PTE Write Essay Task:
You will have 20 minutes to plan, write and revise an essay about the topic below. Your response will be judged on how well you develop a position, organize your ideas, present supporting details, and control the elements of standard written English. You should write 200-300 words.
Is it ethical to enforce compulsory voting in a democratic society? What are the pros and cons of compulsory voting?
A policy called “mandatory voting” says that people have to vote in elections. Even though it might seem like a good idea to make sure that a lot of people vote and are involved in their communities, it raises ethical questions about freedom and government involvement. Here are some pros and cons of voting being required by law:
Pros:
- Increased voter turnout: Making voting mandatory can lead to more people voting, which can give a more accurate picture of what the people want.
- Better representation: If more people vote, the government will be better able to reflect the diversity of the population.
- Voting is a civic duty, and making it mandatory to vote makes sure that people fulfill their duty to take part in the democratic process.
- Encourages political education: Making voting mandatory can push people to learn more about politics and get involved in the political process.
Cons:
- Individual freedom is violated when people are forced to take part in the political process. This can be seen as a violation of individual freedom.
- Voting without enough information: When voting is required, people may feel pressured to vote even if they don’t know much about the issues or candidates. This can lead to people voting without enough information.
- Disengaged voters: People who only vote because they have to rather than because they are interested in the political process can become disengaged voters if they have to vote.
- Punitive measures: It can be hard to make people vote, and punitive measures like fines or jail time can be seen as too harsh.
In the end, making voting mandatory may seem like a good idea in theory, but it raises ethical questions about freedom and the role of the government. It can increase voter turnout and civic engagement, but it can also lead to voters who don’t know what they’re voting for and who don’t care.
In the end, the choice to make voting mandatory should be made after carefully weighing the pros and cons and taking into account the values of a democratic society.
