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With the rapid advancement of technology, its influence on crime and law enforcement has become a major topic of discussion. Modern innovations affect not only how crimes are prevented but also how new forms of criminal activity emerge. While many argue that technology helps reduce and detect crime, others believe it creates opportunities for cybercrime and online fraud. This debate over ‘Some People Think Technology Development Decrease Crime, While Others Believe It Actually Encourages Crime: IELTS Writing Task 2’ continues to attract attention from policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and researchers alike.
This Blog Includes:
- Some People Think Technology Development Decrease Crime, While Others Believe It Actually Encourages Crime: IELTS Writing Task 2 Overview
- Some People Think Technology Development Decrease Crime, While Others Believe It Actually Encourages Crime: Sample Structure 1
- Some People Think Technology Development Decrease Crime, While Others Believe It Actually Encourages Crime: Sample Structure 2
- FAQs
Some People Think Technology Development Decrease Crime, While Others Believe It Actually Encourages Crime: IELTS Writing Task 2 Overview
Building on the previous overview of how technological advancements influence societies, it is clear that their impact on crime is equally significant. In IELTS Writing Task 2, the topic requires candidates to critically evaluate whether technology reduces criminal activities or facilitates new forms of crime. Analysing both sides involves considering positive outcomes, such as digital surveillance, biometric systems, and predictive policing, alongside negative consequences like cybercrime, hacking, and online fraud. A thorough understanding of these factors allows students to construct a well-organised, balanced essay supported by relevant examples, which is essential for achieving a high band score.
To provide clarity on the key perspectives, essay focus, and preparation strategy, the following table outlines the main points, including Band 8 essay structures, illustrative examples, and topic-related vocabulary.
| Points to Discuss on Technology and Crime (IELTS Writing Task 2) | Description of the IELTS Writing Task 2 |
| Description of the IELTS Writing Task 2 | The IELTS Writing task asks candidates to examine whether technological development decreases crime or encourages new forms of criminal activity. Students must analyse both perspectives and present a reasoned conclusion. |
| Perspectives on the IELTS Writint Task 2 Topic | Agree: Technology helps reduce crime through surveillance systems, digital tracking, biometric identification, and predictive policing. It enables law enforcement to monitor, detect, and prevent criminal activities efficiently. Disagree: The rise of cybercrime, identity theft, hacking, and online scams demonstrates that technology can also create opportunities for sophisticated criminal behaviour, often outpacing regulatory responses. |
| Focus of Essay | Present a clear opinion supported with logical arguments and relevant examples. Discuss both sides if adopting a balanced approach. Use real-world illustrations such as CCTV monitoring, data breaches, or social media misuse to strengthen arguments and maintain cohesion |
| Tips for IELTS Writing Task 2 (Discussion Based Essay) | Employ advanced vocabulary such as cybersecurity, digital surveillance, ethical hacking, data privacy, technological misuse. Ensure each paragraph begins with a clear topic sentence, use cohesive devices like on one hand, conversely, and in addition, and conclude with a strong final viewpoint to reach Band 8 standards. |
Some People Think Technology Development Decrease Crime, While Others Believe It Actually Encourages Crime: Sample Structure 1
The following structure outlines a clear and logical approach for presenting both sides of the argument, making it suitable for a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 essay.
Introduction
Begin by paraphrasing the topic in your own words. Clearly state that while technology can reduce certain types of crime, it can also create opportunities for new criminal activities. Mention that the essay will discuss both perspectives before giving a reasoned conclusion.
Body Paragraph 1: Technology’s Role in Reducing Crime
Discuss how innovations such as surveillance cameras, facial recognition, and predictive policing can help prevent theft, violence, and other traditional crimes. Explain how these technologies increase accountability and allow law enforcement to respond more efficiently, making communities safer.
Body Paragraph 2: Real-Life Examples of Crime Prevention
Provide examples of countries or cities that have successfully reduced crime through technology. For instance, Singapore’s use of AI monitoring and extensive CCTV coverage has contributed to one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Explain how these measures improve public confidence and deter potential offenders.
Body Paragraph 3: Technology Encouraging New Forms of Crime
Examine how technology enables cybercrimes, online fraud, identity theft, and ransomware attacks. Discuss how anonymity on the internet and sophisticated tools give criminals new ways to commit offences, often making detection and prosecution more difficult.
