The 9th Form. Reading Comprehension. Punishment. Crimes and Criminals.

Read the text and do the tasks.

In many countries, the punishment for a serious crime is life in prison. In some places, however, there are other options.

The Death Penalty

The death penalty, or capital punishment, is the most extreme form of punishment. It's when the government kills someone who has committed a serious crime, usually murder. There are currently 58 countries that still use the death penalty. Some people believe it is an effective deterrent to crime, while others think it is inhumane and should be abolished.

Corporal Punishment

Corporal punishment involves physically harming someone as a form of discipline or punishment. This can include methods such as whipping, caning, or flogging. It is typically used in countries where religious law plays a significant role, such as Saudi Arabia. However, there is a global movement against corporal punishment, and many countries have banned its use, especially in schools and prisons.

Forced Labor

Forced labor, also known as hard labor, is another alternative to life imprisonment. Instead of being locked up, prisoners are forced to work on various tasks, often under harsh conditions. This can range from manual labor, like farming or construction, to manufacturing goods. Forced labor is controversial because it can violate human rights and lead to exploitation.

Rehabilitation Programs

Instead of focusing solely on punishment, some countries emphasise rehabilitation programs. These programs aim to reform prisoners so they can successfully reintegrate into society after their release. They provide education, job training, therapy, and other resources to help prisoners change their behaviour and develop new skills.

Electronic Monitoring

Electronic monitoring, or house arrest, is a form of punishment where offenders are required to stay at home and wear an electronic device that tracks their movements. This allows authorities to monitor their activities and ensure they don't leave their designated area without permission. Electronic monitoring is often used for non-violent crimes and can be seen as a way to reduce prison overcrowding.

While life imprisonment is the most common punishment for serious crimes, there are other options that some countries use. The choice of punishment depends on various factors, including cultural values, legal systems, and public opinion.

Task A. Choose the title for the text. Explain your choice.

1. Alternative Forms of Punishment for Serious Crimes

2. The Psychological Impact of Rehabilitation Programs

3. Is the Death Penalty Effective in Preventing Crime?

Task B. Decide if the statements are TRUE or FALSE.

Statements:

1. The death penalty is used in 58 countries.

2. Corporal punishment is primarily used in secular countries.

3. Forced labor violates human rights.

4. Rehabilitation programs aim to punish prisoners.

5. Electronic monitoring is used for violent crimes.

6. Life imprisonment is the only punishment for serious crimes.

7. The death penalty is considered inhumane by everyone.

8. Corporal punishment is banned in all countries.

9. Forced labor involves prisoners working under comfortable conditions.

10. Rehabilitation programs focus on helping prisoners reintegrate into society.

Task C. Choose the correct option.

Questions:

1. Which punishment is considered the most extreme form of punishment?

A. Life imprisonment

B. Corporal punishment

C. Forced labor

D. The death penalty

2. How many countries currently use the death penalty?

A. 58

B. 30

C. 100

D. 10

3. What is the global movement against corporal punishment trying to achieve?

A. Legalising its use in schools and prisons

B. Expanding its use in religious countries

C. Banning its use in schools and prisons

D. Promoting its use as an alternative to life imprisonment

4. What is the main goal of rehabilitation programs for prisoners?

A. Punishing them for their crimes

B. Reforming them to reintegrate into society

C. Providing them with harsh conditions for labor

D. Monitoring their activities through electronic devices

5. When is electronic monitoring often used as a punishment?

A. For non-violent crimes

B. For serious crimes like murder

C. For religious law violations

D. For reducing prison overcrowding

6. What factors influence the choice of punishment for serious crimes?

A. Cultural values, legal systems, and public opinion

B. The severity of the crime only

C. The availability of prison space

D. The recommendations of rehabilitation programs

7. Which punishment is controversial due to its potential violation of human rights?

A. Forced labor

B. Electronic monitoring

C. Corporal punishment

D. Rehabilitation programs