Ielts Academic Writing Task 2 Sample 64

The age at which individuals can legally vote varies around the world. Some argue that the voting age should be lowered to encourage political engagement among young people, while others believe it should remain unchanged. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

The debate over the legal voting age revolves around two contrasting views: whether it should be lowered to enhance political engagement among young people or remain unchanged to uphold the maturity and responsibility required for effective participation in democratic processes.

Advocates for lowering the voting age argue that young people possess the capacity to understand political issues and contribute meaningfully to decision-making processes. Lowering the voting age can empower young citizens to have a voice in shaping policies that directly affect their lives, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and engagement from an early age. Moreover, young people are often at the forefront of social and political movements, advocating for issues such as climate change, social justice, and education reform.

However, opponents argue that lowering the voting age may undermine the integrity of democratic elections by allowing individuals who lack sufficient maturity and life experience to make informed decisions. They contend that young people may be more susceptible to influence from peers, family members, or media, leading to uninformed or impulsive voting behavior. Moreover, there are concerns about the potential for exploitation of young voters by political parties or interest groups seeking to manipulate election outcomes.

In my opinion, the voting age should be lowered to encourage political engagement among young people and ensure that their voices are heard in the democratic process. By empowering young citizens with the right to vote, we can cultivate a more inclusive and representative democracy that reflects the diverse perspectives and priorities of all members of society. However, alongside lowering the voting age, efforts should be made to provide comprehensive civic education and resources to support young people in developing critical thinking skills and understanding their role in shaping the future of their communities and nations.

Note: This is a sample answer, and there can be many other views and sentences used to write the answer.