在雅思寫作的考試中,犯罪類話題有點(diǎn)像“熟悉的陌生人”,稱它“熟悉”是因?yàn)槌嗽谛∽魑闹信紶柫羵€(gè)相之外,每年大作文中都有三到四次的考察頻率,并不算特別冷門;而說它“陌生”是因?yàn)樵诳忌迦航^大多數(shù)是學(xué)生的大背景下,犯罪似乎是一個(gè)離考生們的生活稍微有那么一點(diǎn)兒距離的話題,至少不太為多數(shù)的中國(guó)學(xué)生所討論。那么為了避免在考場(chǎng)上出現(xiàn)“你不問我就不談,你問了我就認(rèn)栽”的尷尬狀況,甚至很多考生表示在看到該類話題的一瞬間就有了重新報(bào)考下一場(chǎng)考試的念頭,筆者今天就稍微整理一下雅思寫作對(duì)于“犯罪類話題”的考察,通過考察要求和應(yīng)對(duì)方案這兩個(gè)角度來解構(gòu)一下這塊難啃的硬骨頭。
一、考察要求
在這樣一個(gè)大數(shù)據(jù)時(shí)代,明確雅思寫作考試對(duì)于“犯罪類話題”的考察要求的佳方式莫過于回顧一下歷年的真題,在眾多的真題中找到一點(diǎn)官方出題的規(guī)律,讓數(shù)據(jù)講實(shí)話。
20080112: Some peoplethink the best way of reducing crime is to give longer prison sentences. Others,however, think there are other better ways to reduce crime. Discuss both views andgive your own opinion.
20080918: Some peoplethink sending criminals to prison is not an effectiveway to deal with them. Education and job training are better. Towhat extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
20090917: Some peoplethink that all the lawbreakers should be sent into the jail, while others believethat they should also be made to do some work or learn some skills in the community.What is your opinion?
20100130: Many peoplebelieve that today there is a general increase in anti-social behaviors and lackof respect for others. What might have caused this situation?How to improve it?
20100804: In manyparts of the world childrenand teenagers are committing more crimes. What are the causes and how shouldthey be punished?
20110122: Todaythere is a great increase in anti-social behaviors and lack of respect to others.What are the causes of this? Who should take responsibilityfor dealing with it?
20110820: Some peoplebelieve that if police force carries guns, this encourages higher levels of violencein that society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20120512: Todayprison is the most common solution for crime. But some people think thatit would be a more effective way to provide them with better education to prevent themfrom becoming criminals. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20121103: Many peopleare afraid to leave home because of crimes. Some people believe that more action should be takento prevent crimes, but others feel little can be done. Discuss both views and giveyour opinion.
20130216: Some peoplethink all lawbreakers should be sent to prison, while others believethat there are better alternatives. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
20131109: Some peoplebelieve that young peoplewho commit serious crimes should be punished in the same way as adults. To whatextent do you agree or disagree?
20140607: Some peoplebelieve that if the police force carries guns, it would encourage a higher levelof violence in the society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
20140802: In manyparts of the world, childrenand teenagers are committing more crimes, what are the causes? How should theseyoung criminals to be punished.
20141108: Some peoplethink most crimes are the result of circumstanceslike poverty and other social problems. Others believe that they are caused by people who arebad in nature. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
20150425: Some peoplethink that teenagersshould be given the same punishment as adult criminals. To what extent do you agreeor disagree?
20150618: In manycountries, a high proportion of criminal acts are committed by teenagers. What are the causes of this phenomenonand how to solve it.
