The topic of voting and democracy frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2, particularly in questions about civic participation, political systems, and social responsibility. Let’s explore some high-quality sample essays that demonstrate different approaches and scoring levels for this critical subject.
The role of voting in maintaining democratic principles illustrated through ballot boxes and voters
Analysis of the Question
Some people believe that voting is not only a right but also a responsibility that all citizens should exercise in a democracy. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question asks candidates to evaluate the dual nature of voting as both a right and a responsibility. It’s crucial to take a clear position and support it with relevant examples and reasoning.
Band 9 Sample Essay
Democracy thrives on active citizen participation, and I strongly agree that voting represents both a fundamental right and a civic duty that all eligible citizens should fulfill. This dual nature of voting is essential for maintaining healthy democratic systems and ensuring proper representation of public interests.
Firstly, voting as a right has been hard-won through historical struggles for democracy. As explored in discussions about the importance of voting in democratic societies, this right enables citizens to have a direct say in choosing their representatives and influencing policy decisions. For instance, the women’s suffrage movement demonstrates how the right to vote was achieved through decades of persistent effort, highlighting its fundamental importance to democratic participation.
Moreover, voting as a responsibility reflects the collective nature of democratic governance. When citizens abstain from voting, they effectively surrender their voice in crucial decisions that affect their communities. The role of social media in shaping public opinion during elections has made it easier than ever to stay informed about political issues, removing many barriers to responsible voting.
Furthermore, regular voter participation strengthens democratic institutions and prevents the concentration of power in the hands of a few. Countries with consistently high voter turnout often demonstrate greater political stability and more responsive governance. This relationship between voting rates and democratic health raises questions about whether Direct democracy through referendums better than representative?
In conclusion, voting should be viewed as both a precious right and a crucial responsibility. While it remains a personal choice, the health of democratic systems depends on widespread citizen participation through voting.
Band 7 Sample Essay
I agree that voting should be considered both a right and a responsibility in democratic societies. This perspective helps maintain democratic values and ensures proper representation of all citizens.
Voting as a right is important because it gives people the power to choose their leaders. Many countries struggled to achieve universal suffrage, showing how valuable this right is. For example, in many Asian democracies, the right to vote was only established after independence from colonial rule.
As a responsibility, voting helps keep governments accountable. When people don’t vote, they allow others to make decisions for them. This can lead to policies that don’t represent everyone’s interests. Some countries, like Australia, have made voting mandatory to ensure high participation rates.
Technology is changing how we think about voting responsibility. As we consider should voting systems move to digital platforms, it becomes easier for people to participate in the democratic process.
In conclusion, while voting should remain voluntary, it should be viewed as both a right and responsibility for maintaining healthy democracies.
Key Vocabulary
- Suffrage (n) /ˈsʌfrɪdʒ/ – the right to vote in political elections
- Civic duty (n) /ˈsɪvɪk ˈdjuːti/ – the responsibilities of a citizen
- Electoral participation (n) /ɪˈlektərəl pɑːtɪsɪˈpeɪʃən/ – involvement in voting process
- Franchise (n) /ˈfræntʃaɪz/ – the right to vote
- Ballot (n) /ˈbælət/ – a paper or electronic form used to cast a vote
Suggested Practice Topics
- Should voting be made compulsory in all democratic countries?
- Has modern technology improved or damaged the democratic voting process?
- Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
Share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS candidates.
