Plan this discussion essay about crime with the ideas and outline below, write it on a 40-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people believe that the only way to make streets safer is to have more police officers. Others think that citizens should be more responsible for safety in their neighbourhoods.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
Pick two or three points from one or both columns. You do not need all of them, and your own examples score better than memorised ones.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 250 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Some people believe that the only way to make streets safer is to have more police officers, while others think citizens should take more responsibility for safety in their neighbourhoods. I believe both are needed, but police presence is the more important.
Supporters of more police officers have a clear argument. Trained officers have legal powers and professional skills that ordinary people lack, so they can arrest suspects, investigate crimes and respond to emergencies. The visible presence of patrols deters crime, and a higher chance of being caught is one of the most reliable ways to discourage offenders. If residents had to deal with dangerous criminals themselves, they could be injured, and there would be a risk of vigilante behaviour that breaks the law.
However, the police cannot be everywhere, and citizens can contribute a great deal. Neighbourhood watch schemes, in which residents report suspicious activity and look after one another's property, have been shown to reduce burglary in many areas. Simple steps, such as locking doors, installing lighting and not leaving valuables visible, make crime more difficult. People who know their neighbours are also more likely to notice problems and to help each other, and strong communities tend to have lower crime in the first place. Citizens can also pass on information to the authorities, which makes police work more efficient.
Therefore, I think the best approach is partnership. Governments should provide enough well-trained officers, while residents cooperate by reporting crimes, joining local safety groups and taking sensible precautions.
In conclusion, the police are essential for dealing with crime, but safer streets depend on active cooperation from citizens. A combination of both is the most effective solution.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| law enforcement | police and legal authorities |
| neighbourhood watch | group of residents who watch for crime |
| patrol | regularly move around an area to guard it |
| community policing | police working closely with local people |
| emergency response | quick reaction to urgent events |
| be vigilant | stay alert |
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