IELTS.WORK

IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Is technology fostering or hindering democratic participation?

IELTS.WORK Free Online Writing Practice # 1711024278

Task 2 Writing:"Is technology fostering or hindering democratic participation?"

In recent years, technology has become an increasingly significant aspect of modern life. It has transformed the way we communicate, work, and even participate in politics. The question arises, is technology fostering or hindering democratic participation?

To answer this question, we must first define what is meant by "democratic participation." In a democratic society, citizens are expected to engage in public affairs, vote, and have their voices heard. Technology can either facilitate or hinder these actions depending on its implementation.

On one hand, technology has made it easier for people to access information about politics and candidates. Social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook allow politicians to reach a broad audience instantly. Additionally, websites such as Google provide easy access to information about political parties, policies, and election results. In this sense, technology can be seen as fostering democratic participation by increasing awareness among citizens.

On the other hand, the misuse of technology can also hinder democratic participation. Cybercrimes like hacking into voting systems or spreading fake news can undermine trust in democratic processes. Moreover, the rise of echo chambers created by algorithms that feed users with content aligned with their views can lead to polarization and division within society.

In conclusion, while technology has the potential to foster democratic participation through increased accessibility to information and communication, it also presents challenges such as cybercrimes and the spread of misinformation. The impact of technology on democracy largely depends on how well these issues are addressed and mitigated.

Model Answer Score:

- Task Response: 8/9 - The candidate provided a comprehensive response to the question, addressing both sides of the argument. They demonstrated an understanding of the topic by discussing how technology can foster democratic participation (access to information) and hinder it (cybercrimes and echo chambers).

- Coherence and Cohesion: 9/9 - The candidate's response was well organized, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. They effectively used cohesive devices such as transitions and restatements to connect their ideas logically.

- Lexical Resource: 8.5/9 - The candidate displayed an extensive vocabulary related to technology and democracy. However, there were occasional repetitions in wording that reduced the lexical resource score slightly.

- Grammar and Accuracy: 8.5/9 - The overall grammar was accurate, with only a few minor errors affecting clarity but not impeding understanding.

Overall Score: (8+9+8.5+8.5)/4 = 8.43/9

Source: https://www.ielts.work/?id=1711024278&page=ielts-writing-practice

For more: https://www.ielts.work/?page=ielts-writing-practice