IELTS Essay Topic #13 Guns and Weapons

Why Guns should be Legal

  • In some countries, people are allowed to own firearms
  • Individuals have the right to protect themselves
  • People can use guns in self-defense
  • This deters criminals

Why Gun Ownership should be illegal

  • There is a risk of accidents with guns
  • The number of violent crimes increases when guns are available
  • Criminals may be armed
  • The police then need to use guns
  • Suicide rates have been shown to rise when guns are available
  • Guns create violent societies with high murder rates

Why the Police should Use Guns

  • Many criminals use weapons
  • The threat of a gun can deter criminals
  • Police officers can force a criminal to surrender
  • It is easier to arrest someone and avoid physical violence
  • The police may shoot violent criminals in self defence
  • They can protect the public
  • They can shoot an escaping criminal who poses a serious danger to the public

Why the Police should not Carry Guns

  • There is a risk of accidents and mistakes
  • The police might shoot an unarmed criminal or an innocent person
  • Accidents can happen in public places
  • There are several alternatives to guns (e.g. tear gas, sprays and electric shock weapons)
  • Only special police units should use guns

Arm Trade: Positives

  • The export of arms, or weapons, is an extremely controversial issue
  • Governments of rich, industrialized countries sell arms to each other
  • This industry creates jobs and wealth
  • The trade of weapons may improve relationships between governments

Arms Trade: Negatives

  • Weapons may be used in conflicts and wars
  • The supply of arms could be responsible for deaths
  • Governments are promoting war in order to make a profit
  • Rich countries can influence the politics of other nations

Nuclear Weapons

  • Nuclear weapons are capable of destroying whole cities
  • A nuclear war between two countries would destroy both countries
  • Nuclear weapons are used as a deterrent
  • They prevent wars from starting

Nuclear Weapons: Opinion

  • Nuclear weapons should be prohibited
  • Governments should limit the production of nuclear weapons
  • There is a danger of nuclear weapons being obtained by terrorists
  • Nuclear weapons cannot be used against terrorist organizations

Armed Forces: Positives

  • Armed forces provide security and protection
  • They deter military attack by another country
  • They can also be sued to maintain peace within countries
  • They can be sued to give the police extra support
  • Soldiers are also used to help in emergency situations, such as after a natural disaster

Armed Forces: Negatives

  • Armies require a lot of funding from governments
  • Too much money is spent on weapons and military technology
  • This money could be spent on schools, hospitals and other public services