Conclusion
Restate that technology has a dual effect on crime: it prevents traditional offences while enabling new forms of criminal behaviour. Give your opinion, highlighting that the benefits of reducing conventional crimes outweigh the risks of new criminal activities, provided that technology is implemented responsibly.
Sample Essay 1
The rapid development of technology has transformed nearly every aspect of modern life, including crime prevention and criminal activities. While some argue that advancements in technology reduce crime by enhancing security measures, others contend that it facilitates new forms of criminal behaviour. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting a reasoned conclusion.
Proponents of technological progress believe that innovations such as surveillance cameras, facial recognition systems, and predictive policing software significantly deter criminal activities. For instance, smart CCTV networks in urban areas help law enforcement track suspects in real time, reducing theft and violent incidents. Similarly, digital databases allow police to identify repeat offenders more efficiently, thereby preventing potential crimes. These advancements, it is argued, make communities safer and increase accountability.
A concrete example can be observed in Singapore, where extensive use of closed-circuit cameras and AI monitoring has contributed to one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Residents report feeling safer knowing that authorities can promptly respond to criminal behaviour. The integration of technology in law enforcement demonstrates a practical approach to reducing both petty and serious crimes.
Conversely, critics argue that technology has enabled sophisticated cybercrimes and other illicit activities that were previously impossible. The rise of online fraud, identity theft, and ransomware attacks illustrates how criminals exploit technological tools for personal gain. Moreover, the anonymity offered by the internet emboldens offenders, making detection and prosecution more challenging. This suggests that while traditional crimes may decrease, new forms of criminal activity emerge in parallel.
For example, in recent years, phishing scams and online financial fraud have surged globally. According to Interpol, cybercrime reports have increased dramatically, targeting individuals, corporations, and even government institutions. These cases indicate that technological advancements, while beneficial in many areas, can inadvertently provide criminals with new opportunities to commit offences on a large scale.
In conclusion, technology plays a dual role in relation to crime. On one hand, it strengthens security systems and facilitates law enforcement; on the other, it creates avenues for sophisticated criminal behaviour. Personally, I believe that although technology may encourage some new forms of crime, its potential to prevent and reduce traditional crimes outweighs the risks, provided it is implemented responsibly.
| List of Difficult Words Used in Sample 1 | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms |
| Proponents | Supporters of an idea or argument | Advocates, supporters, champions | Opponents, critics |
| Surveillance | Close observation of people or activities | Monitoring, scrutiny, observation | Neglect, ignorance |
| Predictive policing | Use of data and algorithms to anticipate and prevent crime | Crime forecasting, data-driven policing | Random policing, reactive policing |
| Accountability | Responsibility for one’s actions | Responsibility, liability, answerability | Irresponsibility, unaccountability |
| Illicit | Illegal or forbidden by law | Illegal, unlawful, prohibited | Legal, lawful |
| Anonymity | The state of being unknown or unidentifiable | Namelessness, privacy, secrecy | Recognition, identity |
| Phishing | Fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information online | Online scam, cyber fraud, deception | Honest request, legitimate inquiry |
| Ransomware | Malicious software that locks data until a ransom is paid | Malware, cyberattack, computer virus | Safe software, protective software |
| Facilitate | Make an action or process easier or more efficient | Aid, assist, simplify | Hinder, obstruct |
| Dual role | Having two different functions or effects | Double function, twofold purpose | Single role, one-sided function |
Some People Think Technology Development Decrease Crime, While Others Believe It Actually Encourages Crime: Sample Structure 2
Sample 2 provides a framework for writing a well-organised essay that highlights both the crime-preventing and crime-enabling effects of technology. It guides the writer to show how modern advancements can enhance security and improve law enforcement, while also acknowledging that they create new avenues for sophisticated criminal behaviour. Each paragraph develops a distinct idea with clear reasoning and relevant examples, helping students present a balanced and logical argument suitable for a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 essay.
Introduction
- Paraphrase the topic.
- State that technology has both positive and negative effects on crime.
- Indicate that the essay will examine these effects and present the writer’s opinion.
Body Paragraph 1: Advanced Security Systems Prevent Crime
- Explain how modern security technology such as biometric locks, alarm systems, and automated surveillance reduces burglary, theft, and violent incidents.
- Highlight that technological monitoring reduces the burden on police and improves response times.
Boday Paragraph 2: Technology Makes Criminal Detection More Efficient
- Discuss the role of data analytics, GPS tracking, and digital forensics in solving crimes quickly.
- Provide an example of how digital evidence has helped in solving complex criminal cases.
