals, including children, who may otherwise be tempted to break the law.
In conclusion, while a child’s background may be a factor to consider, I believe that children who commit crimes should generally be treated in the same way as adults by authorities. It is essential for parents and educators to provide children with a supportive and loving environment to reduce the likelihood of criminal behavior.
(266 words)
Essay Breakdown
Structure
Introduction
[1] Many argue that young people who commit crimes should be punished in the same way as adults by authorities. [2] I agree with this viewpoint, as laws should be applied equally to all individuals and serve as a deterrent for crime. [3] However, there are rare cases where a child’s background must be considered.
1. Paraphrase the given topic and give my opinion
2. A clear opinion stating my viewpoint
3. A concessive sentence arguing cases otherwise
Body
Paragraph 1
[1] Critics of this stance claim that parents and primary caregivers are often responsible for the criminal actions of children. [2] For example, children who experience abusive behavior, such as verbal or physical abuse or sexual abuse, may develop resentment and hatred towards others that can lead to criminal behavior. [3] In such cases, imposing harsh punishments, such as imprisonment, may cause physical and mental harm to the child. [4] Therefore, it seems unjust to apply the same degree of penalty to vulnerable children.
1. A topic sentence showing the main idea
2. Explain and develop the main point by providing an instructive example
3. Keep developing the main point
4. Continue to fully develop the main point
Paragraph 2
[1] Nevertheless, such cases are rare and should not justify treating children differently from adults under the law. [2] Laws should be non-discriminatory, applying equally to individuals of all ages, races, and genders. [3] This principle is essential to maintaining an orderly and just society, as lax law enforcement could lead to an increase in crime rates. [4] When the law is strict and consistent, it serves as a deterrent for all individuals, including children, who may otherwise be tempted to break the law.
1. A topic sentence showing the main idea – my opinion
2. Explain the main point
3. Develop the main point
4. Continue to fully develop the main point
Conclusion
[1] In conclusion, while a child’s background may be a factor to consider, I believe that children who commit crimes should generally be treated in the same way as adults by authorities. [2] It is essential for parents and educators to provide children with a supportive and loving environment to reduce the likelihood of criminal behavior.
1. Restate my opinion
2. Extend the viewpoint by stating a final thought
Vocabulary
Many argue that young people who commit crimes should be punished in the same way as adults by authorities. I agree with this viewpoint, as laws should be applied equally to all individuals and serve as a deterrent for crime. However, there are rare cases where a child’s background must be considered.
Critics of this stance claim that parents and primary caregivers are often responsible for the criminal actions of children. For example, children who experience abusive behavior, such as verbal or physical abuse or sexual abuse, may develop resentment and hatred towards others that can lead to criminal behavior. In such cases, imposing harsh punishments, such as imprisonment, may cause physical and mental harm to the child. Therefore, it seems unjust to apply the same degree of penalty to vulnerable children.
Nevertheless, such cases are rare and should not justify treating children differently from adults under the law. Laws should be non-discriminatory, applying equally to individuals of all ages, races, and genders. This principle is essential to maintaining an orderly and just society, as lax law enforcement could lead to an increase in crime rates. When the law is strict and consistent, it serves as a deterrent for all individuals, including children, who may otherwise be tempted to break the law.
In conclusion, while a child’s background may be a factor to consider, I believe that children who commit crimes should generally be treated in the same way as adults by authorities. It is essential for parents and educators to provide children with a supportive and loving environment to reduce the likelihood of criminal behavior.
Vocabulary Highlights:
- Commit crimes: engage in illegal activities
- Applied equally: treated the same way
- Serve as a deterrent: prevent something from happening by making others afraid of the consequences
- Rare cases: situations that happen infrequently
- Primary caregivers: people responsible for taking care of a child
- Verbal abuse: using words to hurt or harm someone
- Physical abuse: using force to hurt or harm someone
- Sexual abuse: forcing someone to do sexual things without their consent
- Resentment: a feeling of anger or bitterness towards someone
- Imposing harsh punishments: giving severe penalties
- Physical and mental harm: causing harm to a person’s body or mind
- Non-discriminatory: treating everyone fairly and equally
- Lax law enforcement: not enforcing the law strictly
- Orderly and just society: a society that is organized and fair
- Supportive and loving environment: a caring and affectionate atmosphere.
Grammar Gems:
CONDITIONAL CLAUSE
“If laws are not applied equally to all individuals, it may lead to discriminatory practices.”
Here I used the conditional to express a hypothetical situation that could occur if laws are not applied equally. This grammar structure is helpful for IELTS learners because it demonstrates how to express consequences and possibilities using “if” clauses. Additionally, I used a modal verb “may” to indicate that the outcome is a possibility, rather than a certainty.
Reading
Further reading about this topic can be found here:
https://law.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/3607190/Vu-Thi-Thu-Quyen_Vu-Cong-Giao.pdf
Listening
Further listening about this topic can be found here:
