The topic of digitalizing voting worldwide has become increasingly relevant in recent years, particularly with the advancement of technology and the global push for more efficient and accessible voting systems. This subject has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions and is likely to continue being a popular theme due to its current relevance and potential for debate.
Based on past IELTS exams and trends, here’s a potential question that could appear in future tests:
Some people believe that voting should be digitalized worldwide to increase participation and efficiency. Others argue that digital voting systems are vulnerable to hacking and manipulation. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Let’s analyze this question and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Question Analysis
This question is asking you to discuss two opposing views on digitalizing voting systems globally:
- The benefits: increased participation and efficiency
- The drawbacks: vulnerability to hacking and manipulation
You are also required to provide your own opinion on the matter. This is a classic example of an opinion essay where you need to present both sides of the argument before stating your position.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Digital voting has become a topic of heated debate in recent years, with proponents arguing for its potential to boost voter turnout and streamline the electoral process, while critics warn of security risks. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering my own viewpoint on this contentious issue.
Those in favor of digitalizing voting systems worldwide contend that it could significantly increase participation rates, particularly among younger generations who are accustomed to conducting various aspects of their lives online. The convenience of casting a vote from one’s home or mobile device could encourage more people to engage in the democratic process, potentially leading to more representative election outcomes. Moreover, digital voting could enhance efficiency by reducing the time and resources required for vote counting and minimizing human error in the tabulation process.
On the other hand, skeptics raise valid concerns about the vulnerability of digital voting systems to cyber attacks and manipulation. The integrity of elections is paramount to maintaining public trust in democratic institutions, and any breach or suspicion of tampering could have devastating consequences for political stability. Critics argue that even the most sophisticated security measures can potentially be compromised, and the stakes are simply too high when it comes to determining the leadership of nations.
In my opinion, while the benefits of digital voting are appealing, the risks currently outweigh the potential advantages. The foundation of democracy rests on the public’s confidence in the electoral process, and any doubt cast on the legitimacy of election results could undermine the entire system. I believe that a hybrid approach, combining traditional paper ballots with digital elements for voter registration and result tabulation, could offer a compromise that enhances accessibility and efficiency without compromising security.
In conclusion, the debate over digitalizing voting systems worldwide is likely to continue as technology evolves. While the promise of increased participation and efficiency is enticing, the paramount importance of election security cannot be overstated. As we move forward, it is crucial to carefully weigh the pros and cons and perhaps consider incremental steps towards digitalization rather than a wholesale shift to online voting.
(Word count: 329)
Digital voting systems balancing security and accessibility
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
In today’s modern world, some people think that voting should be done digitally everywhere to make more people vote and make it easier. But other people worry that online voting can be hacked or changed by bad people. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
First, making voting digital could be good because more people might vote. Young people who use phones and computers all the time might like voting online better than going to a voting place. Also, it could be faster to count votes if it’s all done by computers. This could save time and money for governments.
However, there are problems with digital voting too. The biggest worry is that hackers could change the votes or steal people’s information. If this happened, it would be very bad for democracy because people wouldn’t trust the results of elections. Even if the system is very safe, some people might still not believe it’s secure.
In my opinion, I think it’s too risky to make all voting digital right now. Maybe in the future when technology is better, it could work. But for now, I think it’s safer to use paper voting. We could use computers to help with some parts, like checking who can vote, but the actual voting should still be on paper.
To conclude, digital voting has some good points like making it easier for people to vote, but the dangers of hacking are too big right now. We should be careful about changing how we vote because it’s very important for our countries.
(Word count: 263)
Sample Essay for Band 5-6
Some people think voting should be done on computers or phones everywhere in the world. They say this is good because more people will vote and it’s faster. But other people think it’s dangerous because bad people might hack the voting and change it.
Good things about digital voting:
- More people might vote because it’s easy
- Counting votes is faster with computers
- It might cost less money
Bad things about digital voting:
- Hackers might change the votes
- Some people don’t trust computers for important things
- If the internet doesn’t work, people can’t vote
I think digital voting is not a good idea now. It’s too dangerous because we can’t be sure the votes are safe. Maybe in the future when computers are safer, we can try it. But now, I think paper voting is better.
In the end, voting is very important for countries. We need to be careful about how we do it. Digital voting might be good someday, but not yet.
(Word count: 159)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates a high level of language proficiency and critical thinking:
- Coherent structure with clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “contentious issue”, “proponents”, “tabulation process”
- Complex sentence structures and appropriate use of linking words
- Balanced discussion of both viewpoints with a clear personal opinion
- Relevant examples and elaboration on key points
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a good command of language but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band:
- Clear structure, but paragraphs are less developed
- Adequate vocabulary with some attempts at more complex words
- Mix of simple and complex sentences, with some errors that do not impede understanding
- Addresses both viewpoints and gives an opinion, but with less depth
- Some examples provided, but less elaboration on ideas
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates a basic grasp of the task but has limitations:
- Simple structure with basic introduction and conclusion
- Limited vocabulary, mostly using common words
- Primarily simple sentences with some errors
- Attempts to address both viewpoints and give an opinion, but lacks depth
- Few examples and minimal elaboration on points
IELTS Writing Task 2 essay structure comparison
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Digitalize (verb) /ˈdɪdʒɪtəlaɪz/ – to convert information into digital form
- Vulnerable (adjective) /ˈvʌlnərəbəl/ – susceptible to attack or harm
- Manipulation (noun) /məˌnɪpjuˈleɪʃən/ – the action of manipulating something in a clever or unscrupulous way
- Efficiency (noun) /ɪˈfɪʃənsi/ – the state or quality of being efficient
- Integrity (noun) /ɪnˈtegrəti/ – the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles
- Tabulation (noun) /ˌtæbjuˈleɪʃən/ – the act of putting information into a table or list
- Skeptics (noun) /ˈskeptɪks/ – people inclined to question or doubt accepted opinions
- Paramount (adjective) /ˈpærəmaʊnt/ – more important than anything else
- Compromise (noun) /ˈkɒmprəmaɪz/ – an agreement or settlement of a dispute that is reached by each side making concessions
- Incremental (adjective) /ˌɪnkrəˈmentl/ – relating to or denoting an increase or addition, especially one of a series on a fixed scale
In conclusion, the topic of digitalizing voting systems worldwide is a complex and relevant issue for IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar questions that explore the balance between technological advancement and security concerns in various contexts. Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and provide a balanced argument with a clear personal opinion.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you refine your writing abilities and potentially receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.