20150903: Many peopleare afraid to leave their homes because of their fear of crime. Some believe thatmore action should be taken to prevent crime, but othersfeel that little can be done. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
題目中標(biāo)紅的部分為涉及到對(duì)罪犯懲處的討論,而標(biāo)橙的部分為涉及到犯罪原因和解決方式的討論,另外標(biāo)注陰影的部分為涉及到青少年犯罪的討論,沒有任何標(biāo)注的為警察配槍的話題,因而得到以下這個(gè)餅圖。
我們不難發(fā)現(xiàn),雖然討論的是犯罪類這樣一個(gè)稍顯小眾的話題,但是考察的方向仍然是有限并且有規(guī)律的。主要的四大方向有:一、罪犯的處罰方式;二、犯罪行為的原因和應(yīng)對(duì);三、青少年犯罪;四、警察配槍的問題。并且隨著時(shí)間的推移,近年來針對(duì)青少年犯罪的考察更加頻繁,并且有與其他話題跨界及合并的趨勢(shì)。所以在平時(shí)的教學(xué)過程中可以從思路和詞匯兩個(gè)方面入手,找準(zhǔn)題目的切入口并且儲(chǔ)備一定量的相關(guān)詞匯,幫助考生掌握常見的犯罪類話題正確的寫作方式,從而做到充分準(zhǔn)備和從容應(yīng)對(duì)。
二、應(yīng)對(duì)方案
罪犯的處罰方式的考察一般是要求考生在“直接投入監(jiān)獄”和“提供教育和培訓(xùn)”中做出討論和選擇,所以考生應(yīng)該要做以下頭腦風(fēng)暴:
※ 對(duì)罪犯進(jìn)行監(jiān)禁是有一定的必要性的,不然這個(gè)世界也不會(huì)有監(jiān)獄這種東西的存在了。尤其是對(duì)于一些嚴(yán)重危害社會(huì)安全或者屢教不改重復(fù)犯罪的犯人,把他們投入監(jiān)獄體現(xiàn)了法律的公正和嚴(yán)明,利用監(jiān)禁剝奪罪犯的人身自由來達(dá)到懲戒的目的,也是對(duì)于其他守法者的人身和財(cái)產(chǎn)安全的保護(hù)。另外對(duì)于受害者的家人,也算是一種精神上的安慰。監(jiān)獄作為一種懲罰工具,不僅可以有效地控制犯罪者的行為,同時(shí)也能對(duì)潛在的犯罪分子有一定的威懾作用。
☆ 相關(guān)語(yǔ)料
crime = criminality 犯罪
the incidence of various criminalities hovers at a relatively high level 犯罪率居高不下
afflict/agonize the sufferers 給受害者帶來痛苦
jeopardize the security of the society 危害社會(huì)的安全
habitual criminals = hardened criminals 慣犯、怙惡不悛的罪犯
recidivism = repetitive criminality = continuous crimes 累計(jì)犯罪
criminals = offenders = law-breakers=perpetrators 犯罪分子
felons = serious offenders 重刑犯
reactionary gang 黑幫
gangster 歹徒、惡棍
terrorist 恐怖分子
bully 小混混
rehabilitate 改造
serve the purpose of rehabilitating criminals 起到改造罪犯的作用
imprison (imprisonment) 關(guān)押
put into prison/jail = locked behind the bars 投入監(jiān)獄
be deprived of freedom 被剝奪了自由
penal 刑事的
civil 民事的
fairness = justice = impartiality 公正性
judicial system 司法制度
potential criminals 潛在罪犯
deter威懾,震懾
deter sb from doing sth = stop sb from doing sth 阻止某人做……
have a deterring effect on 對(duì)…有威懾作用
has a deterrent role to play in…… 可以在……方面發(fā)揮威懾作用
provide criminals with custom-tailored ways of reclamation
應(yīng)該提供量體裁衣(因人而異)的改造方式
victim 受害者
human right 人權(quán)
provide the victims and their families with great spiritualconsolation
給受害人及家庭以精神上的慰藉
