Class 30

Crime and Punishment

 1. Complete the chart. Then describe each crime or offense. Which do you
think are major crimes? Which are minor offenses?

crime/offense shoplifting Vandalism Burglary murder

person jaywalker robber kidnapper

“ Shoplifting is when you steal things from a store. I think it’s a

relatively minor offense.”

2. What happened to people in your country when they break the law?
Complete the sentences with the expressions below.

…Sentenced to … put on probation. … arrested and put

life in prison. and jail.
1. People who commit murder usually get___________________.
2. If you get caught shoplifting, you usually get _______________.
3. If a person commits burglary for the first time, he or she gets ________.

3. Read the conversation.

Paula: Are you okay?

David: No
Paula: What's wrong?
David: I got robbed!
Paula: By who?
David: Some guy on the street just mugged me.
Paula: Are you hurt?
David: No, he just stole all of my things.
Paula: That's crazy.
David: I need to go to the police station.
Paula: Do you want me to take you?
David: That would be great. Thank you.

Let’s talk about you

1. Are there any places you are afraid to visit because
of the high crime rate? If so, where?

2. Do you always lock your house? How about your car?

3. Do you know someone who has been a victim of a

violent crime?

4. Do you think gun control is a good idea? Explain.

5. Do you think people who use illegal drugs should be

put in jail?

6. Do you think that punishment for violent crimes

should be the same for juveniles and adults?
Why/why not?

7. Do you think that the death penalty would prevent

crime in your country? Why or why not?

8. Do you think that the legalization of narcotics would

decrease the crime rate?
9. Do you think there are any legal drugs that should be
illegal?

10. Have you ever been the victim of a crime? How

about others in your family?

11. Have you ever done anything illegal? If so, what

did you do?

12. Have you ever had anything stolen?

13. Have you ever seen a crime?

14. Have you ever witnessed a crime?

15. What crimes do you think will decrease in the

future?

16. What crimes do you think will increase in the

future?

17. What crimes have you heard about recently in the

news?

18. Do you consider piracy to be a crime?

19. Do you think graffiti is vandalism or art?

20. Have you ever witnessed acts of vandalism?

21. What do you think is the main cause of vandalism?