Some people believe that children that commit crimes should be punished.

Others
think the parents should be punished instead. Discuss both views and give your own
opinion.

Juvenile delinquency has been a growing concern in recent decades, prompting questions
about whether delinquents or their parents should be held accountable for their actions.,
raising the question of whether the delinquents or their parents should be subject of
punishment. In my opinion, although parents do play a role in the constitution of criminal
behavior in children, the convicts, regardless of their age, should receive consequences.

The concept of culpability is often debated in cases involving minors.

liable to the wrongdoing of their children

Although parenting does play a part in individual action, it must be pointed out that
individuals also have a degree of autonomy (this of course by age; a four year old does not
have the same level of cognition as a seventeen year old).

instead of their own volition,

convict = in prison already => use verb: convict sb of sth

minor criminals

the young offenders

shaping a child’s moral compass

Admittedly, parents are accountable for their children's wrongdoing. as the home
environment is one of the primary influences shaping a child's character and tendencies..
That means, if the young in the family do not receive proper education from their caregives,
or are exposed to inappropriate and illegal behavior., they are more likely to engage in
criminal activities themselves. In fact, recent research in Viet Nam has shown that in most
cases of youth crime, the criminal often originates from a dysfunctional family background. in
which at least one parent is involved in addiction, violence, or has criminal records; As family
adults are often the main moral models for children and teens, if the parents exhibit criminal
behaviros, the children are likely to mimic. The study also mentioned that, in other cases, the
delinquent reports neglect or overindulgence by parents.. This lack of parental education
deprives the child of moral guidance and correction, much as lenient parents leads to a poor
sense of consequence. On this ground, the fact that children's propensity to commit crime is
heavily influenced by parental education and behavior. hold fathers and mothers rightly
responsible to an extent for their child's wrongdoings.

instilling moral values

Determining parental liability in child behavior is complex and controversial.

For instance, there have been a number of recent cases where children had unrestricted
access to firearms at home and committed accidental crimes, which points directly to
parental negligence.

Nevertheless, I believe that regarding punishment, it is the children that are deserving of the
consequences of their own actions. Firstly, not all youth convicts are innocent children who
commit crimes unintentionally.; a number of them are in fact ill-intentioned individuals who
act with a clear purpose of hurting others and causing damage. For example, investigation
into recent high-profile cases of school violence reveals that some teenage bullies actually
want to attack their friends, and even express pride when questioned by the police., as they
think their action is "cool" and "rebellious". In such cases, punishments should be used to
deter these individuals from such twisted and anti-social mindsets. Secondly, there is no
guarantee that if parents were punished in place of their child, the crime would stop. For
example, a parent incarcerated for his or her teenage child's homocide cannot ensures that
the child would stop commiting murder. Prison sentences, among other punishments, act not
only as threats, but also effective tools that deter or even temporarily remove dangerous
individuals from society.

In conclusion, although the family where parents are the main influence is partly to blame
when a child commit crime, I believe that it is unjustifable for parents to be punished for
something they did not commit, and that the child that directly carry out the crime should
face the consequences. However, it is worth considering that children of different age should
be given different forms of punishment that best fit them, so that they have a chance to
rehabilitate and reintegrate afterwards.

Band 9 Sample Answer:

The issue of juvenile delinquency and accountability for criminal actions has been a subject
of considerable debate. Some argue that children who commit crimes should face legal
repercussions, while others contend that their parents should bear the responsibility. This
essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my opinion.

On the one hand, proponents of punishing children believe that holding them directly
accountable serves as a deterrent against future offenses. When juveniles are subjected to
proportionate punishment, they learn the consequences of their actions, fostering a sense of
responsibility. For instance, community service or rehabilitation programs can provide young
offenders with the opportunity to reform and reintegrate into society. Moreover, excusing
children from punishment might send the message that they can act with impunity, thereby
encouraging further deviant behavior. Thus, proponents of this view argue that addressing
the problem at its source is critical to reducing juvenile crime rates.

