The first body explores retribution and deterrence; the second body argues rehabilitation, education, and root causes. Your opinion must land decisively — a 'both are important' fence-sit caps at Band 6.
40 min·≥ 250 words·Cambridge IELTS sample
How to crack it
A 5-step plan for the essay
Read the question twice.
Underline every keyword. The instruction word ("agree", "discuss") decides your structure. Answer each instruction and keep your position clear.
Plan for 5 minutes.
Two body paragraphs. One main idea each. Pick examples BEFORE you write the intro.
Write your intro last in your head.
Once you know the conclusion, the intro writes itself. Paraphrase the question, don’t copy it.
Aim for 270–290 words.
Write at least 250 words. A 270–290-word target can help time management, but length alone does not determine your band.
Leave 3 minutes to proofread.
Hunt articles ("a/an/the"), subject-verb agreement, and "make/do" mix-ups. They’re your usual suspects.
What loses you the band
The four traps this question sets
Off-topic intro
Paraphrase the question. Don’t broaden it.
A new reason in the conclusion
Summarise your answer and reasons already developed in the body. Do not introduce an unsupported argument.
"Make a damage"
Collocation slip. Use "cause damage".
“Some countries still have the death penalty as a punishment for serious crimes. Do you thi…”
40 min · ≥250 words
“In many cities, governments have installed CCTV cameras in public places to help reduce cr…”
40 min · ≥250 words
“Cybercrime is a growing problem around the world. What problems does cybercrime cause, and…”
40 min · ≥250 words
"Furthermore. Moreover."
Pick one. Both = robotic.