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Discussion (Discuss both views) Society Task 2

Some people say that younger people are not suitable for important positions in governments of countries. Others, however, say that it is a good idea for the younger to take on these positions. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

A full IELTS Writing Task 2 answer to this question, with a paragraph plan, ideas you can use, and the vocabulary that fits this topic.

The question

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Some people say that younger people are not suitable for important positions in governments of countries. Others, however, say that it is a good idea for the younger to take on these positions. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.

How to read this question

You are given two opposing views and asked to discuss both before giving your own. The single most common Band 6 cause here is discussing both sides but never stating your own opinion, or stating it only in the conclusion.

Paragraph plan

Introduction — Paraphrase the prompt, acknowledge both views, and state a clear position.

Body 1 — Develop the first view with a clear mechanism and a specific consequence.

Body 2 — Develop the second view with a clear mechanism and a specific consequence.

Conclusion — Summarise both views and restate the opinion without introducing new ideas.

Model essay

Band 8.5–9.0 model essay

320 words

Some argue that young individuals lack the qualifications necessary for senior government positions, while others contend that youth can bring valuable strengths to political leadership. In my view, competence should be judged by demonstrated ability rather than age alone.

On the one hand, sceptics argue that younger politicians often lack the experience required to navigate complex political and diplomatic challenges. To clarify, effective governance frequently demands familiarity with historical precedent, established international relationships, and the patience to negotiate compromises across competing interests, qualities that are typically cultivated over decades of public service. For instance, a newly appointed young minister may struggle to anticipate the long-term consequences of policy decisions that a seasoned politician would recognise immediately from prior experience, potentially leading to costly missteps in sensitive negotiations. Critics also note that younger leaders may be more susceptible to external pressure, lacking the established networks that shield veteran politicians from undue influence.

On the other hand, proponents of youthful leadership highlight the fresh perspectives and adaptability that younger politicians bring to government. This is attributable to the fact that younger leaders are often more attuned to emerging technologies and evolving social values, enabling them to address contemporary issues, such as climate policy or digital governance, with greater agility than officials accustomed to traditional methods. Moreover, younger politicians frequently demonstrate stronger connections with younger constituents, helping to bridge generational gaps in political representation and restore public trust in institutions.

From my perspective, age itself should not determine eligibility for important positions; rather, competence, sound judgement and a demonstrated commitment to public service should be the deciding factors. A capable young leader supported by experienced advisors can govern as effectively as an older counterpart, provided that the necessary institutional guidance and mentorship are available.

To conclude, while concerns about inexperience and the promise of fresh perspectives both carry merit, I believe demonstrated competence, rather than age, should ultimately determine suitability for government office.

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Ideas & vocabulary for this topic

Ideas you can use

  • Introduction: Paraphrase both views on young people in government and state the opinion that competence, not age, should be the deciding factor.
  • Body 1: Present the sceptical view: younger politicians often lack the experience for complex diplomacy and governance and may be more vulnerable to outside pressure, risking costly missteps.
  • Body 2: Present the supportive view: young leaders bring fresh perspectives, adaptability to new technology and social change, and stronger connections with younger constituents.
  • Body 3: Give the opinion that age should not determine eligibility — competence, judgement and commitment to public service matter more, especially with experienced advisors supporting a young leader.
  • Conclusion: Restate that demonstrated competence, rather than age, should ultimately determine suitability for government office.
Word or phraseMeaningUsed in a sentence
qualificationsthe skills, knowledge or experience that make someone suitable for a roleyoung individuals lack the qualifications necessary for senior government positions
historical precedentan earlier event or decision used as a guide for present situationseffective governance frequently demands familiarity with historical precedent
diplomaticrelating to managing international relations and negotiationsnavigate complex political and diplomatic challenges
agilitythe ability to move or adapt quickly and easilywith greater agility than officials accustomed to traditional methods
constituentsthe residents of an area represented by an elected officialstronger connections with younger constituents
competencethe ability to do something successfully or efficientlycompetence, sound judgement and a demonstrated commitment to public service
sound judgementthe capacity to make wise and reasonable decisionscompetence, sound judgement and a demonstrated commitment to public service
mentorshipguidance and support provided by a more experienced personthe necessary institutional guidance and mentorship are available

Created by a Band 8.5–9.0 IELTS Writing achiever — Premium. Sign up free to see the ideas and vocabulary for this topic and unlock every model on the site.

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