You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

　　Should criminals be sent to prison or should they do something else as a punishment? Explain your opinion and give your reason.

　　You should write at least 250 words. You should use your own ideas of knowledge and experience and support your arguments with examples and relevant evidence.

　　In recent years, a growing number of people have begun to challenge against the existing practice of sending criminals to prison. They argue that the law offenders should be punished to do something for the public. In my opinion, however, they should be locked up in prisons.

　　First of all, it can ensure a safe and comfortable living environment to the law-abiding citizens. For criminals like thieves, robbers, rapists or even murderers, it is improper or even dangerous to let them out of jails, because they still pose threat to our society. Just as an old saying goes, Mercy to the criminal may be cruelty to the people.

　　The imprisonment of criminals not only punishes the criminals but also deters the potential criminals. It will make would-be criminals think twice before they commit a crime. Researches reveal that there is a direct link between the implementation of imprisoning criminals and the decline of crime rate. Without the practice, the world would be in great chaos and full of blood and violence.

　　Some people may say that the practice lays heavy financial burden on the government. In fact, if the police want the behaviour of the criminals to be under control, they have to spend more money and time in supervising the criminals after they are set free. Furthermore, once the criminals commit crimes again, it will take the police much trouble to catch them. In addition, the loss and the damage to the victims will be irreparable.

　　From what I mentioned above, it is not difficult to draw a conclusion that criminals should be imprisoned in jails and receive compulsory reclaim. (271 words)