IELTS Writing Task 2 – Band 8.0 Sample

A significant proportion of former prisoners return to crime soon after their release. This essay will discuss the main reasons for this pattern and propose practical measures to reduce it.

The main reason why ex-prisoners reoffend is that they face enormous obstacles when trying to rebuild their lives. A criminal record makes it extremely difficult to find a job, and without a regular income, some people turn back to theft or drug dealing simply to survive. Many also lose touch with family and friends during their sentence, leaving them without a support network or even a place to live. For example, a young man released after five years may find that employers reject his applications as soon as they learn about his past.

In addition, prisons themselves often fail to address the problems that led to offending. Many inmates suffer from addiction, mental illness or a lack of education, yet receive little treatment or training while inside. Instead, they spend years among other criminals, picking up new criminal skills and contacts.

Several measures could break this cycle. First, prisons should focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment alone, offering education, vocational training and drug treatment programmes. Second, governments could offer incentives to employers who hire former offenders, and provide temporary housing and mentoring after release. Norway, which places great emphasis on rehabilitation, has one of the lowest reoffending rates in the world. Finally, community sentences for minor offenders would keep them out of prison and connected to society.

In conclusion, reoffending is largely caused by unemployment, social isolation and the failure of prisons to tackle underlying problems. By investing in rehabilitation and support after release, societies can help ex-prisoners lead law-abiding lives.