Lowering the Voting Age to Sixteen

The question

How to approach this problem and solution question

A problem and solution essay needs specific causes or problems first, then realistic solutions that match them.

1. Introduce the issue and why it matters.
2. Body 1: the main problems or causes, with examples.
3. Body 2: solutions that clearly link to each problem, saying who should act.
4. Conclude by summarising the best solution.

How to plan this answer

Structure

1. Introduction: paraphrase the proposal to lower the voting age to sixteen and state your position on both parts of the question.
2. Body 1: answer the first question, explaining whether lowering the voting age would improve engagement, with reasons such as civic education and the effect on young people's interest.
3. Body 2: answer the second question with other measures, such as civic education in schools, youth councils and easier registration.
4. Body 3 (optional): the risks or objections to lowering the voting age, and why they are or are not decisive.
5. Conclusion: answer both questions clearly in a short final paragraph.

Idea bank

• Some countries that have allowed sixteen-year-olds to vote have reported that young people engage in political debate in schools before elections.
• Votes at sixteen can give young people a stake in decisions that affect their future, such as climate policy and education funding.
• Lowering the voting age may not change behaviour on its own, because turnout among eighteen-year-olds is often low in the same countries.
• Civic education in schools that explains how parliaments, councils and campaigns work can increase knowledge and interest before first voting.
• Youth councils that advise local governments give young people a direct channel to influence policy without waiting until adulthood.
• Automatic registration when a young person turns sixteen can remove the paperwork barrier that discourages many first-time voters.

Useful vocabulary

• political engagement: Political engagement among young people has fallen in many countries.
• civic education: Civic education helps young people understand how government works.
• voter turnout: Voter turnout among first-time voters is often lower than among older voters.
• a stake in: Young people have a stake in decisions about their future.
• youth council: A youth council can give teenagers a voice in local decisions.
• political apathy: Political apathy can be reduced by involving young people in local projects.
• in the same way: In the same way that adults learn to drive, young people can learn to vote through education.
• it remains to be seen whether: It remains to be seen whether lowering the age will change turnout.
• a more effective approach: A more effective approach may combine civic education with easier registration.
• encourage young people to: Schools can encourage young people to take part in debates.

Common mistakes

• Answering only the first question and ignoring the second, which asks about other measures governments could take.
• Assuming that a lower voting age will automatically lead to higher turnout, without any reasoning or evidence.
• Presenting youth councils or civic education as general ideas without explaining how they would work in practice.
• Ignoring the objection that sixteen-year-olds may lack the maturity to vote, when a good answer would at least address it.
• Giving a conclusion that repeats the introduction word for word, rather than stating a clear answer to both questions.

Examiner tip: Answer both questions with equal care, and make sure your second answer offers at least two specific measures with a clear mechanism.