276 words by a whitespace count. This teaching example has an AI-estimated band, not an official examiner score. Read the commentary, then attempt the question yourself.
“Some countries require all citizens to vote in elections. Do you think this is a good policy?”Model answer
276 wordsP1In a number of democracies, citizens are legally obliged to cast a ballot at election time. While some regard this as an infringement of personal freedom, I believe that compulsory voting is, on the whole, a sound policy.
P2The central argument in its favour concerns the legitimacy of government. When voting is optional, turnout is frequently low and skewed towards the wealthy and the elderly, with the result that elected officials represent only a narrow slice of society. Compulsory participation can broaden the electorate beyond the groups most likely to vote voluntarily. Higher turnout gives more citizens a voice in choosing representatives, although it does not mean that every voter supports the winning party. Obliging everyone to take part may also encourage people to inform themselves about the issues, fostering a more engaged and politically literate citizenry.
P3Critics, of course, object that forcing people to vote violates the very freedom that democracy is meant to protect, and that citizens dragged reluctantly to the polls may cast careless or random votes. These concerns deserve acknowledgement, yet they are not insurmountable. Compulsion need only extend to attendance, not to making a choice: voters can still spoil their ballot or select a "none of the above" option, so individual conscience is preserved while the habit of participation is entrenched.
Write your answer in the exam workspace and see how your four marks compare to the model’s.
P4On balance, the benefits clearly outweigh the drawbacks. A modest legal duty to attend the polls seems a small price for a more representative and accountable democracy.
P5In conclusion, although compulsory voting can be portrayed as a limit on freedom, I am convinced that its capacity to boost turnout and strengthen democratic legitimacy makes it a policy well worth adopting.