On the other hand, critics suggest that parents should be held accountable, as they play a
pivotal role in shaping a child's moral compass. Poor parenting, including neglect or lack of
discipline, is often cited as a root cause of delinquent behavior. For example, children raised
in environments where antisocial behavior is normalized are more likely to commit crimes.
Punishing parents could incentivize them to adopt stricter supervision and provide a more
nurturing environment, ultimately preventing crimes before they occur. Furthermore, critics
argue that children lack the maturity to fully comprehend the implications of their actions,
making parental accountability a more just and effective approach.

In my opinion, while parents undeniably influence a child’s behavior, punishing them

exclusively overlooks the importance of personal accountability. A balanced approach that
holds both parties accountable is essential. For instance, children should face age-
appropriate consequences, such as counseling or educational programs, while parents could
be required to attend parenting workshops or provide compensation if their negligence is
proven to be a contributing factor. This dual approach not only addresses the immediate
issue but also mitigates long-term societal repercussions by fostering a culture of shared
responsibility.

In conclusion, the debate over whether children or their parents should be punished for
juvenile crimes is complex. While children must be held accountable to instill responsibility,
parental influence cannot be ignored. A hybrid approach, where both are held responsible in
appropriate measures, offers the most equitable and effective solution.

Key C2 Vocabulary and Collocations:

Juvenile delinquency

Accountability for criminal actions

Legal repercussions

Proportionate punishment

Deterrent against future offenses

Reform and reintegrate into society

Act with impunity

Juvenile crime rates

Pivotal role in shaping a child's moral compass

Antisocial behavior

Stricter supervision

Effective approach

Balanced approach

Parenting workshops

Mitigates long-term societal repercussions

Equitable and effective solution

Nâng cấp lập luận

Introduction: Juvenile delinquency has been a growing concern in recent decades, raising
the question of whether the delinquents or their parents should be subject of punishment. In
my opinion, although parents do play a role in the constitution of criminal behavior in
children, the convicts, regardless of their age, should receive consequences.

Feedback for Introduction:

Clear Position: The introduction effectively states your position that the convicts, regardless
of their age, should receive consequences for their actions. This clear stance sets a strong
foundation for the argument that will follow.

Relevance: The introduction is relevant to the essay question as it addresses the debate
about whether delinquents or their parents should be punished. However, it could be more
specific in addressing the different perspectives on the issue. For example, mentioning the
opposing view that parents should be punished instead of their children would provide a
more balanced introduction.

Brief Overview: The introduction lacks a brief overview of the main points that will be
discussed in the essay. Including a sentence that outlines the key arguments for both sides
of the debate, such as the role of parental influence and the need for accountability among
delinquents, would enhance the introduction's clarity and guide the reader through the
essay's structure.

Improved Introduction: The growing concern over juvenile delinquency has sparked a
debate about whether the delinquents themselves or their parents should be held
accountable for their actions. While it is true that parents play a significant role in shaping
their children's behavior, I believe that the delinquents, regardless of their age, should bear
the consequences of their own actions. This essay will discuss both perspectives on the
issue, examining the role of parental influence and the need for accountability among
delinquents, before presenting my own stance on the matter.

Main Point 1: Admittedly, parents are accountable for their children's wrong doing as the
home environment is one of the places that mold a child's character and tendencies. That
means, if the young in the family do not receive proper education from their caregives, or are
exposed to inappropriate and law-breaking behavior, they are more likely to engage in
criminal activities themselves. In fact, recent research in Viet Nam has shown that in most
cases of youth crime, the criminal comes from a malfunctioning family background in which
at least one parent is involved in addiction, violence, or has criminal records; As family adults
are often the main moral models for children and teens, if the parents exhibit criminal
behaviros, the children are likely to mimic. The study also mentioned that, in other cases, the
delinquent reports neglect or over-indulgence from parents. This lack of parental education
deprives the child of moral guidance and correction, much as lenient parents leads to a poor
sense of consequence. On this ground, the fact that children's tendency to commit crime is
heavily influenced by parents' education and behavior hold fathers and mothers rightly
responsible to an extent for their child's wrongdoings.

Feedback for Main Point 1:

Argumentative Logic: The argument effectively links parental behavior and upbringing to
the likelihood of children engaging in criminal activities. It logically argues that parents play a
significant role in shaping their children's character and behavior, which can influence their
criminal tendencies. However, the argument could be strengthened by more explicitly
connecting these influences to specific legal or societal consequences for parents.

