View source for Log IELTS: Essay 6

<b>Some people think that the best way to reduce crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others, however, believe that there are better alternative methods. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.</b>


Some people argue that longer prison sentences are widely regarded as the best method to punish criminals. However, some believe that there are more effective methods to prevent criminals from thinking about commiting a crime again. I firmly believe that longer prison sentences are less effective. 
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Longer prison time is considered a good method by some individuals to reduce crime. This is because this method still respects criminals' human rights. Besides longer prison sentences, there are many methods to alter prisoners' personality to be a better person. For example, some prisons in a country provide rehabilitation and religious teaching for them. Therefore, this method can be gentler to them, especially for their family.
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On the other hand, proponents argue that longer prison sentences are not effective because some crimes couldn't be punished that way. Criminals need to be punished with a harder method to give them deterrent effects. Otherwise, they could repeat their crimes again in the future. Saudi Arabia serves as a pertinent example; this country has low crime rates since it gives criminals a cruel penalty even if it may violate human rights. For instance, this country chops thieves' left hand or gives murderers death penalties.
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To conclude, longer prison times could be a good way to punish criminal since it maintains human rights. However, it could be less effective because a gentle punishmem method couldn't give them deterrent effects, meaning they are likely to commit crimes again. Therefore, we need to punish them in a harder way to make sure they wont do it again and give a lesson to society.