Normally, you will feel comfortable in the exam room when you encounter familiar topics such as family, yourself, hobbies... However, we will rarely pay attention to criminal topics such as Law, crime. This article will provide vocabulary on the topic of Crime & Punishment to help you apply it to the exam in the most reasonable way.
1. Overview of the Crime & Punishment Topic
The topic of Crime & Punishment is considered one of the more challenging themes for IELTS candidates. Common essay prompts often cover:
Rehabilitation of offenders
Use of capital punishment
Social impact of incarceration
Juvenile crime
For this topic, consider perspectives from society, the offender, and yourself. Build sub‑arguments that lead to a strong conclusion supported by relevant examples. The following vocabulary list will help you brainstorm effectively.
2. Key Vocabulary: Crime & Punishment
2.1 Types of Crime
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Arson | setting fire intentionally | She was found guilty of arson. |
Child abuse | abuse or neglect of children | The most common cause of head injury in under‑two children is child abuse. |
Burglary | breaking into a building to steal | She was accused of burglary. |
Murder | unlawful killing | She admits unlawful wounding but denies attempted murder. |
Pickpocketing | stealing from a person’s pocket | Street theft and pickpocketing rates remain high. |
Vandalism | damaging public or private property | They are exploring ways to prevent vandalism and theft. |
Assault | intentional physical attack | He appeared in court charged with assault. |
White collar crimes | non‑violent with financial motive | The banker was arrested for embezzlement and white collar crimes. |
Tax evasion | illegal avoidance of taxes | He received a four‑year sentence for tax evasion. |
Fraud | intentional deception for gain | He was jailed for fraud and deception. |
Smuggling | illegal transportation of goods | They made a fortune in smuggling. |
Terrorist | person who uses terrorism | She left after those terrifying terrorist attacks. |
Extortion / blackmail | demanding money by threats | He used bribery and extortion to fund his mansion. |
Juvenile crimes | crimes committed by minors | That criminal was a juvenile offender. |
Kidnapping | unlawful abduction | It is suspected the kidnapping was staged. |
Shoplifter | someone who steals from stores | The young shoplifter was only 13. |
Corruption | abuse of power for personal gain | The corruption affected many officials. |
Sexual harassment | unwanted sexual advances | She experienced persistent sexual harassment. |
2.2 Types of Punishment
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Incarceration | imprisonment | Her incarceration did not benefit society. |
Fine | monetary penalty | Crimes may result in unlimited fines or up to ten years in prison. |
Social isolation | exclusion from social life | Avoidance leads to social isolation and loneliness. |
Community service | unpaid work for community benefit | He was assigned community service for six months. |
Life imprisonment | prison for life | Convicted terrorists sometimes receive life imprisonment. |
Rehabilitation programmes | programs to reform offenders | Rehabilitation is essential for long‑term change. |
Capital punishment | death penalty | Capital punishment is reserved for the most serious crimes. |
Suspended sentence | punishment deferred | He received a two‑year suspended sentence. |
Forfeiture | seizure of assets | The court ordered forfeiture of his property. |
House arrest | confinement at home | He was placed under house arrest for a minor offense. |
Non‑custodial sentence | penalty without jail time | The judge awarded a non‑custodial sentence. |
2.3 Legal and Court Vocabulary
Word or Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Alibi | proof of being elsewhere | Her friend provided an alibi for her. |
Judge | court official | The judge assessed the severity of the damage. |
Jury | group deciding innocence/guilt | They insisted on a trial by jury. |
Court reporter | records court proceedings | She started as a court reporter. |
Prosecutor | legal representative pressing charges | The prosecutor argued the state’s case. |
Defense | lawyer for the accused | His defense counsel listed key precedents. |
Conviction | formal declaration of guilt | I have a firm conviction about justice. |
Circumstantial evidence | indirect proof | There is only circumstantial evidence against him. |
Extenuating circumstances | mitigating factors | The judge considered extenuating circumstances. |
3. Useful Expressions and Collocations
Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
serve a prison sentence | serve time in jail |
revoke a license | cancel legal permission |
take part in unlawful activities | commit crimes |
reoffend | commit another crime |
turn somebody in | report someone to the police |
bail someone out | pay for someone’s release |
fight crime | work to prevent wrongdoing |
mimic violent behavior | imitate aggression |
breed future offenders | create environments that cause crime |
administer public propagation programmes | launch public safety campaigns |
heighten social awareness | raise public understanding |
prevent juvenile delinquency | reduce youth crime |
be brought to justice | face trial |
be wrongly convicted and executed | suffer wrongful capital punishment |
crime prevention programmes | public initiatives to stop crime |
security cameras and home surveillance equipment | video monitoring systems |
pose a serious threat to society | be highly dangerous |
turn to illegal acts to generate income | commit illicit acts for money |
4. Idioms Related to Crime & Punishment
Idiom | Meaning |
|---|---|
behind bars | in prison |
cover your tracks | hide evidence of your activity |
come clean | confess truthfully |
catch somebody red handed | catch someone in the act |
keep your nose clean | stay out of trouble |
get away with murder | avoid punishment for wrongdoing |
turn a blind eye | ignore wrongdoing |
brush something under the carpet | conceal a problem |
grease someone’s palm | bribe someone |
carry the can | take blame for others |
5. How to Use These Words in IELTS
Use collocations like “serve a prison sentence” or “rehabilitation programmes” in writing and speaking.
Include idioms such as “behind bars” and “turn a blind eye” to show natural language use.
In essays, frame arguments from perspectives such as society, offender, juvenile, or victim.
Final Tips for High IELTS Scores
Write example sentences using vocabulary like murder, capital punishment, community service, and extortion.
Practice explaining rehab, deterrence models, and juvenile crime prevention.
Mix formal academic usage with carefully chosen idioms for natural expression.
With this comprehensive vocabulary list and collocations, you’re well-equipped to excel in IELTS essays or speaking discussions on Crime & Punishment. Practice regularly and review these terms often to ensure mastery.
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