The topic of global internet regulations has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, appearing in various forms over the past few years. This reflects growing worldwide concerns about internet governance, cybersecurity, and digital rights. A review of recent IELTS tests shows this theme emerging in questions about online privacy, content moderation, and international digital cooperation.
Nội dung bài viết
Similar to discussions about Should there be stricter regulations on online advertising?, this topic requires candidates to evaluate complex policy decisions affecting the digital world.
Let’s examine a common IELTS Task 2 question on this subject:
Some people believe that the internet should be regulated globally with unified rules across all countries. Others think each country should control its own internet space. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires:
- Discussion of both perspectives on internet regulation
- Clear personal stance
- Balanced evaluation of arguments
- Relevant examples and supporting evidence
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over whether internet regulation should be globally unified or nationally controlled is increasingly relevant in our interconnected world. While both approaches have merit, I believe a balanced hybrid system would be most effective.
Those advocating for global regulation argue that the internet’s borderless nature necessitates universal standards. For instance, cybercrime and data breaches often cross national boundaries, making coordinated international responses essential. Furthermore, unified regulations could simplify compliance for multinational tech companies and ensure consistent user protection worldwide, much like how e-commerce is changing global trade dynamics.
Conversely, proponents of national control emphasize sovereignty and cultural considerations. Different societies have varying values and priorities regarding content moderation, privacy, and freedom of expression. China’s distinctive approach to internet governance demonstrates how countries may wish to align online regulations with their specific social and political contexts.
In my view, the optimal solution lies in a two-tiered system. Core principles like cybersecurity standards and data protection could be governed globally, while allowing nations flexibility in implementing specific content policies. This approach would maintain essential international cooperation while respecting cultural differences and sovereignty.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
The internet regulation is a big topic nowadays. Some people want global rules, but others think countries should make their own rules. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Global rules have some good points. First, the internet is everywhere and doesn’t have borders. If all countries follow the same rules, it’s easier to stop bad things like hacking and online scams. Also, big companies like Facebook and Google would find it easier to follow one set of rules instead of different rules for each country.
But some people think each country should control their internet. Every country has different culture and values. What is okay in one country might not be okay in another country. Also, governments want to protect their people in their own way, like Internet: force for good or evil? shows.
I think both sides have good points, but global rules are better. The internet connects everyone, so we need same rules everywhere. But countries can still have some special rules for their culture.
Key Vocabulary
- regulatory framework (n) /ˈreɡjʊləˌtɔːri ˈfreɪmwɜːk/ – system of regulations
- jurisdiction (n) /ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃən/ – official power to make legal decisions
- sovereignty (n) /ˈsɒvrənti/ – complete power to govern
- cybersecurity (n) /ˌsaɪbəsɪˈkjʊərəti/ – internet security
- compliance (n) /kəmˈplaɪəns/ – following rules or standards
High-Scoring Sentence Patterns
- “While both approaches have merit, I believe…” (Concession + Opinion structure)
- “Not only would this approach enhance security, but it would also facilitate…” (Complex causation)
- “The optimal solution lies in…” (Sophisticated suggestion structure)
Remember to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.