EOI C1 & C2: Crimes & Punishment

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  🎙️ EOI C1–C2 Monologue – Crimes and Punishments

  🧾 Instructions (EOI Oral Exam Style)

  You are going to talk about Crimes and Punishments. The following subtopics should be included:

  • Pickpocketing

  • Road safety

  • Death penalty

  • Bribing

  You have 1–2 minutes to prepare and then 4–5 minutes to speak.Try to use advanced vocabulary, idioms, and phrasal verbs naturally.

  🗣️ Monologue

  Crime is a complex issue that affects society on many levels, from petty offences to serious crimes. Take pickpocketing, for example. It may seem minor, but it preys on the unsuspecting and can ruin someone’s day in an instant. Urban areas with crowded transport systems are particularly vulnerable, and tourists often fall victim to these crimes. The law must not only punish offenders but also educate the public about prevention — sometimes, a little awareness goes a long way.

  Road safety is another area where criminal behaviour and negligence intersect. Reckless driving, speeding, and ignoring traffic signals lead to countless injuries and fatalities every year. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but statistics consistently show that education alone is not enough — strict enforcement, fines, and public campaigns are crucial. In this context, some might argue that penalties for dangerous driving should be harsher, because lives are literally at stake.

  Then there’s the controversial topic of the death penalty. Many countries have abolished it, while others still maintain it for the most heinous crimes. Personally, I find it difficult to support capital punishment, because it’s irreversible and does not necessarily deter crime more effectively than life imprisonment. Morally, it raises questions about the value of human life and whether the state should have the power to take life into its own hands.

  Finally, bribing is a crime that is often overlooked because it can be hidden in plain sight. It undermines justice, equality, and trust in institutions. People who give in to bribery or attempt to get away with it contribute to corruption, which ultimately erodes social cohesion. To combat bribing, authorities need both stricter legislation and a cultural shift that fosters integrity and transparency.

  In conclusion, crimes vary from minor misdemeanours like pickpocketing to severe acts like bribing and the debate around the death penalty. The key lies not only in punishing wrongdoing but also in preventing crime through education, awareness, and consistent enforcement. In the long run, a society that values justice, integrity, and personal responsibility is better equipped to keep crime at bay and ensure public safety.

  📚 Resources Used

  🔹 Advanced Vocabulary

  • Prey on – to take advantage of someone.

  • Fall victim to – to suffer from something.

  • Punish offenders – apply legal consequences.

  • Eradicate / prevent crime – reduce or stop criminal behavior.

  • Harsher penalties – stronger punishments.

  • Heinous crimes – extremely wicked acts.

  • Undermines trust – damages confidence.

  • Erodes social cohesion – weakens the social fabric.

  • Transparency / integrity – moral and honest behaviour.

  🔹 Idioms

  • A bitter pill to swallow – something unpleasant that must be accepted.

  • Hidden in plain sight – obvious but unnoticed.

  • Go a long way – have a significant positive effect.

  • Take into its own hands – act independently, often with authority.

  • Keep at bay – prevent from happening or approaching.

  🔹 Phrasal Verbs

  • Lead to – cause a particular result.

  • Give in to – yield to temptation or pressure.

  • Get away with – avoid punishment for wrongdoing.

  • Bring about – cause or make happen.

  💡 EOI Exam Tips

  ✅ Start with a general statement about crime in society to frame your monologue.✅ Include personal opinion: “Personally, I think…”✅ Use contrastive language: “On the one hand… On the other hand…✅ Conclude with a reflective or forward-looking statement.

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🎭 EOI C1–C2 Dialogue – Crimes and Punishments (Extended)

🧾 Context:

Two people are debating crime and punishment policies.Role A: Supports strict punishments, including the death penalty.Role B: Believes in rehabilitation, education, and prevention.

💬 Dialogue

Role A:Honestly, I think society has become too lenient. Crimes like pickpocketing, reckless driving, and bribing might seem minor, but they erode social cohesion. We need harsher penalties to ensure people don’t get away with wrongdoing. Sometimes, the only way to keep crime at bay is to punish offenders severely.

Role B:I see where you’re coming from, but I think that approach is short-sighted. Punishment alone rarely deters crime. Education and awareness can go a long way in preventing offences. Take road safety: campaigns that teach young drivers about the consequences of speeding and drunk driving bring about safer habits, often more effectively than fines.

Role A:Sure, education is important, but what about the most serious cases? Murder, terrorism, or organized crime? I firmly believe the death penalty is a necessary deterrent in these extreme situations. It sends a clear message and brings justice to victims.

