[TOEFL/Writing] Question 1 : Broken windows theory

 The writer and the lecturer both discuss the "broken windows theory". The writer explained the theory, and the lecturer asserted the other aspects of the theory.

 The writer explained that it is the theory that criminals commit more serious crimes if people do not repair broken windows in a bulding over time. It means that people are not motivated to create other problems if communities solve small problems. However, the lecturer argued that the community which believes the theory can miss the bigger picture, for example some serious crimes, for the theory usually concentrates on small problems. Moreover, when people meet bigger problems, they can feel frustrated because they can do nothing.

 For example, the writer gave some examples about social problems; panhandling, public drunkeness, fighting in the street, and so on. These kinds of social problems can lead communities to chaos. On the other hand, the lecturer asserted that it is more important that people must respect public power and ridiculous things, situations that people may question why police are here, are ignored.

 

Sample

 The lecturer disagress with the broken window theory, a theory that states that small crimes lead to bigger crimes. The passage uses this theory to explain why high crime rate exists in certain places. If one broken window does not get repaired will lead to the mentality that it doesn't matter whether other windows are broken or someone sprays graffiti on a wall. Therefore, according to the theory, it is important to stop the small crimes while they're happening.

 The lecturer, on the other hand, asks for proof that small crimes lead to bigger crimes-perhaps the committing of both types of crimes might be because of other reason. For example, board teenagers with nothing better to do may breaing some windows because they are board and then eventually stealing cars. According to the lecturer, the real focus should be on finding ways to keep teenagers productive so that they will be less likely to commit any kinds of crimes. If the community focuses on squashing the small crimes instead of the bigger picture, this will not solve the problem.

 the lecturer also believes that following the broken window theory will lead the police to focus on the wrong things. They will be too focused on minor crimes when there are more serious crimes happening at the same time. This will also lead to people distrusting the police, which will not help the lowering of crime.