Band 7+: You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Some people think all lawbreakers should be sent to prison, while others think there are better alternatives for those whose crimes are minor, such as making them do work for the local community. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. You should write at least 250 words.

Crime is an unforgivable sin, and even though some people think that all lawbreakers must be imprisoned, others suggest that there are better punishments for those whose crimes are minor, such as working for the local community. Both views will be discussed comprehensively in this essay.

Some people beleive that criminals never change and belong in prison, regardless of the size and the effects of their actions and the harm they have caused. Although some people might think that it is better to keep them in a locked environment with their kind, to protect people from what they might do in the future since some criminals can never be sorry for what they did, from my perspective, this is partially right. However, according to a study held in the European community, around 60% of people who have committed minor crimes tend to return to the right path if they are not jailed and instead receive local community punishment, so they deserve a second chance that can be given to them under strict police supervision, with some hard works or charity work that benefits society and makes them regret their deeds.

On the other hand, some people think that criminals whose deeds are not that major should not be imprisoned and can be given some local community work instead. In addition, they think that they might rethink their deeds, correct their actions, and get back on the right path. They might also think that imprisoning them can turn them to real criminals because of the harsh environment in the prison, and they might even lose the spark of light that they have in their hearts. This idea matches my opinion.

In summary, while some people insist on sending all types of lawbreakers to jail, others think that there are other alternatives for non-major crimes that will grant them a second chance to correct their bad deeds. Even though I think both views are valid, I tend to agree more with the idea of making them do local community work and giving them second chances rather than ruining their lives by getting them jailed for minor crimes.