Welcome back to our English vocabulary lessons! Today, we’re diving into an important and sometimes serious topic: crime and punishment. Understanding vocabulary related to crime is crucial for B2 level English learners. You’ll encounter these words in news reports, discussions about society, and even in fiction. Knowing these terms will not only boost your comprehension but also empower you to express your opinions and participate in conversations about law, justice, and social issues.

Why Learn Crime and Punishment Vocabulary?

At a B2 level, you’re likely engaging with more complex English content. Discussions about current events, social issues, and even historical events often involve topics of crime and the legal system. Expanding your crime and punishment vocabulary will help you:

• Understand news and media: News reports frequently cover crime stories, court cases, and legal reforms.
• Participate in discussions: You’ll be able to discuss topics like law and order, justice systems, and social issues with confidence.
• Improve your reading comprehension: Novels, articles, and academic texts often touch upon themes of crime and justice.
• Enhance your writing skills: Whether you’re writing essays, reports, or even creative pieces, this vocabulary will add depth and precision to your writing.
• Prepare for exams: Many English proficiency exams, like IELTS and TOEFL, may include topics related to social issues and current events, including crime.

Key Vocabulary: Understanding Crime and the Legal System

Let’s explore some essential vocabulary related to crime and punishment. We’ll break it down into categories to make it easier to learn.

Types of Crimes

These words describe different categories of illegal actions:

• Theft: (noun) The act of stealing something. Example: Shoplifting is a form of theft.
• Robbery: (noun) Stealing from a person or place, often using violence or threats. Example: The bank robbery was all over the news.
• Burglary: (noun) Illegally entering a building to commit a crime, especially theft. Example: There was a burglary at the house next door while they were on holiday.
• Assault: (noun) A physical attack or threat of attack. Example: He was arrested for assault after the fight in the bar.
• Murder: (noun) The intentional killing of another person. Example: The police are investigating a murder that took place last night.
• Fraud: (noun) Deceiving someone for personal gain, often involving money. Example: Credit card fraud is a growing problem.
• Vandalism: (noun) Intentionally damaging or destroying property. Example: The park suffered from vandalism over the weekend.
• Arson: (noun) Intentionally setting fire to property. Example: Arson is a very serious crime.
• Kidnapping: (noun) Taking someone away illegally and holding them captive, usually for ransom. Example: The wealthy businessman was a victim of kidnapping.
• Cybercrime: (noun) Crime committed using a computer or the internet. Example: Hacking and online scams are forms of cybercrime.

The Legal Process

These words are related to the steps involved in dealing with crime:

• Arrest: (verb) To take someone into custody because they are suspected of a crime. Example: The police arrested the suspect near the scene of the crime.
• Investigate: (verb) To officially inquire into the circumstances of a crime. Example: Detectives are investigating the cause of the fire.
• Charge: (verb) To formally accuse someone of a crime. Example: He was charged with theft.
• Trial: (noun) A formal examination of evidence in a court of law to decide if someone is guilty or innocent of a crime. Example: The trial is expected to last for several weeks.
• Court: (noun) The place where legal trials take place and where justice is administered. Example: He will appear in court next week.
• Judge: (noun) The person who presides over a court and makes legal decisions. Example: The judge delivered the sentence.
• Jury: (noun) A group of ordinary people who listen to the evidence in a trial and decide if someone is guilty or innocent. Example: The jury reached a verdict after three days of deliberation.
• Evidence: (noun) Information or objects presented in court to prove or disprove something. Example: The police gathered evidence at the crime scene.
• Witness: (noun) Someone who saw a crime happen and can give evidence in court. Example: The witness described what she saw to the police.
• Verdict: (noun) The decision made by a jury or judge at the end of a trial (guilty or not guilty). Example: The verdict was guilty.
• Sentence: (noun) The punishment given by a judge to someone found guilty of a crime. Example: His sentence was five years in prison.
• Appeal: (verb) To ask a higher court to review a decision made by a lower court. Example: He decided to appeal the verdict.

Punishments

These words describe different types of penalties for committing crimes:

• Fine: (noun) An amount of money that has to be paid as a punishment for breaking the law. Example: He had to pay a fine for speeding.
• Imprisonment: (noun) Being put in prison as a punishment. Also known as jail (US) or prison. Example: The sentence for armed robbery is often imprisonment.
• Probation: (noun) A period of time when a person who has committed a crime must behave well and report to an officer, in order to avoid being sent to prison. Example: She was given probation instead of going to jail.
• Community service: (noun) Unpaid work that someone does for the benefit of their community as punishment for a crime. Example: As part of his sentence, he had to do 100 hours of community service.
• Death penalty: (noun) Punishment by execution; also known as capital punishment. Example: The death penalty is a controversial issue around the world.

How to Use Crime and Punishment Vocabulary in Speaking

Now that you have a stronger vocabulary base, let’s think about how to use these words in spoken English. Here are some tips:

• Practice pronunciation: Some of these words might be new to you. Pay attention to pronunciation, especially for words like “burglary,” “arson,” and “verdict.” Use online dictionaries to check the correct pronunciation.
• Use them in context: Don’t just memorize word lists. Try to use these words in sentences and imagine real-life situations where you might use them. Think about news stories you’ve heard or read.
• Discuss current events: Watch or read news reports about crime and try to summarize them using the new vocabulary. Discuss your opinions on crime and justice with a language partner or tutor.
• Role-play scenarios: Imagine you are a police officer investigating a crime, a lawyer defending a client, or a witness describing what you saw. Practice using the vocabulary in these roles.
• Ask questions: If you hear or read a news story about crime and don’t understand a word, look it up! Expanding your vocabulary is an ongoing process.

Let’s Practice!

Test your understanding with these exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct vocabulary word from the list below.

Word List: robbery, vandalism, investigate, charge, trial, evidence, verdict, sentence, fine, community service

1. The bank __________ was carried out by masked men who stole a large sum of money.
2. Police are still __________ the case to find out who committed the crime.
3. The teenagers were arrested for __________ after they spray-painted graffiti on the walls.
4. The police decided to __________ him with theft after they found stolen goods in his car.
5. The __________ lasted for five days, with both sides presenting their arguments.
6. The lawyer presented strong __________ to prove his client’s innocence.
7. After hearing all the evidence, the jury reached a __________: guilty.
8. The judge gave him a lenient __________: two years of probation and 100 hours of __________.
9. She received a __________ of £200 for parking illegally.

Answers to Practice Exercises

1. The bank robbery was carried out by masked men who stole a large sum of money.
2. Police are still investigate the case to find out who committed the crime.
3. The teenagers were arrested for vandalism after they spray-painted graffiti on the walls.
4. The police decided to charge him with theft after they found stolen goods in his car.
5. The trial lasted for five days, with both sides presenting their arguments.
6. The lawyer presented strong evidence to prove his client’s innocence.
7. After hearing all the evidence, the jury reached a verdict: guilty.
8. The judge gave him a lenient sentence: two years of probation and 100 hours of community service.
9. She received a fine of £200 for parking illegally.

Continue Practicing with Lingofrnd!

Learning vocabulary is just the first step. To truly master these words and use them confidently in speaking, you need practice! Lingofrnd.com is your AI spoken English teacher, ready to help you practice using crime and punishment vocabulary in conversations. Get personalized feedback and improve your fluency and pronunciation.

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Keep learning and practicing, and you’ll be discussing complex topics like crime and punishment in English with ease!