Overgeneralizations: The statement that "in most cases of youth crime, the criminal comes
from a malfunctioning family background" is an overgeneralization. While it's true that family
dynamics can contribute to criminal behavior, it's important to acknowledge that other factors
like socioeconomic conditions, education, and community influences also play significant
roles.

Relevance and Effectiveness of Supporting Ideas: The supporting ideas are relevant and
effectively illustrate the argument. The examples of parental involvement in addiction,
violence, or criminal records, as well as neglect or over-indulgence, are strong examples that
support the claim that parents can influence their children's behavior. However, the
argument could benefit from a broader range of examples to show the diversity of parental
influences.
Unclear or Ambiguous Expressions: The expression "malfunctioning family background"
is somewhat vague. It could be clarified to specify what aspects of family dynamics are
considered "malfunctioning" and how these contribute to criminal behavior.

Unwarranted Assumptions: The argument assumes that all parents who exhibit criminal
behavior or neglect/over-indulgence will directly influence their children to commit crimes.
This overlooks the complexity of individual child development and the role of other factors in
shaping behavior.

Overly Assertive Language: The language used is assertive, which is appropriate for the
argument being made. However, introducing qualifiers like "often" or "can" would soften the
claims and acknowledge the variability in parental influence and child outcomes.

Overall Evaluation: Extended and Supported but Over-Generalized

Suggestions for Improvement:

Detail Specific Parental Influences: Expand on how specific parental behaviors or

conditions directly influence children's criminal tendencies. For example, discuss how
exposure to violence or substance abuse can lead to desensitization or a lack of empathy.

Introduce Broader Factors: Acknowledge other factors that contribute to criminal behavior,
such as socioeconomic conditions, education, and community influences, to provide a more
comprehensive view of the issue.

Clarify and Specify Terms: Use more precise language to describe what is meant by
"malfunctioning family background" and how these conditions specifically lead to criminal
behavior.

Balance the Argument: Include a discussion on how parents can be supported to prevent
their children from engaging in criminal activities, such as through education and counseling
programs, to provide a more balanced perspective on the role of parents in preventing crime.

Improved Main Point 1: While it is true that parents play a significant role in shaping their
children's behavior and character, the argument that they should be held accountable for
their children's criminal actions is complex. Research in Vietnam has shown that in many
cases of youth crime, the criminal comes from a family environment where at least one
parent is involved in addiction, violence, or has a criminal record. This suggests that parents
can influence their children's behavior by modeling criminal or inappropriate behavior.
Additionally, some parents may neglect or over-indulge their children, which can deprive
them of moral guidance and correction. These factors contribute to a child's likelihood of
engaging in criminal activities. Therefore, while parents are partly responsible for their
children's actions, it is also important to consider the broader societal and individual factors
that contribute to criminal behavior.

Main Point 2: Nevertheless, I believe that regarding punishment, it is the children that are
deserving of the consequences of their own actions. Firstly, not all youth convicts are
innocent children who break the law by accident; a number of them are in fact ill-intentioned
individuals who act with a clear purpose of hurting others and causing damage. For
example, investigation into recent high-profile cases of school violence reveals that some
teenage bullies actually want to attack their friends, and even express a sense of pride when
they are questioned by the police, as they think their action is "cool" and "rebelious". In such
cases, punishments should be used to deter these individuals from such twisted and anti-
social mindsets. Secondly, there is no guarantee that if the parents received punishment in
their child's stead, the crime would stop. For example, a parent incarcerated for his or her
teenage child's homocide cannot ensures that the child would stop commiting murder.
Prison sentences, among other punishments, act not only as threats, but also effective tools
that deter or even temporarily remove dangerous individuals from society.

Feedback for Main Point 2:

Argumentative Logic: The argument effectively distinguishes between children who commit
crimes out of malice and those who are influenced by their environment. It logically argues
that the former should face consequences for their actions, while the latter may benefit from
parental accountability. This distinction is well-supported by examples of school violence
cases where the perpetrators are motivated by a desire to cause harm.

