Punishment for Damaging Public Property IELTS Essay

Punishment for Damaging Public Property IELTS Essay Writing Task 2

People who damage public property, such as buildings or statues should be required to do community service (such as cleaning parks) as a punishment rather than other forms of punishment (such as paying a fine or going to prison). To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. You should write at least 250 words.

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Question Type and Strategy

Type: Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree)
Task: Give your opinion on whether people who damage public property should be punished by community service instead of fines or imprisonment.

Punishment for Damaging Public Property IELTS Essay Writing Task 2

In today’s society, while most people respect public property, damage to buildings, statues, and public facilities is still fairly common. When it comes to appropriate punishment, some believe community service should replace fines or imprisonment. However, I think the severity of the offence should determine the type of punishment, as not all property damage is equal.

For minor cases where the cost of repair is low, lighter penalties like community service are appropriate. For example, if someone scratches a park bench or draws graffiti, they could be asked to clean or fix the damage. This approach is also suitable for minors, who may benefit more from community service than harsh penalties, which could lead to defiance. Overall, for small-scale damage, serving the community is often enough.

On the other hand, more serious damage to valuable public property warrants stricter consequences. Large-scale destruction or vandalism, especially involving heritage sites or archaeological locations, should result in financial penalties, regardless of how minor the damage might seem. In extreme cases like arson, legal prosecution is necessary, as such acts not only destroy property but also endanger lives.

In conclusion, the punishment for damaging public property should consider several factors such as extent of damage, type of property, and the offender’s background. Depending on the case, community service, fines, or imprisonment may all be appropriate responses.

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