※ 對(duì)于其他偶發(fā)性的犯罪行為,要參考犯罪動(dòng)機(jī)來制定懲罰方式。比如過失犯罪者和法律意識(shí)不健全的罪犯,進(jìn)行法律知識(shí)的普及和教育是必要的。對(duì)于因?yàn)槠扔谏?jì)而進(jìn)行犯罪的,要給予他們生存技能的培訓(xùn),這樣才能有效地防止再次犯罪。另外還要考慮到有些人犯罪是由于心理方面的問題,所以給予這部分罪犯心理上的疏導(dǎo)和幫助更為實(shí)際。
☆ 相關(guān)語(yǔ)料
motive 動(dòng)機(jī)
petty crime 輕微罪行
act on impulse 一時(shí)沖動(dòng)
leniently 寬容地
be fully aware of something 充分意識(shí)到
legal consciousness 法律意識(shí)
popularize 普及
publicize 宣傳
identify the true motivation behind criminals 找到罪犯背后的動(dòng)機(jī)
livelihood 生計(jì)、生存
the hardship of making a living 謀生的艱難
survival skill 生存技能
mental disease/illness/disorder 心理疾病
psychological guidance 心理疏導(dǎo)
feasible = practical 實(shí)際的、可行的
released prisoners = those who are set free from the prison刑滿釋放的人
犯罪行為的原因和應(yīng)對(duì)這個(gè)考察點(diǎn)主要是讓考生對(duì)于犯罪行為產(chǎn)生的原因進(jìn)行分類討論并且給出相應(yīng)的解決方案,考生需要做以下的頭腦風(fēng)暴
※ 青少年犯罪行為的原因可以結(jié)合教育類話題來思考,除了本身青春期的沖動(dòng),明辨是非能力較弱外,更多的原因是來自于家庭的教育和社會(huì)環(huán)境的影響。家庭方面要考慮到父母對(duì)于孩子的溺愛、忽視和離異可能會(huì)讓孩子變得以自我為中心,不考慮他人的感受,甚至無視法律。社會(huì)方面要考慮到網(wǎng)絡(luò)和其他媒體上有很多包含暴力元素的影視作品,而心智不成熟的青少年很容易盲目地模仿,甚至觸犯法律和道德的底線。
☆ 相關(guān)語(yǔ)料
youth crime = teenage crime = juvenile delinquency 青少年犯罪
teenage criminal = young offender = juvenile law-breaker 少年犯
adolescence 青春期
immature = naive 不成熟
impulse 沖動(dòng)
hormone 荷爾蒙
distinguish right from wrong 明辨是非
spoil = dote 溺愛
neglect = ignore 忽視
parental divorce/separation 父母離異
single-parent household 單親家庭
limited access to education 受教育程度有限
self-oriented 以自我為中心
Internet = cyber 網(wǎng)絡(luò)
indiscriminate 盲目的
imitation = duplication 模仿
arouse one’s violent impulse 誘發(fā)暴力沖動(dòng)
mislead one’s life outlook and values 誤導(dǎo)人生觀和價(jià)值觀
go/lead astray 誤入歧途
embark on the criminal road 走上犯罪道路
conduct some anti-social offences 做出反社會(huì)的行為
misconduct = misdeed 劣跡、惡行違法行為
相關(guān)例句:
1. Without appropriateparental guidance, those teenagers who lack the capability to distinguish rightfrom wrong are vulnerable to the violent or pornographic content on TV shows.
一旦缺失了父母合理的引導(dǎo),那些缺乏明辨是非能力的青少年很容易成為電視節(jié)目中暴力色情內(nèi)容的受害者。
2. The over commercializedmass media is besieged with vivid depiction of various criminal activities and violence.
過度商業(yè)化的大眾傳媒中充斥著對(duì)于犯罪和暴力行為生動(dòng)的報(bào)道和描述。
3. Television violencehas contributed directly to the rising crime, as evidence by statistics showinga dramatic rise in copycat crimes.
