The increasing involvement of teenagers in serious crimes such as robbery, assault, and even murder has become a growing concern worldwide. Some people believe that young offenders should receive the same punishment as adults, arguing that this would deter ...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-08-01
This detailed guide analyzes a sample essay on whether teenagers who commit major crimes should receive adult punishment, providing students with the theoretical framework, specific examples, and examiner insights needed to build a nuanced, evidence-based argument for their English exams.
Why this matters on the exam
Argumentative essays are a cornerstone of the English subject in Norwegian upper secondary school, frequently appearing on final exams. This specific topic, concerning juvenile justice, is highly relevant as it taps into the core curriculum's aims related to "Citizenship and Society" and "Global Perspectives". Understanding how to structure this type of essay is crucial for achieving a high grade.
Here are three concrete reasons why mastering this topic is excellent exam preparation:
- It tests your argumentation structure. An exam task might ask you to "discuss both views and give your opinion." This requires you to present one side (e.g., arguments for adult punishment), then the other (arguments against), and finally synthesize these into your own clear, well-supported conclusion. This demonstrates mastery of the classic "drøftingsoppgave" format.
- It demands evidence-based reasoning. A top-grade essay moves beyond personal opinion. For example, a student who can argue that teenagers lack full culpability because the prefrontal cortex is undeveloped shows an ability to integrate knowledge from other fields—a hallmark of academic writing. Simply stating "teenagers are immature" is far less effective than referencing the specific biological reasons for that immaturity.
- It showcases nuanced language. The topic forces you to use sophisticated vocabulary related to law and morality. Using terms like culpability, rehabilitation, deterrence, and recidivism …