Page 133 - Grasp English C1 (Student Book)

Lawbreakıng 10

C. Match the schools of thought with their beliefs.

1. Classical School of thought
2. Positivist – biological perspective
3. Positivist – psychological perspective
4. Positivist – social perspective
5. Chicago School of thought

a. Criminals commit crimes as a result of poor upbringing and
relationships.
b. Criminals commit crimes if the reward is greater than the
punishment.
c. Criminals commit crimes due to their body’s physical and
chemical characteristics.
d. Criminals commit crimes to fit in with their own society’s
expectations.
e. Criminals commit crimes because they rank poorly on a range of socio-economic factors.

D. In pairs, explain the meanings of these sentences in the context of the text.
1. Punishment, if sufficiently severe, will deter people from committing crimes if the repercussions outweigh
the benefits.
2. Deterrents are effective, it argues, if they are swift, certain and in proportion to the crime.
3. One such reason, it was suggested, was that criminals are innately predisposed to commit crimes.
4. However, attempts by Cesare Lombroso in the late 19 century to prove that facial features, such as
th
certain hairlines and cheekbones, led to criminal tendencies failed.
5. This, in-turn, led youngsters to admire and imitate the older, more experienced and successful criminals
with whom they associated.
6. Those who were far from realising (the American Dream) by legitimate means, turned to criminal
means to achieve the desired measures of success.

E. In pairs, answer the questions.

1. Do you believe that people are hedonists and will commit crimes unless the punishment
is severe enough?
2. Do criminals act rationally and consciously?
3. Are some people biologically predisposed to commit crimes?
4. What psychological factors can lead people to commit crimes?
5. Why do you think there is a link between education and crime?
6. Why do you think there is a link between population density and crime?
7. Why is gang membership attractive to some people?

8. Why does the “American Dream” lead to crime? Who is affected by this?

F. Discuss the questions in pairs or groups.

1. What do you think predisposes people to commit crimes?
2. Do these people need help or punishment?

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