統(tǒng)計(jì)數(shù)據(jù)表明因模仿而產(chǎn)生的犯罪行為有急劇的增長(zhǎng),這佐證了電視中的暴力元素直接地導(dǎo)致了日益增長(zhǎng)的犯罪率。
※ 成年人犯罪行為的原因可以結(jié)合社會(huì)類話題來思考,一方面科學(xué)研究的確表明謀殺等犯罪行為和基因遺傳有一定的聯(lián)系,另一方面成年人的犯罪行為更多的與其所處的環(huán)境有關(guān),比如貧富差距過大,缺少必要的生存技能,教育程度低導(dǎo)致的法律意識(shí)淡薄等。
☆ 相關(guān)語(yǔ)料
homicide 他殺
murder 謀殺
gene 基因
inheritance 遺傳
growth environment 成長(zhǎng)環(huán)境
less educated 教育程度低
wealth gap between rich and poor 貧富差距
相關(guān)例句:
1. Some people dohave the tendency of violence that is probably inherited via their genes.
有人確實(shí)天生具有暴力傾向,這可能是從基因中遺傳而來的。
2. Individuals havesome inherited characteristics and these can be significant in affecting their personalitiesand behaviors.
人們都有一些遺傳的特征,這些特征對(duì)他們的性格和行為有很大的影響。
解決方案方面,需要結(jié)合前面的原因討論給出有針對(duì)性的提議。
※ 根據(jù)青少年犯罪的特點(diǎn),更多地考慮到年齡段的特殊性來制定懲罰措施。除非是惡性犯罪或者慣犯,需要投入監(jiān)獄并輔以教育,其他的較為輕微的犯罪行為,應(yīng)該以教育為主并且輔以社區(qū)義務(wù)勞動(dòng)。
☆ 相關(guān)語(yǔ)料
malicious 惡性的、惡意的
take into account/consideration 考慮在內(nèi)
receive different penalty 接受不同的懲罰
punish (punishment) = penalize (penalty) 懲罰
community service 社區(qū)義務(wù)服務(wù)
provide favorable educational environment 提供良好的教育環(huán)境
※ 成年人犯罪要充分考慮到犯罪動(dòng)機(jī)和社會(huì)影響,以囚禁和教育(法律知識(shí)、生存技能和心理輔導(dǎo))相結(jié)合的形式進(jìn)行懲處,終達(dá)到防止再次犯罪的目的。
☆ 相關(guān)語(yǔ)料
criminal motive 犯罪動(dòng)機(jī)
social influence/impact 社會(huì)影響
strengthen/enhance one’s law-abiding awareness 提高守法意識(shí)
commit crime again 再次犯罪
combine = integrate 結(jié)合、綜合
※ 家庭方面,父母要多關(guān)注孩子的成長(zhǎng)和心理變化,并且與學(xué)校加強(qiáng)溝通和互動(dòng),及時(shí)發(fā)現(xiàn)問題,防微杜漸。父母本身也要做好榜樣,日常生活中避免家庭暴力并遵紀(jì)守法。
☆ 相關(guān)語(yǔ)料
physical and psychological well-being 身心健康
communication and interaction 溝通和互動(dòng)
set an example for 樹立榜樣
role model 行為榜樣
domestic violence 家庭暴力
observe discipline 遵紀(jì)
abide by laws 守法
※ 社會(huì)方面,完善相關(guān)立法,違法必究,執(zhí)法必嚴(yán)。同時(shí)要對(duì)媒體和網(wǎng)絡(luò)內(nèi)容加強(qiáng)審查,建立分級(jí)制度。此外還要注重社會(huì)公平,縮小貧富差距,維持社會(huì)穩(wěn)定和和諧。增強(qiáng)警力并且在公共場(chǎng)所安裝更多的攝像頭,對(duì)潛在的犯罪分子產(chǎn)生威懾作用。