Overgeneralizations: The argument could benefit from acknowledging that while some
youth convicts are indeed motivated by malice, others may be influenced by factors beyond
their control, such as poverty, lack of education, or mental health issues. This would provide
a more nuanced view of the issue.

Relevance and Effectiveness of Supporting Ideas: The examples of school violence and
the argument that punishments deter and remove dangerous individuals from society are
relevant and effectively support the main point. However, the argument could be
strengthened by discussing how these punishments also help rehabilitate the individuals,
rather than just deterring them.

Unclear or Ambiguous Expressions: The expression "twisted and anti-social mindsets" is

somewhat vague. Clarifying what is meant by these terms or providing specific examples
would enhance clarity and impact.

Unwarranted Assumptions: The argument assumes that punishing children will effectively
deter them from future crimes. While this is a common approach, it overlooks the complexity
of criminal behavior and the need for comprehensive rehabilitation programs that address
underlying issues.

Overly Assertive Language: The language used is assertive, which is appropriate for the
argument being made. However, introducing qualifiers like "often" or "can" when discussing
the effectiveness of punishments would acknowledge the variability in outcomes and the
complexity of the issue.

Overall Evaluation: Extended and Supported but Over-Generalized

Suggestions for Improvement:

Introduce a Broader Perspective: Expand the discussion to include the role of societal and
environmental factors that contribute to criminal behavior in youth. This would provide a
more comprehensive understanding of the issue and suggest more effective solutions.

Clarify and Specify Terms: Define "twisted and anti-social mindsets" more clearly to avoid
ambiguity. This could include examples of behaviors or attitudes that are considered harmful
or unacceptable.

Balance the Argument: Acknowledge the limitations of punishment alone in deterring crime
and discuss the need for a combination of punishments and rehabilitation programs to
effectively address youth crime.

Improved Main Point 2: While it is true that parents play a significant role in shaping their
children's behavior, I believe that the children themselves should bear the consequences of
their actions. Not all youth who commit crimes are innocent or act impulsively; many are
motivated by a desire to cause harm or engage in anti-social behavior. For instance, recent
cases of school violence have shown that some teenagers deliberately attack their peers,
often with a sense of pride and a perception that such behavior is "cool" or "rebellious." In
these situations, punishments are necessary to deter such harmful actions and remove
dangerous individuals from society. Additionally, there is no guarantee that punishing
parents for their children's crimes would effectively prevent future offenses. For example, a
parent imprisoned for their child's murder cannot ensure that the child will cease committing
violent acts. Therefore, while parents should be held accountable for their role in shaping
their children's behavior, it is the children who should face the consequences of their own
actions, with the aim of rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Task Response
Band Score for Task Response: 8

Answer All Parts of the Question:

Detailed explanation: The essay effectively addresses both views regarding whether
children or their parents should be punished for juvenile crimes. The introduction clearly
outlines the debate, and the body paragraphs present arguments for both sides. The author
acknowledges the role of parents in shaping a child's behavior while also asserting that
children should face consequences for their actions. This balanced approach demonstrates
a comprehensive understanding of the prompt.

How to improve: To enhance the response, the author could provide more specific
examples or statistics to support the claims made about parental influence and juvenile
behavior. Additionally, a more explicit comparison of the two viewpoints in the conclusion
could strengthen the overall argument.

Present a Clear Position Throughout:

Detailed explanation: The essay maintains a clear position that children should be
punished for their crimes, despite acknowledging parental responsibility. The author
consistently reinforces this stance throughout the essay, particularly in the second body
paragraph where they argue against the effectiveness of punishing parents. The use of
phrases like "I believe" and "in my opinion" helps to clarify the author's viewpoint.

How to improve: While the position is clear, the author could further strengthen their
argument by explicitly stating their opinion in the conclusion, summarizing the key reasons
for their stance. This would reinforce the clarity of their position and ensure it resonates with
the reader.

Present, Extend, and Support Ideas:

Detailed explanation: The essay presents and develops ideas effectively, particularly in
discussing the influence of parents on children's behavior and the rationale for punishing
children. The use of examples, such as the investigation into school violence, provides
concrete support for the arguments made. However, some ideas could be extended further;
for instance, the discussion on the consequences of parental neglect could include more
detail on how this specifically leads to criminal behavior.

