Safety. Justice. Power.
Real Article: What Keeps a City Safe?
CCTV. Police. Education. Harsh sentences.
What actually reduces crime?
For decades, governments have debated the best methods of crime prevention. Some argue that increasing law enforcement and toughening penalties create strong deterrents. Others believe in addressing root causes — through education, economic opportunity, and community support.
But there’s a deeper question. What does “justice” really mean — punishment, or prevention?
The next time you see a police car or a courtroom, ask: is this protection — or just reaction?
Vocabulary Deep Dive
| Word | Synonym | Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Crime prevention | Reducing criminal activity | Focused on proactive strategies |
| Law enforcement | Police and legal systems | Includes police forces, courts, and criminal justice institutions |
| Deterrent | Discouragement | Used to describe what stops people from committing crimes |
| Rehabilitation | Reform | Focuses on changing offender behaviour rather than punishment |
These terms go beyond headlines — they allow you to evaluate systems.
Article 2: Police or Prevention?
In the UK, some cities are shifting their crime policies. Instead of only funding law enforcement, they invest in rehabilitation programmes, job training, and early intervention in schools.
Supporters say this reduces repeat offences and builds safer communities. Critics argue it’s too soft, and that strong deterrents are needed to maintain order.
Research shows both strategies work best together. Crime prevention isn’t about choosing sides — it’s about choosing what works.
IELTS Reading Test
- What are two examples of prevention-focused crime strategies?
- Complete the sentence:
“Critics argue that strong ______ are needed to maintain order.” - True / False / Not Given:
All UK cities have stopped funding police. - Multiple Choice:
What does rehabilitation focus on?
A. Arresting offenders
B. Making people afraid
C. Reforming behaviour
D. Increasing jail time - Matching Headings (Article 2):
- A. Long-Term Solutions
- B. Changing Crime Policy
- C. The Role of Schools
- D. Budget Debates
- E. Repeating Mistakes
Suggested Answer:
- Rehabilitation and job training
- deterrents
- False
- C. Reforming behaviour
- B, A, E, C, D
IELTS Speaking Challenge
Focus Vocabulary: crime prevention | law enforcement | deterrent | rehabilitation
Warm-Up:
- What strategies are used in your country to reduce crime?
- Should punishment be more important than rehabilitation?
- What role does education play in preventing crime?
Band 6 Style:
“Police catch people who do bad things. But maybe we should help people not do crime first.”
Band 7 Style:
“Law enforcement is essential, but effective crime prevention must also include rehabilitation programmes and educational support to reduce long-term risk.”
Try This Frame:
“In my view, ______ is necessary for public safety, but without ______ and long-term support like ______, crime may continue to rise.”
IELTS Writing Challenge
Task 2 Prompt:
Some people believe the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others think education and rehabilitation are more effective.
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 7 Sample:
“Longer sentences may act as deterrents, but they often fail to change criminal behaviour. Education, job training, and rehabilitation programmes have shown long-term success in reducing repeat offences. In my opinion, prevention strategies should complement law enforcement rather than replace it.”
Structure Plan:
- Intro – both views
- Para 1 – case for strict sentencing
- Para 2 – value of rehabilitation and education
- Conclusion – balanced approach
Use These Words: crime prevention, deterrent, law enforcement, rehabilitation
Grammar Focus: Passive Voice in Justice Contexts
Structure:
• is enforced / is sentenced / is rehabilitated / has been charged
Examples:
• “Strict laws are enforced to protect public safety.”
• “The offender was sentenced to five years in prison.”
• “Rehabilitation programmes are being used in urban areas.”
Practice:
- Rewrite: Police caught him. They gave him a sentence.
→ He was caught and sentenced by the police. - Your Turn:
Use: charged, released, rehabilitated, enforced
This grammar lets you describe systems — not just people.
Rewrite Challenge
Question:
What’s the best way to reduce crime?
Plan:
- Longer prison sentences may act as a deterrent.
- However, this approach often ignores the root causes of crime.
- If more money were invested in rehabilitation, repeat offences would drop.
- I believe crime prevention must focus on both law enforcement and long-term reform.
Write 4 powerful sentences using today’s vocabulary and passive voice.
Final Reflection
✔️ You’ve just:
• Learned key vocabulary for justice, policy, and public safety
• Read and analysed real-world policy approaches
• Spoken and written using persuasive, structured arguments
• Strengthened grammar through passive voice control
You’re not just writing about crime.
You’re writing about what makes a society worth living in.
To master IELTS writing with policy-level clarity, social depth, and system-level structure — join the full course now.
This topic connects to another essential IELTS lesson—check it out here: