IELTS Writing Sample #118
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
By punishing murderers with the death penalty, society is also guilt of
committing murder. Therefore, life in prison is a better punishment for
murderers.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
You should write at least 250 words.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
knowledge or experience.
model answer: (Agree)
"Do as I say, not as I do." This is what society tells us when it punishes
murderers with the death penalty. Society tells us that murder is wrong, and in
our legal system, murder is against the law. Yet we still see our society kill
murderers, and thus we are committing murder ourselves. For this reason, the
death penalty should end, and instead murderers should be punished with life in
prison.
Society needs to show a positive model of how our lives should be and how people
should act. We should always strive to improve our situation, to be at peace and
in harmony with others. However, when we kill murderers, we are not working to
improve our society. Instead, we are stooping to the criminals' level.
It makes me think about the revenge that came when playing games with my
brothers. When we were kids/children, my brother would take my toys, so I would
hit him and take my toys back. Then he would hit me harder and take the toys
again. Thinking of the death penalty, I imagine a murderer kills someone.
Society takes revenge by killing the murderer. This leaves behind the murderer's
family and friends, who have tremendous anger inside of them, which they may
release onto society. The cycle of killing goes on and on.
Society should not condemn people who are taking the same action that society is
taking. Society tells us not to kill, and yet society kills when it exercises
the death penalty. Because of this contradiction, we should end the death
penalty and instead punish murderers by sentencing them to life in prison.
(273 words)