The topic of community involvement in governance has consistently appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, particularly during 2021-2023. Based on analysis from major IELTS preparation websites and past exam databases, questions about civic participation and local governance have appeared in approximately 15% of recent tests, making it a significant theme for candidates to prepare for.
The importance of community involvement in governance has become increasingly relevant in modern society, reflecting real-world trends toward participatory democracy and citizen engagement.
Analysis of Today’s Sample Question
Some people believe that ordinary citizens should be involved in decision-making processes at the local government level, while others think these decisions should be left to professional politicians and experts. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine both perspectives on citizen participation in local governance
- Present balanced arguments for each viewpoint
- Provide a clear personal stance
- Support arguments with relevant examples
Band 8 Sample Essay
The debate over whether regular citizens should participate in local government decision-making alongside professional politicians has garnered significant attention. While both approaches have their merits, I firmly believe that a balanced combination of citizen involvement and expert guidance yields the most effective governance outcomes.
Those who advocate for citizen participation argue that local residents possess invaluable firsthand knowledge of community issues. For instance, when importance of community involvement in local policies was implemented in Singapore’s neighborhood improvement programs, residents successfully identified crucial areas requiring development and contributed practical solutions that professional planners had overlooked. Furthermore, direct involvement fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among community members, leading to better implementation and acceptance of policies.
However, proponents of professional governance emphasize that complex policy decisions require specialized expertise. Professional politicians and experts possess the technical knowledge, experience, and broader perspective necessary to make informed decisions about infrastructure, budgeting, and long-term planning. For example, the benefits of smart cities for sustainable development often involve intricate technical considerations that average citizens might not fully grasp.
In my opinion, the most effective approach is to establish structured channels for citizen input while maintaining professional oversight. This could involve regular town halls, community consultation periods, and citizen advisory boards working in conjunction with elected officials and experts. Such a system would leverage both local knowledge and professional expertise while ensuring accountability and practical feasibility.
Citizens and experts collaborating on local governance
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
The question of whether ordinary people should be involved in local government decisions is important today. There are different opinions about this issue, and I will discuss both sides.
Some people think citizens should participate in local decision-making. They say that normal people know their area’s problems better than politicians. For example, in my city, when residents participated in planning new parks, they chose better locations than the government initially suggested. Also, when people are involved, they feel more responsible for their community.
Other people believe only professionals should make decisions. They think that normal citizens don’t understand complicated government issues. Politicians and experts study these topics for many years and know how to manage budgets and make good plans. How digital literacy impacts civic engagement shows that many people need more knowledge to participate effectively.
I think both sides should work together. Citizens can give ideas about local problems, while experts can use their knowledge to find good solutions. This way, everyone helps make the community better.
Essay Analysis and Band Score Explanation
Band 8 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization and cohesive devices
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Sophisticated analysis of both perspectives
- Natural integration of topic-specific vocabulary
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear structure
- Simple but accurate language
- Limited range of complex sentences
- Basic examples and explanations
- Some repetition of ideas
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Civic engagement (n) /ˈsɪvɪk ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/ – active participation in community affairs
- Participatory democracy (n) /pɑːˈtɪsɪpətəri dɪˈmɒkrəsi/ – system where citizens actively participate
- Stakeholder (n) /ˈsteɪkhəʊldə/ – person with interest in an issue
- Governance (n) /ˈɡʌvənəns/ – way of governing
- Implementation (n) /ˌɪmplɪmenˈteɪʃən/ – process of putting a plan into action
In conclusion, importance of civic engagement in democracy remains a crucial topic for IELTS candidates. Practice writing your own response to this question and share it in the comments for feedback. Similar questions might ask about digital participation in governance or the role of social media in civic engagement.