☆ 相關(guān)語(yǔ)料
legislation 立法
implement = carry out 執(zhí)行
censorship 審查
supervise = monitor 監(jiān)管
purify the cyber world 凈化網(wǎng)絡(luò)世界
legislation 立法
enact laws 出臺(tái)、制定法律
stability 穩(wěn)定
harmony 和諧
bridge/narrow the gap 縮小差距
police force 警力
surveillance camera 監(jiān)控?cái)z像頭
另一個(gè)考察方向是青少年犯罪是否應(yīng)該和成年人犯罪采取同樣的懲罰方式,這里可以重點(diǎn)分析這二者的區(qū)別,頭腦風(fēng)暴可以參考上文所提及的青少年犯罪和成年人犯罪的原因,文中讓步段可以稍微提一下相同的懲罰措施是對(duì)法律公平性的體現(xiàn),但是主體段還是分析二者巨大的差異性而提出不該同罪同罰的論點(diǎn),并且點(diǎn)明同罪同罰對(duì)于青少年以后的人生和成長(zhǎng)不利。
☆ 相關(guān)語(yǔ)料
fixed punishment = be punished alike = receive identical punishment同罪同罰
disparity = difference 差異
characteristic = feature = trait 特點(diǎn)
personalized = customized 個(gè)性化的、因人而異的
后一個(gè)考察方向是警察是否應(yīng)該配槍的問題,這個(gè)話題的考察頻率低(僅在2004年、2011年和2014年出現(xiàn)過),但是難度很大,很多考生如果沒有思考過類似的問題,很難在考場(chǎng)上短時(shí)間內(nèi)完成該話題的寫作。所以該話題的頭腦風(fēng)暴應(yīng)該有以下幾個(gè)方向。
※ 支持警察配槍的理由包括:這么做既可以有效地處理正在發(fā)生的犯罪行為并且終結(jié)混亂,又可以威懾潛在犯罪行為并**公共安全。其次,配備槍支可以**警察的人身安全,在面臨暴徒的時(shí)候可以做到自我防衛(wèi)。后配槍行為也是一個(gè)執(zhí)法力的象征,讓普通民眾感到安全。
☆ 相關(guān)語(yǔ)料
possess guns 持有槍支
armed police 武裝警察
gun control 槍支管控
effectively and efficiently 有效并且高效
crack down on 制裁、鎮(zhèn)壓
crime scene 犯罪現(xiàn)場(chǎng)
chaos = mess 混亂
a symbol of capability to enforce the law 執(zhí)法能力的象征
deter 威懾
terrorism 恐怖主義
potential crime 潛在犯罪
personal security 人身安全
public safety 公共安全
self-defense 自我防衛(wèi)
sense of safety/security 安全感
※ 反對(duì)警察配槍的理由包括,警察可能會(huì)濫用槍支,在與持槍罪犯的交火中導(dǎo)致無辜民眾受傷,增加了執(zhí)法的風(fēng)險(xiǎn)。但是訓(xùn)練有素的警察是可以降低這一風(fēng)險(xiǎn)的,所以反方提出的風(fēng)險(xiǎn)是可以被減小和規(guī)避的。
☆ 相關(guān)語(yǔ)料
abuse 濫用
accidental injury = be shot by mistake 誤傷
innocent 無辜的
civilian 平民、民眾
pedestrian 行人
well-trained 訓(xùn)練有素的
risky 有風(fēng)險(xiǎn)的
evade 避免、規(guī)避
后,希望考生們?cè)谄綍r(shí)可以多讀書、多觀察、多思考,在準(zhǔn)備各個(gè)話題的時(shí)候都可以問自己兩個(gè)問題,第一寫什么,第二如何去寫。前者是解決話題的切入點(diǎn),讓自己變得有話可說,后者是關(guān)注詞匯、語(yǔ)法和論證,讓自己的觀點(diǎn)能夠被讀者理解并且信服。當(dāng)然,作文從本質(zhì)上而言是寫出來的,而并非是看出來或者想出來的,所以各位考生還是要多多練筆,多修改才能有進(jìn)步。