How to improve: To improve the depth of the argument, the author could elaborate on the
implications of their points. For example, discussing potential rehabilitation programs for
juvenile offenders or the societal impact of punishing parents could provide a more nuanced
view of the issue.

Stay on Topic:

Detailed explanation: The essay remains focused on the topic throughout, with each
paragraph contributing to the overall discussion of juvenile crime and punishment. The
author does not deviate from the main question, ensuring that all points made are relevant to
the prompt.

How to improve: To maintain this focus even more effectively, the author could ensure that
each paragraph begins with a clear topic sentence that directly relates to the prompt. This
would help guide the reader through the argument and reinforce the relevance of each point
made.

Overall, the essay demonstrates a strong understanding of the task and presents a well-
structured argument. With some enhancements in the areas of example specificity,
argument extension, and explicit topic alignment, the essay could achieve an even higher
score.

Coherence & Cohesion

Band Score for Coherence and Cohesion: 8

Organize Information Logically:

Detailed explanation: The essay presents a clear and logical structure, beginning with an
introduction that outlines the topic and the writer's stance. Each paragraph addresses a
specific aspect of the argument, with the first paragraph focusing on the role of parents in
shaping a child's behavior and the second paragraph emphasizing the accountability of the
children themselves. The progression from discussing parental influence to the necessity of
punishing children is coherent and effectively leads the reader through the argument.
However, the transition between the two main viewpoints could be smoother, as the shift
from discussing parental responsibility to children's accountability feels somewhat abrupt.

How to improve: To enhance logical flow, consider using transitional phrases that explicitly
connect the two viewpoints. For example, after discussing parental influence, a sentence like
"However, despite this significant influence, it is crucial to recognize that children must also
bear the consequences of their actions" could provide a clearer transition to the next
argument.

Use Paragraphs:

Detailed explanation: The essay effectively uses paragraphs to separate different ideas,
with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the argument. The first paragraph
discusses parental responsibility, while the second addresses the need for children to face
consequences. The conclusion succinctly summarizes the main points and reiterates the
writer's opinion. However, the paragraphs could benefit from clearer topic sentences that
encapsulate the main idea of each paragraph more explicitly.

How to improve: Strengthen the topic sentences of each paragraph to clearly indicate the
main idea. For instance, the first paragraph could start with a sentence like, "The role of
parents in shaping their children's behavior is critical, and they should be held accountable
for their actions." This would provide a clearer framework for the reader and enhance the
overall coherence of the essay.

Use a Range of Cohesive Devices:

Detailed explanation: The essay demonstrates a good use of cohesive devices, such as
"Admittedly," "Nevertheless," and "For example," which help to connect ideas and provide
clarity. The use of cohesive devices contributes to the overall flow of the essay, allowing the
reader to follow the argument easily. However, there are instances where the repetition of
certain phrases, such as "parents" and "children," could be varied to avoid redundancy and
enhance the richness of the text.

How to improve: To diversify the use of cohesive devices, consider incorporating synonyms
or alternative phrases to refer to parents and children. For example, instead of repeatedly
using "parents," you could use "guardians" or "caregivers" in some instances. Additionally,
varying the structure of sentences that introduce examples or contrasting ideas can make
the writing more engaging. For instance, instead of starting multiple sentences with "For
example," you could use phrases like "A case in point is..." or "This is illustrated by..."

Overall, the essay demonstrates a strong command of coherence and cohesion, effectively
organizing ideas and using cohesive devices. By implementing the suggested
improvements, the writer can further enhance the clarity and sophistication of their
argument.

Lexical Resource
Band Score for Lexical Resource: 7

Use a Wide Range of Vocabulary:

Detailed explanation: The essay demonstrates a good range of vocabulary relevant to the
topic of juvenile delinquency and parental responsibility. Terms such as "juvenile
delinquency," "malfunctioning family background," "moral models," and "anti-social
mindsets" illustrate the writer's ability to use topic-specific language effectively. However,
there are instances where the vocabulary could be more varied; for example, the repeated
use of "parents" and "children" could be substituted with synonyms like "guardians,"
"caregivers," "youth," or "offspring" to enhance lexical diversity.

