Tackle the IELTS Crime Topic With Structure, Insight, and Natural Delivery
Crime questions are common in IELTS Speaking Part 2 and Part 3.
But most students fall into two traps:
- Memorised answers: flat, robotic, overprepared
- Underdeveloped ideas: vague, repetitive, off-topic
This page shows you how to speak naturally about crime and justice — using structured responses, academic vocabulary, and real IELTS frames.
Common IELTS Speaking Questions About Crime
Part 2 Cue Card:
Describe a law in your country you think is important.
You should say:
- What the law is
- Who it affects
- Why it is important
And explain how it influences people’s behaviour.
Part 3 Follow-Ups:
- Do you think crime has increased in your country?
- Why do people commit crimes?
- Is prison always the best punishment?
- What else can governments do to reduce crime?
How to Structure Your Answers Without Memorising
Use This 4-Part Frame:
- Context – Set the scene briefly
- Opinion – Make your position clear
- Explanation – Add cause/effect or contrast
- Example – Real or imagined, with logic
Sample Part 2 Answer (Band 7–8 Style)
One important law in my country is the anti-corruption act, which targets public officials involved in bribery or fraud. It affects anyone working in government, and it plays a huge role in maintaining public trust. Without such legislation, corruption would go unchecked and harm both the economy and social justice. I believe this law influences behaviour by acting as a strong deterrent — officials know that the consequences are serious, including long-term incarceration and social disgrace.
Highlights:
- Uses “deterrent,” “incarceration,” “social justice”
- Shows progression and logic
- No memorised filler
Speaking Phrases to Express Complex Ideas
Expressing Opinion
- “I personally believe justice should focus on rehabilitation, not just punishment.”
- “In my view, deterrents like long prison sentences are not always effective.”
Qualifying a View
- “That might be true for serious crimes, but I think minor offences require a different approach.”
- “It depends on the situation — not all offenders should face the same penalty.”
Giving Examples
- “For example, in Norway, the justice system focuses on reform rather than incarceration.”
- “Take white-collar crime — sometimes people don’t even go to prison, which seems unfair to many.”
Vocabulary to Infuse Naturally
| Word/Phrase | How to Use It |
| deterrent | “Prison is meant to be a deterrent…” |
| reform | “The system should focus more on reform.” |
| justice | “Justice means more than just punishment.” |
| surveillance | “Surveillance has increased in urban areas.” |
| reoffending | “Reoffending is high without proper rehabilitation.” |
Avoid overusing the word “crime” — rotate with:
- offence, illegal activity, criminal behaviour, violation of the law
Fluency Drill: Try This Frame
Prompt: Why do people commit crimes?
Your Frame:
“In many cases, crime results from ______. For example, ______. However, I also believe that ______, which makes the issue more complex.”
Use this to balance social, economic, and psychological factors in real time.
Why This Works
Speaking fluently isn’t about speaking fast.
It’s about speaking with structure — using logical transitions, real vocabulary, and authentic tone.
With crime questions, the goal is to sound informed, flexible, and composed — not rehearsed.
Next Step: Build Speaking Fluency With Academic Vocabulary
Inside the IELTS Vocabulary Transformation course, you’ll:
- Train high-frequency IELTS Speaking topics — crime, education, technology, etc.
- Learn speaking structures that boost fluency and confidence
- Practise Band 7+ vocabulary in real speaking contexts
Speak naturally. Think clearly. Sound like Band 8.
This topic connects to another essential IELTS lesson—check it out here: