As an IELTS Writing Task 2 expert, I’ve observed that questions related to digital voting systems have been appearing more frequently in recent years. This trend is likely to continue as technology increasingly intersects with democratic processes worldwide. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.
Some people think that voting systems should move to digital platforms to increase participation and efficiency. Others believe traditional paper-based voting is more secure and reliable. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss advantages of digital voting systems (increased participation and efficiency)
- Discuss advantages of traditional paper-based voting (security and reliability)
- Provide their own opinion on which system is preferable
Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
In recent years, the debate over transitioning voting systems to digital platforms has intensified, with proponents citing increased participation and efficiency as key benefits. However, critics argue that traditional paper-based voting remains more secure and reliable. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a nuanced opinion on this complex issue.
Digital voting systems offer several compelling advantages. Firstly, they have the potential to significantly boost voter turnout by making the process more convenient and accessible. Citizens could potentially cast their votes from home or via mobile devices, eliminating barriers such as transportation issues or long queues at polling stations. Moreover, digital systems can streamline the vote-counting process, reducing human error and delivering results more quickly. This efficiency could enhance public trust in the electoral process and allow for faster political transitions.
However, proponents of traditional paper-based voting raise valid concerns about security and reliability. Paper ballots provide a tangible record that can be manually recounted if necessary, offering a crucial safeguard against potential cyber attacks or system malfunctions. Furthermore, paper-based systems are less vulnerable to large-scale manipulation, as altering physical ballots across multiple locations is logistically challenging. The familiarity and simplicity of paper voting also ensure that it remains accessible to all demographics, including those less comfortable with technology.
In my opinion, while digital voting systems hold promise for the future, the current technological landscape does not yet provide sufficient security guarantees to warrant a complete transition. A hybrid approach could be a viable compromise, incorporating digital technologies to enhance democratic governance while maintaining paper backups. This could involve electronic voting machines that produce paper receipts for verification, or online voting options for overseas citizens while maintaining traditional polling stations domestically.
In conclusion, both digital and paper-based voting systems have their merits and drawbacks. As technology advances, it is crucial to carefully balance the goals of increased participation and efficiency with the fundamental need for security and reliability in our democratic processes. The ideal solution may lie in a thoughtful integration of both approaches, leveraging the strengths of each to create a robust and inclusive voting system for the 21st century.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
The topic of whether voting systems should move to digital platforms is a controversial one. Some people think it’s a good idea because it can increase participation and make the process more efficient. Others believe that traditional paper-based voting is better because it’s more secure and reliable. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my own opinion.
On one hand, digital voting systems have some advantages. They can make it easier for people to vote, especially those who live far from polling stations or have mobility issues. Digital voting could also be faster, both for voters and for counting the results. This could encourage more people to participate in elections and make the whole process more efficient.
On the other hand, traditional paper-based voting has its own benefits. Many people feel that it is more secure because it leaves a physical trail of votes that can be recounted if necessary. Paper voting is also less vulnerable to hacking or technical problems that could affect digital systems. Additionally, some older people or those who are not comfortable with technology might prefer paper voting.
In my opinion, while digital voting systems have potential benefits, I believe that the security and reliability of traditional paper-based voting are more important. The impact of social media on democracy has shown us how vulnerable online systems can be to manipulation. However, I think we could use technology to improve some aspects of the voting process, such as registration or finding polling locations, without changing the actual voting method.
In conclusion, both digital and paper-based voting systems have their pros and cons. While digital voting could increase participation and efficiency, the security and reliability of paper-based voting are crucial for maintaining trust in the democratic process. Perhaps a combination of both systems could be the best solution for the future.
Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)
Nowadays, some people think voting should be done on computers or phones. They say it will make more people vote and be faster. But other people think paper voting is better because it’s safer and more trustworthy. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.
Digital voting has some good points. It’s easy for people to vote from home or on their phone. This might make more people vote, especially young people who like technology. Also, counting votes on computers is faster than counting paper votes. This can save time and money.
But paper voting also has advantages. Many people think it’s safer because you can see the real papers with votes on them. If there’s a problem, you can count the papers again. Also, some people don’t know how to use computers well, so paper voting is easier for them.
In my opinion, I think paper voting is better right now. Digital literacy supports democracy, but not everyone has these skills yet. Maybe in the future when everyone knows how to use computers well, we can change to digital voting. But for now, it’s important that everyone can vote easily and trust the results.
To finish, both digital and paper voting have good and bad points. Digital voting might be more modern, but paper voting feels safer to many people. The most important thing is that everyone can vote and trust the system.
Voter using a digital voting machine
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
- Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
- Presents a clear position throughout the response
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
- Provides well-organized and logically developed ideas with clear progression throughout
Band 6-7 Essay:
- Addresses all parts of the task, though some parts may be more fully covered than others
- Presents a relevant position, although conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, with some inaccuracies
- Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms
- Arranges information coherently with clear overall progression
Band 5-6 Essay:
- Addresses the task only partially; format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but development is not always clear
- Uses limited range of vocabulary; errors may cause some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
- Presents information with some organization but there may be lack of overall progression
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Digital platforms (noun) – /ˈdɪdʒɪtl ˈplætfɔːmz/ – Online systems or technologies
- Participation (noun) – /pɑːˌtɪsɪˈpeɪʃn/ – The act of taking part in something
- Efficiency (noun) – /ɪˈfɪʃnsi/ – The state of being productive with minimum waste
- Reliable (adjective) – /rɪˈlaɪəbl/ – Consistently good in quality or performance
- Cyber attacks (noun) – /ˈsaɪbər əˈtæks/ – Attempts to damage or disrupt computer systems
- Manipulation (noun) – /məˌnɪpjuˈleɪʃn/ – The action of controlling or influencing cleverly or unscrupulously
- Vulnerability (noun) – /ˌvʌlnərəˈbɪləti/ – The quality of being easily hurt or attacked
- Streamline (verb) – /ˈstriːmlaɪn/ – To make a system or organization more efficient and effective
- Tangible (adjective) – /ˈtændʒəbl/ – Clear and definite; real
- Hybrid approach (noun) – /ˈhaɪbrɪd əˈprəʊtʃ/ – A method that combines two different systems or ways of doing something
In conclusion, the debate over digital versus traditional voting systems is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS exams. When approaching such topics, it’s crucial to consider multiple perspectives and provide a balanced argument. How social media platforms influence public discourse is another related topic that might appear in future exams, as it ties into the broader theme of technology’s impact on democracy.
To practice, try writing your own essay on this topic or a related one, such as “Should all government services be moved online?” or “Is increasing internet access essential for modern democracy?” Share your essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your IELTS Writing skills!
