APIEIELTS Speaking: Crime, Law and Justice
Crime, law and justice
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
Module 1: Crime, Law & Justice — Warm-up & Building Blocks
Let's get our foundational vocabulary, essential collocations, and natural sentence structures ready before jumping into longer speaking answers.
📋 How to use this lesson
For Teachers
Say each phrase, then ask the class to repeat it. Check the answers on the screen together.
For Learners
Say each pattern aloud, then write one sentence of your own.
Core Vocabulary: Match the Term to its Definition
Here are 5 core terms from this unit's essential list. Match each definition row with the correct legal word.
6 Key Collocations: Connect Verb & Phrase
Natural speakers rely heavily on fixed verb-noun pairings. Match each collocation on the left to its everyday practical meaning.
A judge sitting in a courtroom during a trial, realistic, professional lighting, neutral colors4 Useful Sentence Patterns
Use these to talk about what should have happened, rules, what you have seen and what is likely.
"... should have [done something] ..."
Use this when reflecting on what was the right thing to do in hindsight, even though it did not happen.
"The driver should have stopped at the red light instead of rushing through."
🔊"... was made to [do something] ..."
Use this when someone in authority (parents, judges, schools) compelled you or another person to do something.
"When I broke my curfew as a teenager, I was made to apologize and clean the garage."
🔊"From what I've seen, people tend to ..."
Use this to share practical, real-world general observations without sounding overly formal or academic.
"From what I've seen, people tend to respect traffic rules more when cameras are clearly visible."
🔊"There's a good chance that ..."
Use this to express probable future outcomes naturally instead of overusing repetitive words like "probably".
"There's a good chance that community service teaches first-time offenders more than prison does."
🔊💡 A tip for speaking naturally
When speaking, combine these structures with your collocations: for instance, "From what I've seen, people who were made to serve a prison sentence often find it hard to start again."
Historical Quick-Fire: Guess the Year!
Test your general knowledge with these two quick milestone moments in law and human rights history.
In what year was London's Metropolitan Police established by Sir Robert Peel, widely regarded as the start of modern professional policing?
In what year did the United Nations General Assembly officially adopt the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Paris?
Describe a rule that you had to follow when you were a child.
You should say:
- • what the rule was
- • who made it
- • what happened if you broke it
- • and explain whether you think it was a good rule.
🎙️ Record your answer here
Click record, deliver your complete answer in 90 to 120 seconds, and submit for instant spoken feedback.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
"Well, one rule I had to follow was a nine o'clock curfew on school nights. My parents set it when I started middle school, because, you know, they wanted me to get enough sleep. If I came home even fifteen minutes late, I was grounded for a week. I was made to do the dishes, too.
I remember one time I lost track of time playing basketball at the park with my friends. I sprinted all the way back, but I still walked through the door at quarter past nine. My dad was waiting in the kitchen, pointing at the clock. True to his word, I couldn't go out the following weekend, and I spent every evening scrubbing pots and pans.
At the time, I thought it was incredibly unfair, especially since my friends could stay out until ten. I complained a lot. But looking back, I think it was a good rule. It taught me to be on time."
Useful phrases from this answer:
1. grounded for a week
A classic parental punishment where a child is forbidden from going outside with friends or enjoying recreation.
2. was made to
Shows that an authority figure enforced a duty or consequence without giving you a choice.
3. lost track of time
To be unaware of what time it is, often because you are busy or having fun.
Question 1 of 4
Why do some people break the law?
🎙️ Record your answer here
Express your point clearly, give reasons or real-life examples, and wrap up within 45 seconds.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
"Well, I'd say money is a big reason. When people have no job, they might steal just to put food on the table. For example, if someone loses their job and can't pay rent, they might feel they have no other choice but to shoplift basic groceries. And, um, teenagers sometimes copy their friends. They might vandalize a bus stop just to look cool in front of their group. Finally, some people just think they won't get caught. They believe they are smarter than the police and can easily get away with it."
Useful phrases from this answer:
1. put food on the table
To earn enough money to provide basic meals for a family.
2. shoplift basic groceries
To steal everyday food items from a store.
3. get away with it
Escape punishment or notice after doing something wrong.
Question 2 of 4
Is prison the best way to punish people who break the law?
🎙️ Record your answer here
Discuss both sides or state your stance on rehabilitation versus incarceration in 30 to 45 seconds.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
"It depends on the crime, really. For dangerous people, prison makes sense to keep the public safe. But for small crimes, like stealing a bicycle or painting graffiti, it can do more harm than good. Putting young offenders in a cell with hardened criminals often teaches them worse habits. So I'd choose community service instead. For instance, making them clean up local parks or paint over graffiti helps repair the damage they caused. It gives people a second chance to learn a lesson without ruining their whole future."
Useful phrases from this answer:
1. do more harm than good
Produce more negative consequences than positive outcomes.
2. hardened criminals
People who have committed many crimes and are no longer affected by punishment.
3. second chance
An opportunity to try something again after failing or making a mistake.
Question 3 of 4
Should police officers be allowed to use cameras to watch people in public places?
🎙️ Record your answer here
Discuss privacy versus public safety clearly, balancing your viewpoints in 30 to 45 seconds.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
"Yes, I think so, as long as there are clear rules. Cameras make people think twice before doing something illegal, like breaking into a car. And if a crime does happen, the footage helps police. For example, if someone's bag is snatched in a busy square, the video can show exactly where the thief ran. Of course, privacy matters, and cameras shouldn't be pointing into people's homes. But on the whole, having them in the street gives me peace of mind when I walk home at night."
Useful phrases from this answer:
1. think twice
To carefully consider whether to do something before actually doing it.
2. on the whole
Generally or overall, considering everything.
3. peace of mind
A feeling of being safe and free from worry.
Question 4 of 4
How could schools and families help young people to stay away from crime?
🎙️ Record your answer here
Propose practical solutions for both parents and educators, keeping a steady conversational rhythm.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
"I think they have to cooperate. Parents should really listen to their kids and know who their friends are. If a teenager is struggling, parents need to notice early. At the same time, schools can run sports clubs or music bands after classes to give them something to do. For instance, joining a local football team keeps them busy and teaches teamwork. If young people feel supported at home and have fun, safe activities at school, it will keep them out of trouble and help them steer clear of bad influences."
Useful phrases from this answer:
1. give them something to do
To provide activities so people are not bored and tempted to misbehave.
2. keep them out of trouble
To prevent someone from getting into bad or illegal situations.
3. steer clear of
To deliberately stay away from dangerous individuals or troublesome situations.
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