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IELTS Free Online Writing Practice - Is society becoming more or less responsive to public opinion?

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Topic: "Is society becoming more or less responsive to public opinion?"

Model Answer:
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about whether or not society is becoming more or less responsive to the opinions of the general public. Some people argue that technological advancements have increased transparency and given individuals a louder voice in shaping societal norms and policies. On the other hand, others claim that the influence of powerful elites and the media has remained largely unchanged, rendering public opinion relatively powerless in driving societal change. This essay will explore these perspectives and evaluate whether society's responsiveness to public opinion is increasing or decreasing.

One significant factor contributing to increased responsiveness to public opinion is the rise of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These platforms have provided an unprecedented platform for people to express their thoughts and opinions on a wide range of topics. Consequently, governments and corporations are increasingly recognizing the importance of engaging with the public through these channels in order to stay relevant and maintain their legitimacy. As a result, we can observe that society is becoming more responsive to public opinion due to the democratizing power of social media.

However, it could be argued that the influence of powerful elites has remained relatively stable despite the rise of social media. For instance, political campaigns and lobby groups still play a significant role in shaping policy decisions and public discourse. These entities often possess substantial financial resources which enable them to shape narratives and sway public opinion. This implies that although social media has increased the visibility of public opinion, it may not necessarily translate into tangible changes in societal policies or norms.

Moreover, the role of mainstream media in shaping public opinion cannot be understated. The media often acts as a gatekeeper, determining which issues gain prominence and how they are framed. In some cases, the media may prioritize stories that align with the interests of powerful elites or advertisers, thereby reducing the impact of public opinion on societal change. This suggests that despite technological advancements, society's responsiveness to public opinion is being curtailed by the continued influence of the mainstream media.

In conclusion, while it is true that social media has provided an unprecedented platform for individuals to express their thoughts and opinions, the overall responsiveness of society to public opinion remains debatable. The persisting influence of powerful elites and the media suggests that the power dynamics have not shifted significantly in favor of greater public involvement. Therefore, we can infer that although some aspects of society have become more receptive to public opinion, there is still much work to be done in order to ensure a truly democratic and responsive society.

Scoring according to IELTS standards:
- Task Response: 9 (The candidate has responded fully to all parts of the question).
- Coherence and Cohesion: 8.5 (The candidate demonstrates a clear progression of ideas, with smooth and logical connections between different sections of the essay).
- Lexical Resource: 8.5 (The candidate demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary and uses it with considerable precision and flexibility).
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 9 (The candidate's grammar is highly accurate and varied, with only minor or no errors).

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