How to improve: To improve, the writer should aim to incorporate a broader range of
synonyms and expressions throughout the essay. This can be achieved by brainstorming
alternative words or phrases before writing, ensuring that the language remains varied and
engaging.

Use Vocabulary Precisely:

Detailed explanation: The essay generally uses vocabulary with a fair degree of precision.
Phrases like "moral guidance" and "poor sense of consequence" are apt and convey the
intended meanings clearly. However, there are some instances of imprecise vocabulary,
such as "the delinquents or their parents should be subject of punishment," where "subject
to punishment" would be the correct phrase. Additionally, the term "rebellious" is misspelled
as "rebelious," which detracts from the precision of the vocabulary used.

How to improve: To enhance precision, the writer should double-check phrases for
correctness and ensure that idiomatic expressions are used accurately. Reading the essay
aloud can help identify awkward or incorrect phrases. Furthermore, maintaining a thesaurus
or vocabulary list can assist in selecting the most appropriate words during the writing
process.

Use Correct Spelling:

Detailed explanation: The essay displays a good level of spelling accuracy overall, with
only a few errors. The misspelling of "rebellious" as "rebelious" is the most notable issue,
which could lead to confusion for the reader. Additionally, the phrase "wrong doing" should
be written as "wrongdoing" as it is a single word.

How to improve: To improve spelling accuracy, the writer should consider implementing a
proofreading strategy, such as reading the essay multiple times or using spell-check tools.
Additionally, practicing spelling through writing exercises or quizzes can help reinforce
correct spelling habits.

In summary, while the essay demonstrates a solid command of vocabulary with a band
score of 7 for Lexical Resource, there are opportunities for improvement in terms of variety,
precision, and spelling accuracy. By focusing on these areas, the writer can enhance their
lexical resource further and potentially achieve a higher band score.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy

Band Score for Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 8

Use a Wide Range of Structures:

Detailed explanation: The essay demonstrates a commendable variety of sentence

structures, including complex and compound sentences. For example, the use of phrases
such as "the convicts, regardless of their age, should receive consequences" and "the fact
that children's tendency to commit crime is heavily influenced by parents' education and
behavior hold fathers and mothers rightly responsible" showcases the writer's ability to
manipulate sentence forms effectively. Additionally, the essay includes various subordinate
clauses, which enhance the complexity of the arguments presented.

How to improve: To further diversify sentence structures, the writer could incorporate more
varied introductory phrases and transitions between ideas. For instance, using phrases like
"In contrast" or "Conversely" at the beginning of contrasting points could enhance the flow of
the essay. Additionally, experimenting with different sentence lengths and structures, such
as starting sentences with adverbial clauses or using inversion for emphasis, could add
further variety.

Use Grammar and Punctuation Accurately:

Detailed explanation: The essay generally maintains a high level of grammatical accuracy,
with only a few minor errors. For example, the phrase "the criminal comes from a
malfunctioning family background" is clear, but the use of "the criminal" could be more
precise if it referred back to "youth crime" instead. Additionally, the phrase "the fact that
children's tendency to commit crime is heavily influenced by parents' education and behavior
hold fathers and mothers rightly responsible" contains a subject-verb agreement error; "hold"
should be "holds" to agree with the singular subject "the fact." Punctuation is mostly
accurate, though there are instances where commas could enhance clarity, such as before
"as they think their action is 'cool' and 'rebelious'" to separate the clause more clearly.
How to improve: To improve grammatical accuracy, the writer should pay closer attention to
subject-verb agreement and ensure that singular and plural forms are consistent throughout
the essay. Additionally, reviewing punctuation rules, particularly regarding the use of
commas in complex sentences, would enhance clarity. A thorough proofreading process can
help catch these minor errors before submission.

Overall, the essay is well-structured and presents a balanced view of the topic, with clear
arguments supported by relevant examples. By focusing on diversifying sentence structures
and refining grammatical accuracy, the writer can further enhance the quality of their writing.

