Capital Punishment Essay IELTS (Structure + Sample)
Prepared by Svarna Training Institute Academic Team
This sample essay was written by a well-experienced IELTS Trainer. The score is equivalent to IELTS Band 8.0+, and the essay has 300 words. This essay type asks you to discuss whether capital punishment is essential to control violence in society. Always make your stance clear (agree, disagree, or partly both). IELTS examiners value logical reasoning supported by real-world examples.
“The debate on capital punishment remains one of the most controversial moral questions in modern societies. While some argue that executing criminals serves as a strong deterrent against violent crimes, others believe it is an inhumane and ineffective method of justice. In my opinion, although it may deter some offenders, relying on the death penalty is neither essential nor sustainable in controlling violence.
Proponents claim that the fear of execution discourages individuals from committing serious crimes. Countries enforcing capital punishment often cite lower homicide rates and faster justice as evidence. For instance, some Asian nations believe strict punishments have maintained public safety and order. Moreover, victims’ families may find closure knowing that justice has been served decisively.
However, opponents argue that there is little conclusive evidence proving that executions reduce violence more effectively than life imprisonment. Wrongful convictions, human error, and political misuse make the death penalty risky and morally questionable. Furthermore, focusing on prevention through education, social reform, and rehabilitation offers a more humane and long-term solution to crime reduction.
In conclusion, while capital punishment might appear to offer immediate justice, it is not essential to maintain peace in society. A balanced approach emphasizing prevention, fairness, and rehabilitation is more effective in controlling violence and upholding humanity.”
This is the outline an IELTS trainer used for this specific sample essay.
✅ Introduction – Paraphrase the topic + present both sides briefly + state your opinion.
✅ Body 1 – Arguments supporting capital punishment (deterrence, justice, closure).
✅ Body 2 – Arguments against it (moral issues, wrongful convictions, better alternatives).
✅ Conclusion – Restate position and summarize why prevention and reform are stronger approaches.
This is the checklist our IELTS Trainer used to score this sample essay as an IELTS band 8.0+
✅ Trainer completed essay with 250–300 words, covering both sides and a clear conclusion.
✅ Trainer maintained formal tone and balanced opinion using linking devices (e.g., however, whereas, on the other hand).
✅ Trainer used complex grammar, topic-specific vocabulary (deterrence, rehabilitation, justice system).
✅ No informal phrases, contractions, or bullet points in the essay itself.
✅ Logical progression with clear paragraphing and cohesion.
This is the timing guide our IELTS Trainer used for this sample essay
✅ Understanding the Task – 1–2 min
✅ Planning the Structure – 8–10 min
✅ Writing the Essay – 22–25 min
✅ Final Review – 2–4 min
Here is a challenge for you! Using the same techniques our IELTS Trainer used, write your own 300 word IELTS essay on the following topics,
- “Violence in the media encourages real-life aggression. Do you agree or disagree?”
- “Is life imprisonment a better punishment than the death penalty?”
- “Strict laws are the only way to control crime. To what extent do you agree?”
