题目
Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe that there are better alternative ways to reduce crime.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
高分范文
In an era where public safety is a paramount concern, the question of how to effectively reduce crime remains a contentious issue. A common proposition suggests that imposing longer prison sentences is the most direct deterrent. Conversely, an opposing school of thought advocates for alternative, more rehabilitative measures. This essay will delve into both perspectives before presenting a reasoned conclusion.
On the one hand, the argument for lengthier prison sentences is founded on the principles of deterrence and incapacitation. Proponents contend that the threat of a prolonged period behind bars would dissuade potential offenders from engaging in criminal activities, fearing the severe consequences of their actions. This "scare tactic" is based on the rational choice theory, which posits that individuals weigh the costs and benefits of their behaviour. For serious and violent crimes, a lengthy prison term not only punishes the offender but also permanently removes them from society, thereby preventing them from reoffending during their incarceration. In this sense, it serves as a direct and immediate method of protecting the public.
On the other hand, critics argue that a purely punitive approach is both costly and, in many cases, counterproductive. They propose that focusing on the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and mental health issues, offers a more sustainable solution. For instance, investing in education and vocational training can equip at-risk individuals with the skills needed to secure legitimate employment, reducing the economic desperation that often drives crime. Similarly, providing accessible mental health support and community rehabilitation programs can address the underlying psychological traumas or addictions that lead to criminal behaviour. These alternatives aim not to punish, but to reform, potentially turning law-breakers into productive members of society, which in the long run could lead to a more significant and lasting reduction in crime rates.
In my opinion, while longer prison sentences have a role to play in dealing with the most heinous crimes, they should not be the default or primary solution. A balanced approach is essential. For non-violent offenders, particularly those driven by socio-economic factors, the focus should be on rehabilitation and prevention. However, for individuals who commit serious, violent, or repeat offences, the principle of retribution and public protection necessitates substantial prison time. Ultimately, the most effective strategy is a multi-faceted one that combines tough-on-crime measures for serious offences with robust investment in social programs that address the root causes of criminality.
范文解析
这篇范文之所以能获得高分（通常在7.5分及以上），主要得益于以下几个方面：
结构清晰，逻辑严谨
- 标准四段式结构：
- 引言段: 开门见山，点明话题的争议性，并清晰地预告了文章将要讨论的两个观点以及作者自己的立场，这是高分作文的标配。
- 主体段一: 阐述“支持更长刑期”的观点，从“威慑”和“隔离”两个角度展开，逻辑清晰。
- 主体段二: 阐述“支持替代方案”的观点，从解决“犯罪根源”（如贫困、教育、心理健康）的角度展开，与第一段形成了很好的对比。
- 结论段: 总结双方观点，并明确提出自己的“折中”立场，它没有完全否定任何一方，而是提出了一个更 nuanced（细致的）、更合理的解决方案，体现了批判性思维。
词汇丰富且精准
作者使用了大量学术化、书面化的词汇，避免了重复和口语化表达。
- 主题词汇:
paramount concern(至关重要的问题)contentious issue(有争议的问题)deterrence(威慑)incapacitation(隔离，使丧失能力)rehabilitative measures(改造措施)retributive(惩罚性的)socio-economic factors(社会经济因素)
- 高级动词/名词:
delve into(深入探讨)contend(主张，认为)posits(假定，认为)counterproductive(适得其反的)equip...with(使...具备)deterrent(威慑物)incarceration(监禁)
- 精准的形容词:
prolonged(长期的)legitimate(合法的)accessible(可获得的)heinous(穷凶极恶的)sustainable(可持续的)
句式多样且复杂
作者熟练地运用了多种复杂句式,展示了出色的语言驾驭能力。
- 状语从句:
In an era where public safety is a paramount concern... - 非限制性定语从句:
...a lengthy prison term... removes them from society, thereby preventing them from reoffending... - 介词短语作状语:
For serious and violent crimes...,In my opinion... - 插入语:
...which in the long run could lead to a more significant and lasting reduction in crime rates. - 平行结构:
...investing in education and vocational training...,...providing accessible mental health support and community rehabilitation programs...这种结构使句子读起来更有节奏感，更具说服力。
观点深刻且辩证
这篇范文最出彩的地方在于其观点的深度。
- 不片面: 作者没有简单地说“A方对”或“B方错”，他承认了更长刑期在威慑和隔离方面的作用，同时也指出了其局限性和高昂成本。
- 提出解决方案: 在结论部分，作者提出了一个“balanced approach”（平衡的方法）和“multi-faceted strategy”（多方面的策略），将两种观点的优点结合起来，这种“取其精华，去其糟粕”的思路是雅思高分作文的关键，它表明作者不仅理解问题，还能提出建设性的、有深度的看法。
连贯与衔接
全文使用恰当的连接词和短语,使段落之间、句子之间的过渡自然流畅。
- 开头:
Conversely,On the one hand,On the other hand,In my opinion,Ultimately - 逻辑关系:
founded on(基于),based on(基于),in this sense(从这种意义上说),however,similarly,which in the long run(从长远来看)
要写出雅思大作文高分范文,你需要做到：
- 结构为王: 清晰的引言、主体和结论。
- 词汇升级: 使用精准、多样的学术词汇。
- 句式变化: 灵活运用简单句、并列句和复杂句。
- 观点深刻: 展现辩证思维，提出有深度的个人见解。
- 逻辑流畅: 善用连接词，确保文章连贯。
希望这篇范文和解析能对你的雅思备考有所帮助！
