IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essay: Genetics, Childhood Behavior, and Criminality – High Band Tips

Recent IELTS Exam Question

Many researchers believe that we can now study the behaviour of children to see if they will grow up to be criminals, while others disagree. To what extent do you think crime is determined by genetics?

In IELTS Writing Task 2, candidates may be asked to discuss complex social issues, such as whether genetics determines criminal behavior and whether childhood behavior can predict future criminality. This to what extent do you agree or disagree question tests your ability to present a clear argument, support it with reasons and examples, and use formal academic language. This post provides a detailed breakdown, essay planning tips, key vocabulary, and three high-band sample essays: agree only, disagree only, and balanced approach.

Question Breakdown

• Topic: Genetics, childhood behavior, crime prevention
• Task Type: To what extent do you agree or disagree
• Focus Areas: Determinants of criminal behavior, role of upbringing vs genetics, interventions to prevent crime
• Task: Take a clear position on whether crime is genetically determined and whether children’s behavior can predict future criminality

Essay Planning

Option 1 – Agree: Crime is largely determined by genetics

Body Paragraph 1: Some studies suggest that genetic predispositions influence aggression and antisocial behavior.
Body Paragraph 2: Early identification of such traits may allow interventions to prevent future criminality.

Option 2 – Disagree: Crime is primarily shaped by environment

Body Paragraph 1: Family, social, and economic conditions have a stronger influence on criminal behavior than genetics.
Body Paragraph 2: Supportive education, mentorship, and social programs can prevent children from engaging in crime, regardless of genetics.

Option 3 – Balanced Approach

Body Paragraph 1: Genetics may contribute to predispositions, but it does not determine criminality on its own.
Body Paragraph 2: Early intervention, education, and positive social environments are essential to prevent children from becoming criminals.

Key Vocabulary & Language Elements

Vocabulary: criminal behavior, genetic predisposition, environmental factors, antisocial tendencies, intervention programs, upbringing, social conditioning, mentorship, juvenile delinquency, behavior analysis

Cohesive Devices: Firstly, moreover, in addition, however, on the other hand, therefore, consequently

Agreement / Disagreement Phrases: I firmly agree, I completely disagree, undeniably, it is evident that, contrary to this belief

Sample High-Band Essays

Sample Essay 1: Agree Only

Some scientists argue that genetics play a significant role in determining criminal behaviour, and I strongly agree with this view. Although environmental factors cannot be ignored, the influence of biology and inherited traits is undeniable.

Firstly, several studies in behavioural genetics suggest a clear link between certain genes and impulsive or aggressive tendencies. For instance, research on identical twins has shown that siblings separated at birth often exhibit similar behavioural patterns, including antisocial tendencies. Such evidence indicates that criminality may be hardwired, at least partially, into human DNA. If early signs such as aggression, dishonesty, or lack of empathy are observed in childhood, it becomes possible to predict whether someone may struggle with criminal behaviour later in life.

Secondly, understanding the genetic basis of crime can help society prepare preventive interventions. For example, children who show tendencies toward aggression could be given counselling, behavioural therapy, or moral education from a young age. Rather than waiting for crimes to occur, early genetic screening could allow governments to design programs that target at-risk children, thus reducing future crime rates.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that genetics play a central role in shaping criminal behaviour. While external factors matter, the ability to study children’s behaviour and identify inherited traits offers society a chance to prevent crime before it begins.

Word Count: 265

Sample Essay 2: Disagree Only

Some researchers claim that crime can be predicted by observing children’s behaviour and that genetics determine criminality. I completely disagree with this perspective, as I believe that social and environmental influences have a far greater impact on whether a child turns into a criminal.

To begin with, human behaviour is shaped more by environment than by biology. A child growing up in a supportive family, surrounded by positive role models, is far less likely to become a criminal, regardless of their genetic makeup. Conversely, children raised in poverty, abuse, or neglect are at a much higher risk of engaging in unlawful activities. It is therefore simplistic and potentially dangerous to claim that genes alone can explain criminal behaviour.

Moreover, labelling children as “future criminals” based on their genes or early behaviour could have devastating effects. Such assumptions might lead to discrimination, reduced educational opportunities, and a self-fulfilling prophecy in which children adopt criminal identities simply because they were branded as such. Instead of relying on genetic testing, society should focus on improving education, reducing poverty, and providing psychological support to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

In conclusion, crime is not determined by genetics but rather by complex social and environmental factors. By investing in supportive communities and positive upbringing, we can prevent children from growing into criminals without resorting to unscientific and harmful genetic predictions.

Word Count: 268

Sample Essay 3: Balanced Approach

The debate over whether genetics or environment determines criminal behaviour has been ongoing for decades. In my opinion, while genetics may influence certain behavioural tendencies, social and environmental factors play an equally, if not more, important role in shaping a child’s future.

On the one hand, genetics cannot be entirely dismissed. Research into behavioural psychology suggests that some children inherit traits such as impulsiveness or aggression, which may predispose them to risk-taking behaviour. Identifying these traits early could allow parents and teachers to provide targeted guidance, helping children learn emotional control and social responsibility. In this sense, studying children’s behaviour can indeed be useful for crime prevention.

On the other hand, environmental influences often outweigh biology. For instance, children growing up in poverty, under constant exposure to crime, or in broken families may resort to illegal activities not because of their genes but because of survival pressures and lack of opportunity. Similarly, access to good education, mentorship, and strong moral upbringing can redirect even those with risky tendencies toward positive paths. Therefore, while genetic factors exist, they do not determine destiny.

In conclusion, criminal behaviour is influenced by both genetics and environment. However, I believe that society can prevent children from becoming criminals by focusing on education, counselling, and supportive social systems, rather than solely relying on genetic predictions.

Word Count: 270

Final Tips for IELTS Candidates

1. Choose your stance (agree, disagree, or balanced) and maintain it consistently.
2. Use two strong reasons in two body paragraphs for clarity and coherence.
3. Support arguments with examples from research or social context.
4. Incorporate topic-specific vocabulary and cohesive devices naturally.
5. A balanced approach demonstrates critical thinking and improves task response.

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