Bài chữa tham khảo

Juvenile delinquency has become an increasing concern in recent decades, raising the
question of whether the delinquents themselves or their parents should be subject to
punishment. In my opinion, although parents do play a significant role in the development of
criminal behavior in children, the offenders, regardless of their age, should face
consequences for their actions.

Admittedly, parents are accountable for their children's wrongdoing, as the home
environment is one of the primary factors that shape a child's character and tendencies. This
means that if young individuals in a family do not receive proper education from their
caregivers or are exposed to inappropriate and law-breaking behavior, they are more likely
to engage in criminal activities themselves. In fact, recent research in Vietnam has shown
that in most cases of youth crime, the offenders come from dysfunctional family backgrounds
where at least one parent is involved in addiction, violence, or has a criminal record. Since
family adults often serve as the main moral role models for children and teenagers, if parents
exhibit criminal behavior, the children are likely to mimic it. The study also noted that, in
other instances, the delinquents report neglect or over-indulgence from their parents. This
lack of parental guidance deprives the child of moral direction and correction, just as lenient
parenting leads to a poor understanding of consequences. Therefore, the fact that children's
tendencies to commit crimes are heavily influenced by their parents' education and behavior
justifiably holds mothers and fathers responsible to some extent for their child's
wrongdoings.

Nevertheless, I believe that when it comes to punishment, it is the children who deserve the
consequences of their own actions. Firstly, not all young offenders are innocent children who
break the law by accident; many of them are, in fact, ill-intentioned individuals who act with a
clear purpose of harming others and causing damage. For example, investigations into
recent high-profile cases of school violence reveal that some teenage bullies actually intend
to attack their peers and even express a sense of pride when questioned by the police, as
they perceive their actions as "cool" and "rebellious." In such cases, punishments should be
employed to deter these individuals from such twisted and anti-social mindsets. Secondly,
there is no guarantee that if parents were punished in place of their children, the crime would
cease. For instance, a parent incarcerated for their teenage child's homicide cannot ensure
that the child would stop committing murder. Prison sentences, among other forms of
punishment, serve not only as deterrents but also as effective measures that remove
dangerous individuals from society, at least temporarily.

In conclusion, although the family, where parents are the primary influence, is partly to
blame when a child commits a crime, I believe it is unjustifiable for parents to be punished
for something they did not commit. The child who directly carries out the crime should face
the consequences. However, it is worth considering that children of different ages should
receive different forms of punishment that best suit their needs, allowing them the
opportunity to rehabilitate and reintegrate into society afterwards.
Từ vựng tham khảo
Word Meaning and Example

juvenile (Vị thành niên) A young person, typically

one who is not yet considered an adult.
Example: The _______ offender was given
a chance for rehabilitation instead of harsh
punishment.

accountability (Trách nhiệm) The fact or condition of being

accountable; responsibility. Example: Some
argue that parents should have full _______
for their children's actions.

deterrent (Răn đe) A factor that discourages or is

intended to discourage someone from doing
something. Example: Strict laws serve as a
_______ to prevent juvenile crime.

rehabilitation (Tái hòa nhập) The process of helping

someone return to a healthy and productive
life after imprisonment or delinquency.
Example: Effective _______ programs can
reduce recidivism.

culpability (Tính có tội) The degree to which someone

is responsible for a fault or wrongdoing.
Example: The concept of _______ is often
debated in cases involving minors.

punitive (Trừng phạt) Inflicting or intended as

punishment. Example: Some believe that
_______ measures are necessary to
address youth crime.

moral compass (La bàn đạo đức) An internal guide to right

and wrong. Example: Children rely on their
parents to develop a strong _______
_______.
Word Meaning and Example

societal norms (Chuẩn mực xã hội) The rules or

expectations that govern behavior within a
society. Example: Changing _______
_______ can influence the perception of
juvenile crime.

liability (Trách nhiệm pháp lý) The state of being

responsible for something, especially by
law. Example: Determining parental
_______ in child behavior is complex and
controversial.

intervention (Can thiệp) Involvement in a situation to

alter the outcome. Example: Early _______
can help steer children away from criminal
paths.