Crime and Punishment (B1–B2)

Read the text and complete the exercises.

Reading

Crime exists in every society, but not all crimes are the same. A thief is a general word for someone who steals, but there is an important difference between a thief and a robber. A robber uses force or threats, while a burglar usually breaks in when nobody is at home. A pickpocket steals wallets or phones in crowded places, and a shoplifter steals from shops. All of these actions break the law and are clearly against the law.

Some criminals commit a crime without thinking about the consequences. Others plan carefully and hope to get away with it or escape before the police arrive. ATM robbery has become more common in recent years, but modern security systems make it harder to succeed. Many countries strictly control who can carry guns.

Punishment depends on the crime. Minor crimes may lead to time in jail, which in the US is usually a short-term facility. More serious crimes lead to prison. A murderer is almost always sent to prison, and in some countries capital punishment still exists.

Comprehension Check

Vocabulary Matching

Match the crime-related words with their meanings.

Words

Definitions