IELTS vocabulary for government, law and crime

terrestrial

relating to the Earth rather than outer space

Conversely, many argue that the vast sums spent on extraterrestrial endeavours could be more effectively utilised to tackle humanitarian crises.

catalyst

something that causes or accelerates a significant change

Proponents of space programmes argue that such investments act as a catalyst for technological progress.

extraterrestrial

existing or coming from outside the planet Earth

Conversely, many argue that the vast sums spent on extraterrestrial endeavours could be more effectively utilised to tackle humanitarian crises.

imperative

an essential or urgent requirement for action

With millions suffering from food insecurity and the accelerating threat of climate change, critics suggest that governments have a moral imperative to focus on terrestrial stability.

systemic

relating to an entire system or global structure

I believe that governments should balance their budgets by prioritising the resolution of systemic issues at home before committing excessive resources to the exploration of space.

subsidise

to support financially by paying part of costs

For example, the billions of dollars required for a single Mars mission could instead fund large-scale reforestation projects or subsidise renewable energy infrastructure, addressing the root causes of environmental degradation directly.

degradation

the process of declining to a lower state

For example, the billions of dollars required for a single Mars mission could instead fund large-scale reforestation projects or subsidise renewable energy infrastructure, addressing the root causes of environmental degradation directly.

tangible

clear and definite enough to be easily seen

For instance, satellite technology, originally developed for orbital missions, has revolutionised global weather forecasting and disaster management, proving that space research can offer tangible improvements to society.

extravagant

Lacking restraint in spending money or using resources

While some argue that such pursuits are an extravagant misuse of taxpayers' money, others contend that space exploration is a vital endeavour for humanity's future.

endeavour

An attempt to achieve a goal or objective

While some argue that such pursuits are an extravagant misuse of taxpayers' money, others contend that space exploration is a vital endeavour for humanity's future.

ripple effects

Continuing and spreading results of an event

By pushing the frontiers of what is possible, space agencies foster a culture of scientific advancement that has positive ripple effects across various domestic industries.

mitigate

Make something less severe, serious, or painful

A pertinent example is the ongoing global climate crisis, which requires immense financial commitment to mitigate; critics suggest that if these funds were redirected from space exploration to renewable energy projects, the planet would be far closer to achieving sustainability.

mutually exclusive

Two things that cannot both be true simultaneously

In my view, although domestic issues require immediate attention, the pursuit of extraterrestrial knowledge is not mutually exclusive with solving earthly problems.

prioritised

Designated as more important than other things

On the other hand, many taxpayers argue that public funds should be prioritised for urgent domestic problems, such as homelessness, healthcare, and environmental degradation.

sustainability

Avoiding depletion of natural resources to maintain balance

A pertinent example is the ongoing global climate crisis, which requires immense financial commitment to mitigate; critics suggest that if these funds were redirected from space exploration to renewable energy projects, the planet would be far closer to achieving sustainability.

negative externalities

harmful side effects of actions affecting third parties

While some argue that personal freedom should be absolute, I believe that government intervention is necessary when individual choices impose substantial negative externalities on the broader community.

systemic costs

expenses that affect the whole of a system

fiscal policy

government actions regarding taxation and public spending

By incentivising healthier consumption patterns through fiscal policy, the state protects its citizens from preventable diseases while simultaneously reducing the long-term economic burden on public medical facilities.

personal agency

the capacity of individuals to act independently

Conversely, overstepping these boundaries can lead to an intrusive culture that erodes personal agency.

overreach

going beyond the proper limits of one's authority

If the government were to mandate specific exercise regimes or strictly govern dietary intake, it would represent an unacceptable overreach into private life.

civil liberties

basic rights guaranteed to citizens by law

For example, while smoking bans in public spaces are widely accepted because they protect non-smokers from secondhand smoke, regulating what individuals do within their own homes would be a violation of civil liberties that far outweighs any potential collective health benefits.

contentious

causing or likely to cause an intense argument

The degree to which a state should regulate the private lives of its citizens remains a contentious issue.

unsustainable

not able to be maintained at the level

When individuals engage in habits that lead to widespread chronic illnesses, the financial and operational strain on national health services becomes unsustainable.

myriad

a countless or extremely great number of things

While critics argue that such expenditure is frivolous given the myriad of domestic hardships, I believe that scientific discovery beyond our atmosphere is a necessary investment for humanity's future progress.

frivolous

not having any serious purpose or real value

While critics argue that such expenditure is frivolous given the myriad of domestic hardships, I believe that scientific discovery beyond our atmosphere is a necessary investment for humanity's future progress.

overlooks

failing to notice or consider something important

However, viewing space exploration solely as a drain on resources overlooks the indirect benefits of such research.

necessitates

to make something necessary as a result

The pursuit of knowledge regarding other planets often necessitates breakthroughs in materials science, robotics, and telecommunications.

allocates

to distribute resources or money for specific purposes

Determining how a nation allocates its public funds is a subject of significant debate.

bedrock

the fundamental principle or basis of something

Advocates for prioritising health care contend that a robust medical system is the bedrock of societal welfare.

absenteeism

the practice of regularly staying away from work

For instance, countries with comprehensive public health initiatives often report higher life expectancy and lower absenteeism rates in the workplace, which directly bolsters the national economy.