BP3: Technology Facilitates Sophisticated Criminal Activity
- Describe how hackers, cybercriminals, and online scammers exploit technology to commit financial fraud, hacking, and cyberbullying.
- Include a new example of cybercrime trends, like attacks on smart home devices or IoT systems.
Conclusion
- Summarise both the crime-preventing and crime-enabling aspects of technology.
- State the writer’s opinion: While technology can be misused, its benefits in crime prevention and law enforcement outweigh the risks if properly managed.
Sample Essay 2
The development of technology has dramatically changed the way society functions, including the way crimes are committed and prevented. While some people believe that technological innovations make it easier to commit crimes, others argue that they play a crucial role in reducing criminal activities. This essay will explore both sides and provide a reasoned conclusion.
Many argue that advanced security systems prevent crime effectively. For example, biometric locks, motion-detection alarms, and automated CCTV systems make it difficult for burglars or intruders to target homes or businesses. These technologies not only act as a deterrent but also allow rapid alerts to law enforcement, reducing response times and limiting potential damage. In this way, technology strengthens personal and public security while reducing opportunities for traditional crime.
In addition, technology makes the detection of crime more efficient. Data analytics, GPS tracking, and digital forensics allow police and investigators to solve cases quickly and accurately. For instance, the use of mobile phone tracking helped law enforcement identify and apprehend suspects involved in organised theft rings. Such technological tools reduce the workload of authorities and improve overall crime-solving efficiency, contributing to a safer society.
However, technology can also facilitate sophisticated criminal activity. Cybercriminals exploit weaknesses in online systems to commit hacking, financial fraud, and cyberbullying. Smart home devices, IoT systems, and online banking platforms have become targets for attackers seeking monetary or personal gain. For example, recent incidents of smart device hacking allowed unauthorised access to home security systems, highlighting how technological advancements can be misused.
In conclusion, technology has a dual impact on crime. While it enhances security, improves crime detection, and prevents traditional offences, it simultaneously enables new forms of criminal activity. Personally, I believe that with proper regulations and responsible implementation, the benefits of technology in preventing and solving crimes outweigh the risks of misuse.
| List of Difficult Words Used in Sample 2 | Meaning | Synonyms | Antonyms |
| Biometric | Related to measurement and analysis of unique physical characteristics | Physiological, physical ID | Generic, non-specific |
| Motion-detection | Technology that detects movement | Movement sensing, movement detection | Static, stationary |
| Automated | Operated by machines with little or no human intervention | Mechanised, self-operating | Manual, human-operated |
| Rapid alerts | Quick notifications to inform authorities | Immediate warnings, instant signals | Delayed notifications |
| Forensics | Scientific methods used to investigate crimes | Crime science, investigative science | Unscientific, anecdotal |
| Organized theft | Theft committed systematically by a group | Planned robbery, coordinated crime | Spontaneous theft |
| Sophisticated | Highly developed, complex | Advanced, intricate | Simple, crude |
| Cyberbullying | Using electronic communication to harass or intimidate someone | Online harassment, digital abuse | Offline kindness, protection |
| IoT (Internet of Things) | Network of devices connected to the internet | Connected devices, smart systems | Standalone devices, offline gadgets |
| Misuse | Incorrect or dishonest use of something | Abuse, exploitation | Proper use, legitimate use |
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In conclusion, some people think technology development decreases crime, while others believe it actually encourages crime. While technology enhances security measures, aids law enforcement, and helps prevent traditional offences, it can also be misused for cybercrime and other sophisticated illegal activities. Personally, I believe that with responsible implementation and proper regulation, the benefits of technology in reducing and solving crimes outweigh the risks, making it a valuable tool for creating safer communities.
FAQs
Ans. Technology supports crime reduction through CCTV monitoring, biometric databases, and AI-driven systems that help police detect, track, and prevent criminal activity more effectively.
Ans. While technology improves security, it has also led to an increase in cybercrimes such as hacking, identity theft, and online fraud, which are harder to detect and control.
Ans. Yes, AI assists law enforcement by analysing large amounts of data, recognising patterns, and predicting criminal behaviour, helping authorities act before incidents escalate.
Ans. Cybersecurity protects sensitive data and digital networks from unauthorised access, preventing financial fraud, data breaches, and identity theft that result from technological misuse.
Ans. Responsible use includes implementing strict digital laws, promoting public awareness about online safety, using ethical monitoring systems, and encouraging international cooperation to combat cybercrime.
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