Digital platforms have become an integral part of modern politics, revolutionizing how politicians communicate with constituents and how citizens engage in the political process. This topic has gained significant traction in recent IELTS exams and is likely to appear more frequently in future tests. Let’s explore a sample question related to digital platforms in politics and analyze high-scoring responses.
Digital platforms shaping modern politics
Examining the Question
Let’s consider the following IELTS Writing Task 2 question:
Some people think that politicians should use social media to communicate with the public, while others believe this practice is inappropriate. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Question Analysis
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for politicians using social media
- Explore reasons against politicians using social media
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Social media has become an omnipresent force in modern society, and its role in political communication is a topic of heated debate. While some argue that politicians should leverage these platforms to connect with constituents, others contend that such practices may be unsuitable. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of politicians using social media argue that these platforms offer unparalleled opportunities for direct engagement with the public. Social media allows politicians to share real-time updates, respond to concerns promptly, and foster a sense of transparency in their work. For instance, during natural disasters or crises, platforms like Twitter enable leaders to disseminate crucial information rapidly, potentially saving lives. Moreover, social media can help politicians reach younger demographics who may be disengaged from traditional media channels, thus promoting greater political participation.
On the other hand, critics argue that social media may not be an appropriate medium for political discourse. The character limitations and informal nature of platforms like Twitter can lead to oversimplification of complex issues, potentially misleading the public. Furthermore, the instantaneous nature of social media can result in hasty, ill-considered statements that may damage a politician’s credibility or even spark diplomatic incidents. There are also concerns about the echo chamber effect, where social media algorithms reinforce existing beliefs, potentially polarizing the electorate further.
In my opinion, while social media presents certain risks, its benefits as a tool for political communication outweigh the drawbacks. However, politicians must use these platforms responsibly and in conjunction with traditional forms of communication. By establishing clear guidelines for social media use, fact-checking posts, and maintaining a balance between online and offline engagement, politicians can harness the power of digital platforms while mitigating potential pitfalls.
In conclusion, the use of social media by politicians is a double-edged sword, offering both opportunities and challenges. While it is not without risks, I believe that when used judiciously, social media can be an invaluable tool for enhancing democratic participation and political transparency in the digital age.
(Word count: 316)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “On the other hand”, “Moreover”, “In conclusion”).
Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “omnipresent”, “unparalleled”, “disseminate”, “polarizing”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (e.g., complex sentences, passive voice, conditional statements).
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Social media has become very important in our daily lives, and now some people think politicians should use it to talk to the public. However, others believe this is not a good idea. This essay will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
There are some good reasons why politicians should use social media. First, it helps them reach many people quickly and easily. For example, they can share news about their work or answer questions from voters. Social media is also free, so it’s a cheap way for politicians to communicate. Additionally, many young people use social media a lot, so politicians can connect with them better this way.
However, there are also problems with politicians using social media. One issue is that messages on social media are often short and simple, which might not be good for explaining complicated political issues. Also, politicians might post things too quickly without thinking carefully, which could cause problems. Some people also worry that social media creates “bubbles” where people only see opinions they already agree with, which could make political divisions worse.
In my opinion, I think it’s okay for politicians to use social media, but they need to be careful about how they use it. They should not only rely on social media but also use other ways to communicate with people. It’s important for them to think before they post and to use social media to have real conversations with people, not just to promote themselves.
In conclusion, social media can be both good and bad for politicians to use. While it has some risks, I believe it can be a useful tool if used wisely. Politicians should find a balance between using social media and other forms of communication to connect with the public effectively.
(Word count: 295)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates qualities that justify a Band 6-7 score:
Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is adequate but less varied and precise compared to the higher band essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good control, though not as flexible as the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Omnipresent (adjective) /ˌɒmnɪˈprezənt/ – present everywhere at the same time
- Constituent (noun) /kənˈstɪtjuənt/ – a member of an area which a politician represents
- Transparency (noun) /trænsˈpærənsi/ – the quality of being open and honest
- Polarizing (adjective) /ˈpəʊləraɪzɪŋ/ – causing people to separate into opposing groups
- Credibility (noun) /ˌkredəˈbɪləti/ – the quality of being trusted and believed in
- Echo chamber (noun) /ˈekəʊ ˌtʃeɪmbə(r)/ – an environment where a person only encounters opinions that coincide with their own
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make less severe, serious, or painful
- Judiciously (adverb) /dʒuˈdɪʃəsli/ – with good judgment or sense
Conclusion
The topic of digital platforms in politics is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. When approaching such questions, remember to fully address all parts of the task, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and organize your ideas coherently. Practice writing essays on related topics, such as the impact of social media on political movements or the role of digital technology in shaping public opinion.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on the given topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing abilities and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a variety of topics will strengthen your ability to tackle any IELTS Writing Task 2 question with confidence.