Role B:I disagree. The death penalty is irreversible and morally questionable. It doesn’t necessarily deter crime any more than life imprisonment. Instead, we should focus on rehabilitation and teaching offenders to take responsibility for their actions. With proper programs, many offenders turn their lives around and even contribute positively to society.

Role A:Even for minor crimes, such as pickpocketing? You can’t just turn a blind eye. If you allow petty crimes to go unpunished, it encourages more serious offences. People need to understand that every action has consequences.

Role B:I’m not suggesting we ignore crime. I’m saying we should look at the root causes — poverty, lack of education, unemployment, and social inequality. If we bring these issues to light and educate the public, petty crimes naturally decrease. Bribing, for instance, is often systemic; punishing only individuals without addressing the system doesn’t get to the heart of the issue.

Role A:Fair point, but sometimes systemic issues still need strict measures. For example, reckless drivers put lives at risk, and fines are often too lenient. In my view, strict enforcement and real consequences teach responsibility better than lectures or campaigns.

Role B:Yes, consequences matter, but harsh punishment without education can lead to resentment rather than respect for the law. Teaching empathy, civic responsibility, and ethical behavior goes a long way toward creating a safer society. Rehabilitation programs, driving courses, and anti-bribery workshops also equip citizens with the skills to make better choices.

Role A:Okay, but what about high-profile bribing cases? Politicians or officials who give in to bribery often seem untouchable. Don’t you think harsher penalties and public trials bring out accountability and deter others?

Role B:They can, but fear alone isn’t enough. Corruption thrives when people think they can get away with it. We need transparency, whistleblowing systems, and a culture that fosters integrity. Punishment is only one part of the solution.

Role A:And yet, if someone repeatedly commits the same crime, doesn’t it make sense to escalate the punishment? Take repeat pickpockets or reckless drivers — they clearly ignore rules unless consequences are severe.

Role B:Sure, escalation has its place. But rather than jumping straight to extreme measures, we could combine punishment with education. For example, repeat offenders could attend community service, workshops, or counselling sessions. That way, they face consequences but also learn from their mistakes.

Role A:I suppose there is room for a middle ground. Minor crimes could focus on rehabilitation, and serious crimes could involve stricter punishments, up to the death penalty in extreme cases.

Role B:Exactly! We shouldn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. A balanced approach — prevention, rehabilitation, and appropriate punishment — ensures society is safer while fostering integrity and social responsibility.

Role A:Yes, and at the end of the day, the goal is the same: a society where crime is minimized, victims are protected, and citizens understand the consequences of their actions.

Role B:Absolutely. And if we also invest in education and awareness, from schools to media campaigns, we can keep crime at bay more effectively than fear alone. In the long run, prevention is more sustainable than punishment.

Role A:I can agree with that. Maybe the solution is a combination of both approaches: enforce the law strictly where necessary, but also equip citizens with knowledge and skills to make better decisions.

Role B:Exactly! That’s how we create a society that’s not only safe but also just and fair — where laws are respected and people take responsibility for their actions.

🎓 Useful Language & Resources

🔹 Advanced Vocabulary

• Erode social cohesion – weaken trust and cooperation in society.

• Harsher penalties – stronger punishments.

• Deter crime – discourage criminal behaviour.

• Rehabilitation – reintegrating offenders into society.

• Root causes – underlying reasons for crime.

• Integrity – moral honesty.

• Civic responsibility – duties of citizens.

• Accountability – being responsible for actions.

🔹 Idioms

• Keep crime at bay – prevent crime from increasing.

• Go a long way – have a significant effect.

• Bring about – cause something to happen.

• Turn their lives around – change life for the better.

• Turn a blind eye – ignore wrongdoing.

• Bring to light – reveal something hidden.

• Don’t get to the heart of the issue – fail to address the main problem.

• Throw the baby out with the bathwater – discard something valuable with the bad.

• At the end of the day – when all is considered.

🔹 Phrasal Verbs

• Get away with – avoid punishment.

• Bring out – highlight or reveal qualities.

• Look at – consider carefully.

• Equip with – provide necessary tools or skills.

• Face consequences – experience punishment.

• Turn around – improve a situation.

• Give in to – yield to temptation or pressure.

💡 EOI Exam Tips

✅ Use contrastive language: “On the one hand… On the other hand…”✅ Provide real-life examples: “Pickpocketing may seem minor, but in crowded cities…”✅ Include personal opinion: “Personally, I believe…”✅ End with a reflective conclusion: “Prevention and punishment together create a fairer society.”