bolsters

to support or strengthen a specific situation

For instance, countries with comprehensive public health initiatives often report higher life expectancy and lower absenteeism rates in the workplace, which directly bolsters the national economy.

prosperity

the state of being successful and flourishing financially

On the other hand, many argue that funds should be directed toward infrastructure or education to ensure long-term prosperity.

prerequisite

a thing that is required as a condition

Therefore, I believe that health care should be treated as the foremost priority in national budgeting, as it is the prerequisite for all other forms of development.

expenditure

the action of spending funds on something

This essay will examine both perspectives before arguing that the health sector should remain the primary focus of government expenditure.

fallibility

the tendency to make mistakes or be wrong

Primarily, the inherent fallibility of the legal system renders the death penalty morally unacceptable.

irreversible

something that cannot be changed or fixed back

If an innocent person is executed, the state commits an irreversible violation of human rights that cannot be rectified.

exoneration

officially clearing someone of blame for a crime

For example, the development of DNA profiling has led to the exoneration of numerous individuals on death row in the United States, highlighting that judicial errors are not merely theoretical but frequent enough to make state-sanctioned killing a dangerous gamble.

empirical

based on observation or scientific experience rather than theory

Furthermore, there is little empirical evidence to suggest that capital punishment serves as a superior deterrent compared to life imprisonment.

deterrent

something that discourages someone from doing an action

Furthermore, there is little empirical evidence to suggest that capital punishment serves as a superior deterrent compared to life imprisonment.

abolition

the formal act of ending a system or practice

Moving towards abolition reflects a commitment to higher ethical standards and human rights.

rehabilitate

to restore someone to a normal or healthy life

Justice should be defined by the capacity to correct errors and rehabilitate individuals, rather than by the state’s power to end lives.

urbanisation

The process of people moving to live in cities

Advocates for faster public transportation highlight the necessity of keeping pace with urbanisation and economic expansion.

metropolis

A very large, busy city or urban area

For instance, the expansion of high-speed metro lines in Tokyo has been instrumental in managing the movement of millions, proving that speed and efficiency are essential for maintaining the functionality of a modern metropolis.

rolling stock

The vehicles used on a railway, like trains

Improving the passenger experience by upgrading rolling stock, increasing service frequency, and subsidising fares directly benefits low-income households who rely on these services daily.

subsidising

Providing money to pay for part of costs

Improving the passenger experience by upgrading rolling stock, increasing service frequency, and subsidising fares directly benefits low-income households who rely on these services daily.

ridership

The number of people who use public transport

A successful example of this is seen in Tallinn, where the implementation of fare-free public transport significantly increased ridership, demonstrating that affordability is a powerful tool for encouraging sustainable travel habits.

equitable

Fair and impartial treatment for all people involved

It is more equitable for governments to prioritise the affordability and reliability of existing networks.

alleviates

Makes a problem or suffering less severe

precedence

The condition of being considered more important

Some argue that governments should prioritise high-speed transit networks, whereas others contend that lowering fares and improving the quality of existing services should take precedence.

punitive

intended to punish someone for their actions

incarceration

the state of being confined in prison

When legal systems enforce rigorous sentencing, potential offenders are more likely to refrain from illegal activities due to fear of incarceration or heavy fines.

transgressions

acts that go against a law or rule

This approach reinforces the concept that society has clear boundaries and that transgressions will be met with firm consequences.

recidivism

the tendency of a criminal to reoffend

A clear example of this is seen in countries that have invested heavily in prison education programmes, where the recidivism rate significantly drops as former inmates gain the qualifications needed to reintegrate into the workforce.

proactive

creating change rather than reacting to events

This proactive strategy addresses the root cause of the issue rather than merely reacting to the symptoms.

reintegrate

to restore someone to a former social position

A clear example of this is seen in countries that have invested heavily in prison education programmes, where the recidivism rate significantly drops as former inmates gain the qualifications needed to reintegrate into the workforce.

byproduct

an incidental result of a larger process

Conversely, those who favour education argue that crime is often a byproduct of social inequality and a lack of prospects.

municipal

Relating to the government or affairs of cities

The primary benefit of municipal surveillance is its effectiveness in deterring illegal behaviour and facilitating the prosecution of offenders.

irrefutable

Impossible to deny or disprove as being true

Furthermore, high-definition footage often serves as an irrefutable source of evidence for the police.

perpetual

Never ending or changing; occurring very frequently

Conversely, the constant monitoring of citizens can lead to a sense of perpetual surveillance, which fundamentally challenges the right to privacy.

curtailed

Reduced in extent or quantity; imposed restrictions

When people feel that their every movement is tracked, their willingness to participate in peaceful protests or express unconventional views in public may be curtailed.

chilling effect

Discouragement of legitimate activity due to fear

This chilling effect on social behaviour is a significant drawback.

pertinent

Relevant or applicable to a particular matter

A pertinent example is the use of facial recognition technology in some cities, which has prompted public outcry due to the potential for state overreach and the unauthorised collection of sensitive biometric data, ultimately stifling personal expression.

intrusive

Causing disruption or annoyance through being unwelcome

Striking a balance requires robust legislation that ensures surveillance is used exclusively for public safety rather than the intrusive monitoring of law-abiding citizens.