Technology’s impact on crime reduction has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms across recent test papers. Based on analysis of past exams, this theme has emerged in approximately 15% of questions related to technology and society, making it a highly relevant subject for IELTS candidates.
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The role of technology in reducing crime has shown significant overlap with broader discussions about Crime reduction strategies.
Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people believe that advanced technology like surveillance cameras and tracking systems helps reduce crime rates. Others think these technologies create privacy concerns. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of Question Requirements
- Task: Discuss both views + opinion
- Key themes: Crime prevention, privacy, surveillance technology
- Focus areas: Benefits vs drawbacks of surveillance technology
Advanced surveillance technology being used for crime prevention
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The deployment of sophisticated surveillance technology to combat crime has sparked considerable debate regarding its effectiveness versus privacy implications. While I acknowledge the privacy concerns, I believe the benefits of these technological tools in crime prevention outweigh their potential drawbacks.
Advanced surveillance systems undeniably contribute to crime reduction in several ways. Firstly, CCTV cameras serve as powerful deterrents, making potential criminals think twice before committing offenses. Additionally, modern tracking systems enable law enforcement agencies to respond swiftly to criminal activities and gather crucial evidence for prosecutions. For instance, in Singapore, the implementation of comprehensive surveillance networks has contributed to a 20% decrease in street crimes over the past decade.
However, critics argue that extensive surveillance infrastructure threatens personal privacy. They contend that constant monitoring creates an Orwellian atmosphere where citizens feel perpetually watched and their basic right to privacy is compromised. Furthermore, there are valid concerns about potential data breaches and misuse of collected information by unauthorized parties.
Despite these concerns, I maintain that the advantages of surveillance technology outweigh its disadvantages when properly regulated. The key lies in establishing robust legal frameworks that govern the use of these systems while protecting citizens’ privacy rights. Many developed nations have successfully implemented such balanced approaches, demonstrating that security and privacy can coexist harmoniously.
In conclusion, while privacy concerns merit serious consideration, the proven effectiveness of surveillance technology in crime prevention makes it an invaluable tool for modern law enforcement, provided appropriate safeguards are in place.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Nowadays, many cities use cameras and tracking systems to stop crime. Some people think this is good, but others worry about privacy. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On one hand, technology helps police catch criminals. When there are cameras everywhere, bad people are afraid to commit crimes. Also, if something bad happens, police can watch the video to find who did it. For example, in my city, after they put cameras in the shopping area, there were fewer robberies.
But other people say these technologies are bad for privacy. They don’t like being watched all the time. They think it’s not fair that someone can see what they do every day. Also, they worry that bad people might hack the cameras and steal their information.
I think both sides have good points, but safety is more important than privacy. If we want to live in a safe city, we need to accept some cameras. However, the government should make rules about how to use these systems properly.
In conclusion, while some people worry about privacy, I believe technology helps make our cities safer. We just need to use it carefully.
Privacy concerns related to public surveillance systems
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response: Fully addresses all parts with clear position
- Coherence/Cohesion: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary (sophisticated, deterrents, Orwellian)
- Grammatical Range: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis:
- Task Response: Addresses main points but less developed
- Coherence/Cohesion: Basic organization with some progression
- Lexical Resource: Limited but adequate vocabulary
- Grammatical Range: Mix of simple and complex structures
Key Vocabulary
- surveillance (n) /səˈveɪləns/ – systematic monitoring
- deterrent (n) /dɪˈterənt/ – something that discourages action
- Orwellian (adj) /ɔːˈwelɪən/ – characteristic of totalitarian control
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical systems
- robust (adj) /rəʊˈbʌst/ – strong and effective
Advanced Sentence Structures
- Complex with concession: “While I acknowledge the privacy concerns, I believe the benefits outweigh their potential drawbacks.”
- Conditional perfect: “Many developed nations have successfully implemented such balanced approaches.”
- Participle clause: “The deployment of sophisticated surveillance technology to combat crime has sparked considerable debate.”
For additional insights into this topic, you may want to explore The role of community policing in crime reduction.
Feel free to practice by writing your own essay on this topic and sharing it in the comments section below. Focus on incorporating the vocabulary and sentence structures discussed above while maintaining a clear position on the issue.
