From Empty Opinions to Structured, High-Band Thinking
Most IELTS candidates walk into a crime essay with just one idea:
“Put criminals in prison.”
That’s not enough.
To reach Band 7+, you need to generate relevant, complex ideas and connect them through cause-effect logic.
This page gives you a complete brainstorming framework for IELTS crime topics — with templates you can use for any prompt.
Common IELTS Task 2 Question:
Some people believe that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others believe there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Why Most Students Fail the Idea Test
| Band 6 Thinking | Band 7+ Thinking |
| “Jail is good. Prison stops crime.” | “Prison may deter some, but without addressing root causes, recidivism remains high.” |
| “We should help them.” | “Rehabilitation and social reintegration are essential to prevent reoffending.” |
Band 6 = vague, undeveloped, moralistic
Band 7+ = cause-effect reasoning + structured impact
Step 1: Use the Cause–Effect–Impact Framework
| Component | Explanation | Example |
| Cause | Why crime happens | Poverty, inequality, unemployment, lack of education |
| Effect | What crime does | Breaks social trust, increases fear, costs governments |
| Impact | What response works or doesn’t | Long sentences deter but don’t reform; education reduces reoffending |
Step 2: Brainstorm by Prompt Type
1. Discuss Both Views
Prompt: Prison vs Alternatives
Body 1: Prison — Deterrent, public safety, retribution
Body 2: Alternatives — Education, community service, restorative justice
Opinion: Balance — combine deterrent with rehabilitation
2. Do the Advantages Outweigh the Disadvantages?
Prompt: Surveillance, harsher laws, curfews
Body 1: Pros — increased security, early detection
Body 2: Cons — privacy loss, police overreach, mistrust
Conclusion: Depends on context — balance of safety and rights
3. Agree or Disagree
Prompt: Longer prison terms reduce crime
Agree: Deterrent effect, protection from repeat offenders
Disagree: Doesn’t reduce recidivism, costly, doesn’t reform
Conclusion: Disagree — prevention and support are more effective
Sample Brainstorm Table: “How to Reduce Crime”
| Factor | Band 6 Phrase | Band 7+ Phrase |
| Government Role | Make rules | Implement evidence-based policy and rehabilitation |
| Offender Treatment | Punish bad people | Support reintegration through structured reform |
| Prevention | Stop people doing crimes | Tackle root causes like education and social mobility |
Band 6 vs Band 7 Planning Clarity
Band 6 Outline:
- Intro: Crime is bad
- Body 1: Prison is good
- Body 2: Maybe help them
- Conclusion: Both are okay
Band 7+ Outline:
- Intro: Frame issue as reform vs retribution
- Body 1: Prison strengths + limits
- Body 2: Alternative approaches (with evidence)
- Conclusion: Prioritise reform for long-term results
Planning Template: Fill As You Think
| Section | What to Plan |
| Introduction | Frame the debate + opinion preview |
| Body 1 | One side + supporting detail |
| Body 2 | Other side + real-world context/example |
| Conclusion | Your position + reason it solves core problem |
Why This Planning Style Works
Examiners don’t just check grammar.
They ask:
- Can this student think logically?
- Can they connect ideas?
- Can they express complexity clearly?
Good ideas = better coherence + stronger lexical control.
Next Step: Train Ideas, Language, and Logic Together
Inside the IELTS Vocabulary Transformation course, you’ll:
- Learn how to plan high-band essays across 10 key topics
- Practice turning simple opinions into structured argument maps
- Upgrade vocabulary around the ideas, not just in isolation
The fastest way to Band 7 is to think like a 7 — not write like a 6.
This topic connects to another essential IELTS lesson—check it out here: