Simon’s ielts writing task 2

improving our lives. 
Discuss both views and give your opinion.
General ideas:
a consumer society, materialistic, earn money, make money, make a profit, success, material 
possessions, connect wealth with happiness, status symbols, the power of advertising. 
Positives of consumerism:
employment, income, salaries, products that we need, reduce poverty, better standard of living, 
quality of life, creativity and innovation, trade between countries. 
Negatives:
create waste, use natural resources, damage to the environment, throw-away culture, people become 
greedy, selfish, money does not make us happy, loss of traditional values. 
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IELTS Writing Task 2
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Wednesday, December 15, 2010 
IELTS Writing Task 2: fixed punishments 
Some people believe that there should be fixed punishments for each type of crime. Others, however, 
argue that the circumstances of an individual crime, and the motivation for committing it, should 
always be taken into account when deciding on the punishment. Discuss both these views and give 
your own opinion.
Here is my suggested essay outline: 
1. Introduction: topic + response
People have different views about whether punishments for crimes should be fixed. Although there 
are some advantages of fixed punishments, I believe that it is better to judge each crime individually. 
2. Benefits of fixed punishments
There are some good arguments for having one set punishment for each crime. 
IDEAS: easy, fair justice system; everyone is aware of the punishment for each crime; fixed 
punishments could deter criminals. 
3. Benefits of not having fixed punishments
However, I would argue that the circumstances of a crime and the criminal’s motivation should have 
an influence on the punishment. 
IDEAS: judge can decide the best response; a more humane system; example: stealing to feed a 
family compared to stealing for profit.