Writing, Task 2

 The
assignment: Some people believe that punishment is the only purpose of
prisons, while others believe that prisons exist for various reasons. Discuss
both views and give your opinion. 

People hold
different views concerning the reasons for the establishment of
prisons. Nevertheless, the majority of people agree that the main purpose of
prisons is to ensure citizens’ safety by protecting them from criminals. Some
people believe that this is the sole aim, while others think that prisons exist
for various reasons. To my way of thinking, I agree with the latter opinion.

To begin with, it is important to take into consideration the effect of prisons
on crime rate. Offenders pose a serious threat to a community and it is safer
to keep them in jails. If criminals were not sent to prisons, innocent people
would be in fear. Besides, high crime rates affect a community in different
negative ways in all areas of public life. For example, it would be difficult
for companies, schools and other institutions to be established in a dangerous
environment due to a lack of security. Thus, prisons should serve to assure
public safety.

On the other hand, it is undeniable that various programs of rehabilitation and
education should be used in order to change the asocial behavior of
lawbreakers. These days these programs play an essential role to educate and
provide prisoners with knowledge needed to lead a virtuous life. First of all,
they teach them to be responsible. Additionally, convicts obtain professional
skills which are important for them to integrate into society. Last but not
least, in prisons people can be treated by doctors and supported by
psychologists.

To summarize my ideas, despite the prevailing opinion that the only purpose of
prisons is punishment, there are more reasons for the existence of prisons.
Prisons not only guard law-abiding citizens from criminals, but rehabilitate
offenders and give them a better life.’