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CELPIP Speaking Task 7: Expressing Opinions

CELPIP Speaking Task 7 Sample Answer: Do you think voting should be mandatory for all eligible citizens?

By David

Do you think voting should be compulsory for all eligible voters? Explain your opinion, considering how mandatory voting might affect democracy, citizen participation, and political awareness.

Preparation
30 seconds
Speaking
90 seconds
Structure
Opinion, reasons, conclusion

The question

Do you think voting should be compulsory for all eligible voters? Explain your opinion, considering how mandatory voting might affect democracy, citizen participation, and political awareness.

Excellent answer (transcript): around CLB 11–12

In my opinion, mandatory voting for all eligible citizens is essential to strengthen democratic processes and ensure fair representation. First, compulsory voting boosts voter turnout, which prevents elected officials from representing only a small, possibly biased segment of the population. This inclusiveness enhances the legitimacy of governments. Second, it encourages political engagement and awareness among citizens, fostering a more informed electorate. While critics argue that forcing people to vote may infringe on personal freedom, offering options to cast a blank vote could balance this concern. Ultimately, making voting mandatory cultivates civic responsibility and contributes to a robust democracy.

98 words

Good answer (transcript): around CLB 7–8

I believe voting should be mandatory for all eligible citizens because it increases participation and makes election results more representative of the population. When voting is optional, many people don’t vote, which can lead to a government that does not truly reflect the people’s wishes. Mandatory voting can also encourage people to learn more about political issues and candidates. However, it is important to allow options like abstaining to respect personal choices. Overall, compulsory voting promotes a healthier democracy.

79 words

Basic answer (transcript): around CLB 4–5

Yes, I think voting should be mandatory because it helps more people vote. When everyone votes, the government represents all citizens better. Also, voting is a way to show that people care about their country. If voting is required, people will be more aware of politics and make better decisions. So, I believe mandatory voting is good for the country.

60 words

The CLBs are estimates of the level each sample was written at, not official CELPIP scores. How we estimate CLB

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