2 Read the writing task and make notes to answer the question below. You have been doing a class project on crime. Your teacher has asked you to write an essay about the following…

Essay Plan

Introduction

• Brief explanation of the statement: The statement suggests that any student caught stealing in school should face permanent exclusion.
• Thesis statement: I disagree with this statement, as the context and circumstances of each theft should be considered before determining appropriate punishment.

Body Paragraph 1: Understanding Stealing

• Define stealing and its implications in a school setting.
• Agree that stealing is unacceptable and undermines trust within the school community, but highlight that not all theft is equal.

Body Paragraph 2: Circumstances Matter

• Discuss scenarios:
  • Repeated stealing (e.g., money from classmates) could indicate deeper issues, warranting serious consequences but not necessarily permanent exclusion.
  • Stealing a pen from the office is minor and should not lead to such severe punishment.
• Emphasize that the severity of the crime should guide the consequences.

Body Paragraph 3: Problems with Permanent Exclusion

• Mention potential drawbacks:
  • Loss of educational opportunities for the student.
  • The possibility of exclusion being a deterrent but not addressing underlying issues.
• Discuss alternatives: counseling, restorative justice, detention.

Conclusion

• Restate opinion: Punishments should be proportional to the offense and consider context.
• Summarize: Permanent exclusion is not always an appropriate response to stealing at school.

First Draft of Essay (143 words)

The statement that any student caught stealing at school should be immediately and permanently excluded oversimplifies the issue of theft. While stealing is unacceptable and disrupts the school environment, not all acts of theft carry the same weight. For instance, a student found repeatedly stealing money from classmates may require serious intervention, yet exclusion may not address underlying issues such as economic need or peer pressure. In contrast, a student who steals a pen from the school office is committing a minor infraction that should not lead to expulsion. The context of theft must be considered when determining consequences. Permanent exclusion could deny a student education and lead to further negative outcomes. Instead, alternatives like counseling or restorative justice are more suitable, offering opportunities for learning and growth. In conclusion, punishment should be proportional to the offense and aim to rehabilitate rather than alienate students.