IELTS Writing Sample #163
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Is freedom of speech necessary in a free society?
Give reasons for your answer.
Write at least 250 words.
Writing Tip
Decide whether you agree/disagree completely with the statement, partly
agree/disagree with it, or have no definite opinion.
Choose one of these approaches:
State your position in the introduction and then justify it with
arguments. This may be more suitable if you feel strongly about
the statement.
Present the arguments first and then say what you think in the conclusion.
This may be better if you have no strong opinion but can put forward arguments
on both sides.
Sample answer
In the last decade, there has been considerable debate over
the role of free speech in a free society. Some object to absolute freedom of speech.
Others advocate free speech, arguing that the freedom of speech is the single most
important political right of citizens in a civilized society. Whilst I believe that
there are strong arguments on both sides, I would suggest that freedom of speech
should be protected in all but extreme circumstances.
The freedom of speech is important at all levels in a society. Yet it is most important
for the governments. A government which does not know what the people feel and think
is in a dangerous position. This is how the communist regimes of Eastern Europe
were toppled in the 1980s. The same is happening again in other regions of the world
today. The governments that muzzle free speech run a risk of pushing their people
to behave destructively or to rebel.
Furthermore, without free speech no political action is possible and no resistance
to injustice and oppression is possible. Without free speech elections would have
no meaning at all. Policies of contestants become known to the public and become
responsive to public opinion only by virtue of free speech. Between elections the
freely expressed opinions of citizens help restrain oppressive rule. Without this
freedom it is futile to expect political freedom or consequently economic freedom.
In conclusion, I believe that the importance of free speech as a basic and valuable
characteristic of a free society cannot be underestimated. It may be challenging
for society to allow differences of opinion out into the open; however, the consequences
of restricting free speech are likely to be more damaging in the longer term.
(285 words)