a)
Crime and punishment is being discussed.
- life sentence: the longest prison sentence someone can receive; the length varies in different countries, but is usually around 15 years
- good deterrent: something that makes someone unlikely to do something by making them realise it will have bad results
- against: not agreeing with something
- minor: not very serious
- serious crimes: very bad crimes
- effective: having the result that you want
- community service: work to improve the community for other people
- in favour of: support, approval or agreement for something
- tougher punishments: harder punishments
- leniently: not strict enough in the way you punish someone
b)
- The first and fourth statements support tougher punishments.
- The second and third are against tougher punishments.