Writing Task
Some people believe that criminals commit crimes due to the influence of their environment, while others think that it is because of their innate nature. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Task Analysis
This task is a “Discuss Both Views and Give Your Opinion” (D&G) type of essay, asking us to explore two perspectives: one that attributes criminal behavior to environmental factors and another that claims people are born with criminal tendencies. We are also required to provide our own opinion, and in this case, our standpoint is that environmental factors are the decisive influence on criminal behavior.
To approach the essay, we’ll use an unbalanced format because it’s easier to find more convincing arguments for environmental causes than for natural tendencies. The first body paragraph will focus on how upbringing, poverty, and social pressures can push individuals into crime. The second body paragraph will acknowledge the role of natural tendencies but emphasize that they are less significant without the influence of negative environmental factors. By using this structure, we can build a strong case for our position that nurture is the dominant factor in shaping criminal behavior.
Writing Sample
The causes of criminal behavior have been widely debated, with some arguing that crime is a result of environmental influences, while others believe it is driven by inherent traits. In my view, environmental factors play a much more decisive role in determining criminal behavior than an individual’s natural tendencies.
Those who support the idea that the environment is the key driver of crime often point to the conditions in which individuals grow up. People raised in disadvantaged neighborhoods or dysfunctional families are more likely to commit crimes. Exposure to violence, lack of education, and limited opportunities often push individuals toward illegal activities as a means of survival or fulfillment. In communities facing poverty or high unemployment, crime rates tend to rise, as people feel they have few options to improve their lives. For example, young people who grow up in violent areas without positive role models might join gangs as a way to find a sense of belonging. This clearly demonstrates that the environment has a profound influence on shaping one’s behavior, and initiatives aimed at improving these environments, such as better education and social support programs, can significantly reduce crime rates.
On the contrary, some believe that people are born with certain natural tendencies that make them more likely to engage in criminal acts. They argue that some individuals have traits like aggression or impulsivity that drive them toward risky or illegal behavior. However, while such predispositions might exist, they are not enough on their own to cause crime. Even individuals with these characteristics may never get involved in criminal activities if they are raised in stable, supportive environments. It is often the challenges in their surroundings that trigger these inclinations, showing that natural traits are secondary to environmental influences.
To sum up, although individual traits have some influence, environment largely determines criminal behavior. Making sure people have better upbringing environments is the best crime prevention.
