Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Crime” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Crime
1. What is crime?
2. Can you name some different types of crimes?
3. Why do people commit crimes?
4. What is the difference between a minor and a serious crime?
5. How does crime affect a community?

II. The Legal System
6. What do police do to stop crime?
7. How does a court decide if someone is guilty?
8. What are laws?
9. Why is it important to have fair laws?
10. What is a trial?

III. Preventing Crime
11. How can we prevent crime in our neighborhoods?
12. What is a neighborhood watch?
13. Can education reduce crime?
14. Why are some places safer than others?
15. How do security cameras help prevent crime?

IV. Victims of Crime
16. What should you do if you are a victim of crime?
17. How can victims of crime get help?
18. Why is it important to report a crime?
19. What is victim support?
20. How can communities support victims of crime?

V. Juvenile Crime
21. What is juvenile crime?
22. Why do young people sometimes break the law?
23. How can we help young people stay out of trouble?
24. What happens to young people who commit crimes?
25. Why is it important to help young offenders?

VI. The Role of Society and Crime
26. How does unemployment relate to crime?
27. Can poverty lead to crime?
28. Why is drug abuse often linked to crime?
29. How does education level affect crime rates?
30. What role do families have in preventing crime?

VII. Crime Around the World
31. Are some countries safer than others?
32. How do crime rates differ around the world?
33. Why do some countries have more crime?
34. What international laws help fight crime?
35. Can traveling be dangerous in some places?

VIII. Technology and Crime
36. What is cybercrime?
37. How can you protect yourself from online crime?
38. What are hackers?
39. Why is internet safety important?
40. How do police fight crime online?

IX. Crime in the Media
41. How do movies and TV shows portray crime?
42. What is the effect of showing crime in news?
43. Can video games influence crime?
44. How can the media help in solving crimes?
45. Why is it important to have accurate crime stories in the media?

X. Rehabilitation and Reform
46. What is a prison?
47. Can criminals change and return to society?
48. What are rehabilitation programs?
49. Why is education important in prisons?
50. How can former criminals find jobs?

XI. Crime and Community Action
51. How can you help keep your community safe?
52. What is a citizen’s arrest?
53. How do community services reduce crime?
54. Why are after-school programs important for reducing crime?
55. How can art and sports programs help prevent crime?

XII. Understanding the Causes of Crime
56. How does mental health relate to crime?
57. Can addiction lead to criminal behavior?
58. Why is it important to understand the reasons for crime?
59. How does society’s attitude towards crime make a difference?
60. What can we learn from former criminals?