The topic of prisoner voting rights is a complex and controversial issue that has appeared in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams in the past. Based on analysis of previous test questions, this theme is likely to continue being relevant in future exams due to its ethical and societal implications. Let’s examine a sample question on this topic and explore different approaches to answering it effectively.
Some people believe that prisoners should be given the right to vote, while others think they should be denied this right. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question presents a balanced topic asking candidates to discuss both perspectives on prisoner voting rights. Key points to address include:
- Arguments for giving prisoners voting rights
- Arguments against prisoner voting rights
- Your personal opinion on the issue
It’s crucial to maintain a neutral tone when discussing both viewpoints before presenting your own stance in the conclusion.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The question of whether incarcerated individuals should retain their right to vote is a contentious issue in many democracies. While some argue that prisoners should maintain this fundamental democratic right, others believe that forfeiting voting privileges is a justified consequence of criminal behavior. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a personal viewpoint.
Proponents of prisoner voting rights argue that disenfranchisement is counterproductive to rehabilitation and social reintegration. They contend that allowing inmates to participate in the democratic process fosters a sense of civic responsibility and connection to society, which can be instrumental in reducing recidivism rates. Moreover, advocates emphasize that voting is a fundamental human right that should not be contingent on one’s legal status. They argue that denying prisoners the vote effectively creates a subclass of citizens, undermining the principle of universal suffrage.
On the other hand, opponents of prisoner voting rights maintain that losing certain privileges, including the right to vote, is a natural consequence of criminal actions. They argue that individuals who have broken society’s laws should not have a say in shaping those laws until they have completed their sentences. Furthermore, some contend that extending voting rights to prisoners could potentially influence election outcomes, particularly in small constituencies where the prison population is significant relative to the local electorate.
In my opinion, a nuanced approach to this issue is necessary. While I believe that the right to vote should be preserved for the majority of prisoners, there may be justifiable exceptions for those convicted of the most serious crimes, such as treason or election fraud. Implementing a system where voting rights are suspended only for the duration of incarceration, rather than permanently, could strike a balance between punishment and rehabilitation. This approach would acknowledge the gravity of criminal actions while still providing a path for civic reengagement upon release.
In conclusion, the debate over prisoner voting rights highlights the tension between punitive and rehabilitative approaches to criminal justice. While valid arguments exist on both sides, I believe a carefully considered policy that maintains voting rights for most prisoners while setting reasonable limits can uphold democratic principles and support the goal of successful reintegration into society.
(Word count: 345)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates several key features that contribute to its high band score:
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Clear structure: The essay follows a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, and a conclusion that summarizes and presents a personal opinion.
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Cohesion and coherence: Ideas flow smoothly between paragraphs, with effective use of cohesive devices (e.g., “Moreover,” “On the other hand,” “Furthermore”).
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Lexical resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “contentious,” “disenfranchisement,” “recidivism,” “nuanced approach”).
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Grammatical range and accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used effectively throughout, with a mix of compound and complex sentences.
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Task response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and presenting a clear personal opinion with supporting ideas.
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Critical thinking: The writer demonstrates the ability to analyze the issue from multiple angles and propose a balanced solution.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The question of whether prisoners should be allowed to vote is a difficult one. There are arguments on both sides of this issue, and this essay will discuss them before giving my own opinion.
Some people think that prisoners should have the right to vote. They say that voting is a basic human right that should not be taken away, even from those who have committed crimes. They argue that allowing prisoners to vote can help them feel more connected to society and might make it easier for them to rejoin normal life after they are released. Also, they point out that many prisoners will eventually return to society, so they should have a say in how it is run.
On the other hand, there are those who believe prisoners should not be allowed to vote. They argue that when someone commits a crime, they lose certain rights as a punishment. They say that voting is a privilege of free citizens, and prisoners have shown they cannot follow society’s rules. Some people worry that if prisoners can vote, it might change the results of elections, especially in small towns with big prisons.
In my opinion, I think that most prisoners should be allowed to vote, but with some limits. For example, people in prison for very serious crimes like murder might lose this right. I believe that letting prisoners vote could help them feel more responsible and prepare them for life after prison. However, I also understand the concerns about how this could affect elections.
To conclude, the issue of prisoner voting rights is complex. While there are good arguments on both sides, I believe a balanced approach that allows most prisoners to vote while setting some restrictions could be the best solution.
(Word count: 295)
Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates characteristics typical of a Band 6-7 response:
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Task response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is somewhat limited and repetitive (e.g., frequent use of “They say” and “They argue”).
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Lexical resource: The vocabulary used is generally appropriate, but lacks the sophistication and range seen in higher band scores. There is some repetition of words and phrases.
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Grammatical range and accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences, but there is less variety in sentence structures compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
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Critical thinking: While the essay presents arguments for both sides, the analysis is not as in-depth as in higher band responses.
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Paragraph development: Each paragraph has a clear central topic, but the supporting points could be more fully elaborated.
Key Vocabulary
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Disenfranchisement (noun) – /ˌdɪsɪnˈfræntʃaɪzmənt/: The state of being deprived of the right to vote.
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Rehabilitation (noun) – /ˌriːəˌbɪlɪˈteɪʃn/: The action of restoring someone to health or normal life through training and therapy after imprisonment, addiction, or illness.
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Recidivism (noun) – /rɪˈsɪdɪvɪzəm/: The tendency of a convicted criminal to reoffend.
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Suffrage (noun) – /ˈsʌfrɪdʒ/: The right to vote in political elections.
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Nuanced (adjective) – /ˈnjuːɑːnst/: Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression.
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Constituency (noun) – /kənˈstɪtjuənsi/: A group of voters in a specified area who elect a representative to a legislative body.
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Incarceration (noun) – /ɪnˌkɑːsəˈreɪʃn/: The state of being confined in prison.
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Civic (adjective) – /ˈsɪvɪk/: Relating to the duties or activities of people in relation to their town, city, or local area.
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Reintegration (noun) – /ˌriːˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/: The action or process of integrating someone back into society.
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Disenfranchise (verb) – /ˌdɪsɪnˈfræntʃaɪz/: To deprive (someone) of the right to vote.
Conclusion
The topic of prisoner voting rights is a complex and thought-provoking subject that requires careful consideration of multiple perspectives. As you prepare for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider practicing with similar topics that involve balancing individual rights with societal concerns. Some potential related questions you might encounter include:
- Should all citizens be required to vote in national elections?
- Do you think the voting age should be lowered to 16?
- Is compulsory voting a good idea in democratic societies?
Remember to analyze these questions thoroughly, consider multiple viewpoints, and support your arguments with relevant examples and reasoning. To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on the prisoner voting rights topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active practice will help you develop the critical thinking and writing skills necessary for success in the IELTS Writing Task 2.