Mandatory voting in democratic countries is a topic that has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams with moderate frequency. Based on past exam trends and current global discussions, there’s a reasonable chance this subject may continue to be featured in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been asked in previous IELTS exams:
Some people believe that in democratic countries, voting in elections should be compulsory (mandatory). Others think that people should have the freedom to choose whether or not they want to vote. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for mandatory voting
- Discuss arguments against mandatory voting (in favor of voluntary voting)
- Present their own opinion on the issue
The task involves comparing and contrasting different viewpoints, which is a common format in IELTS Writing Task 2. It’s crucial to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your personal stance.
Band 8 Sample Essay
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 8 range:
In many democracies, the debate over whether voting should be mandatory or voluntary is ongoing. While some argue that compulsory voting ensures full citizen participation, others believe it infringes on personal freedom. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering my own view.
Proponents of mandatory voting argue that it leads to a more engaged and informed citizenry. When people are required to vote, they are more likely to educate themselves about political issues and candidates. This increased civic engagement can result in a more representative government that truly reflects the will of the entire population. Furthermore, compulsory voting can help combat voter apathy and low turnout rates, which are common problems in many democracies. Countries like Australia, which have implemented mandatory voting, often see turnout rates above 90%, ensuring that election results accurately represent the populace.
On the other hand, those who oppose compulsory voting contend that it violates the fundamental democratic principle of freedom of choice. They argue that the right to vote inherently includes the right not to vote, and forcing citizens to participate in elections against their will is undemocratic. Critics also point out that mandatory voting may lead to uninformed or random voting, as some people might cast ballots without proper consideration just to avoid penalties. This could potentially reduce the quality of democratic decision-making rather than enhance it.
In my opinion, while the intentions behind mandatory voting are commendable, I believe that voting should remain voluntary. The essence of democracy lies in freedom of choice, and this should extend to the decision of whether or not to participate in elections. Instead of forcing people to vote, governments should focus on improving civic education and making the voting process more accessible and engaging. By addressing the root causes of low voter turnout, such as political disillusionment or practical barriers to voting, democracies can encourage higher participation rates without compromising individual liberty.
In conclusion, while mandatory voting has its merits in terms of increasing participation, I believe that the potential drawbacks outweigh the benefits. A truly healthy democracy should inspire its citizens to vote out of conviction rather than compulsion. Governments should strive to create an environment where citizens are motivated to participate voluntarily in the democratic process.
(Word count: 365)
Explanation of Band 8 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 8 score for the following reasons:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing. Ideas are logically sequenced, and cohesive devices are used effectively throughout.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is sophisticated and precise (e.g., “civic engagement”, “voter apathy”, “uninformed or random voting”). There is good use of less common lexical items and awareness of collocation.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and appropriately. Complex sentences are handled with confidence.
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Development of Ideas: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
In many countries, there is a debate about whether voting should be compulsory or not. Some people think it’s a good idea to make everyone vote, while others believe it should be a choice. This essay will look at both sides and give my opinion.
People who support mandatory voting say it’s good because it makes sure everyone takes part in democracy. When people have to vote, they might learn more about politics and the different candidates. This can lead to better decisions being made for the country. Also, when everyone votes, the government really represents what all the people want, not just some of them. In countries like Australia where voting is compulsory, almost everyone votes, which is good for democracy.
On the other hand, people against mandatory voting say it’s not fair to force people to vote. They think that in a free country, people should be able to choose if they want to vote or not. Some worry that if people are forced to vote, they might just choose randomly without thinking about it properly. This could actually be bad for democracy because the votes wouldn’t be based on careful thinking.
In my opinion, I think voting should be a choice and not compulsory. While I understand why some people want everyone to vote, I believe that forcing people goes against the idea of freedom in a democracy. Instead of making voting mandatory, I think governments should try to make people want to vote by teaching them why it’s important and making it easier to vote. This way, people who vote will do it because they want to, not because they have to.
To conclude, although mandatory voting might increase participation, I believe it’s better to let people choose. A good democracy should make its citizens want to vote, not force them to. Governments should work on encouraging people to vote willingly.
(Word count: 323)
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay would likely receive a Band 6-7 score for the following reasons:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, but the use of cohesive devices is sometimes repetitive or mechanical.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but there is less precision and sophistication compared to the Band 8 essay. There are fewer examples of less common lexical items.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but with less variety and control compared to the Band 8 essay. There are some minor errors, but they do not impede communication.
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Development of Ideas: Main ideas are present and generally supported, but the level of detail and explanation is not as thorough as in the Band 8 essay.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Mandatory (adjective) /ˈmændətɔːri/ – required by law or rules; compulsory
- Compulsory (adjective) /kəmˈpʌlsəri/ – required by law or a rule; mandatory
- Civic engagement (noun phrase) /ˈsɪvɪk ɪnˈɡeɪdʒmənt/ – involvement in the public life of one’s community
- Voter apathy (noun phrase) /ˈvəʊtər ˈæpəθi/ – lack of interest or enthusiasm in voting
- Turnout (noun) /ˈtɜːnaʊt/ – the number of people who participate in an election
- Disenfranchise (verb) /ˌdɪsɪnˈfræntʃaɪz/ – to deprive someone of the right to vote
- Ballot (noun) /ˈbælət/ – a system of voting secretly and in writing on a particular issue
- Electorate (noun) /ɪˈlektərət/ – all the people in a country or area who are entitled to vote
- Suffrage (noun) /ˈsʌfrɪdʒ/ – the right to vote in political elections
- Political participation (noun phrase) /pəˈlɪtɪkl pɑːˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃn/ – involvement in political processes, including voting and other forms of civic engagement
In conclusion, the topic of mandatory voting in democratic countries is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration of various perspectives. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, practice writing essays on this topic and related themes such as electoral systems, political participation, and democratic rights. Remember to always address all parts of the question, provide balanced arguments, and clearly state your own 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 get valuable feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.