Introduction The question of how severely criminals should be punished has always been debated. Some people believe that strict and harsh punishments are necessary to maintain law and order, while others argue that such...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-23
This guide provides a model essay on severe punishment for criminals, breaking down how to structure arguments for and against harsh penalties and offering a balanced conclusion. Use our expert analysis and examiner insights to elevate your own writing from a passing grade to an excellent one.
This page offers a comprehensive guide to writing a high-scoring argumentative essay on the topic of severe punishment for criminals, a frequent theme in English exams. It provides a detailed model essay, explains core concepts, highlights common student pitfalls, and outlines what examiners look for. By studying this guide, students will learn to construct balanced arguments, use precise vocabulary, and develop a nuanced perspective on complex societal issues, preparing them for success in their English VGS exams.
Why this matters on the exam
In the English subject (LK20), a core competency is to "discuss and elaborate on social issues and cultural expressions from different parts of the English-speaking world." The topic of crime and punishment is a classic theme that appears frequently in long-form writing tasks on the VG1–VG3 exams. Tasks often use prompts like "Discuss both views and give your opinion," requiring you to demonstrate balanced reasoning, structured argumentation, and a nuanced perspective. Mastering this topic not only prepares you for specific questions about the justice system but also hones your ability to write a strong argumentative essay on any controversial subject, a key skill for achieving a top grade.
Model Essay: Discussing Severe Punishment for Criminals
Below is a well-structured essay that addresses the prompt. Pay close attention to how it introduces the topic, presents arguments for both sides in separate paragraphs, and uses a concluding paragraph to synthesise the points and present a final opinion. …