Power, Voice, and Responsibility
Focus Vocabulary
1. Democracy
- BrE /dɪˈmɒk.rə.si/
- AmE /dɪˈmɑː.krə.si/
Definition: A system of government where people choose their leaders by voting.
Easy Explanation: A way of ruling where everyone gets a say by voting.
Example Sentence: “Democracy allows citizens to participate in making important decisions.”
2. Political system
- BrE /pəˈlɪt.ɪ.kəl ˈsɪs.təm/
- AmE /pəˈlɪt̬.ɪ.kəl ˈsɪs.təm/
Definition: The set of rules and institutions that organize how a country is governed.
Easy Explanation: How a country is run, including its government and laws.
Example Sentence: “Different countries have different political systems.”
3. Authoritarian
- BrE /ɔːˌθɒr.ɪˈteə.ri.ən/
- AmE /əˌθɔːr.ɪˈter.i.ən/
Definition: A political system where one leader or group has all the power, often limiting freedom.
Easy Explanation: A government where leaders have strong control and people have less freedom.
Example Sentence: “Authoritarian governments often control the media and limit protests.”
4. Civic participation
- BrE /ˈsɪv.ɪk pɑːˌtɪs.ɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/
- AmE /ˈsɪv.ɪk pɑːrˌtɪs.əˈpeɪ.ʃən/
Definition: The involvement of citizens in activities like voting, volunteering, or community work.
Easy Explanation: People taking part in activities to help their community or country.
Example Sentence: “Civic participation is important for a strong and healthy democracy.”
IELTS Speaking Challenge
Warm-Up Questions:
- What kind of political system does your country have?
- Should people be required to vote?
- Can a non-democratic country still provide a good quality of life?
Band 6 Style Example:
“My country has democracy. People vote. Some people don’t care. Some people think government is bad.”
Band 7 Style Example (simplified for Band 6 learners):
“Although my country has democracy, many people do not join in and some do not trust the government.”
Try This Speaking Frame:
“In my opinion, ___ gives people more control over their future. However, without ___ and real ___, the system may lose trust.”
Example:
“In my opinion, democracy gives people more control over their future. However, without participation and real honesty, the system may lose trust.”
IELTS Writing Challenge
Task 2 Prompt:
Some people believe democracy is the best form of government. Others think non-democratic systems can work better.
Discuss both ideas and give your opinion.
Band 7 Sample (simplified for Band 6 learners):
“Democracy gives freedom and lets people help make decisions. But some countries with strong leaders can work faster and keep order. I think the best government has both good leadership and people’s voices.”
Structure Plan:
- Introduction – show both views
- Paragraph 1 – why democracy is good (freedom, people’s rights)
- Paragraph 2 – why authoritarian systems may be better (efficiency, order)
- Conclusion – support a balance of leadership and participation
Use These Words:
democracy, political system, civic participation, authoritarian
Grammar Focus: Comparatives for Comparing Systems
Patterns:
- more/less + adjective + than
- The more…, the more…
- While X is more…, Y is more…
Examples:
- “Authoritarian governments may be more efficient, but democracies give more rights.”
- “The more people join in, the stronger the democracy becomes.”
Practice:
Rewrite: Democracy has freedom. Authoritarian systems have more control.
→ While democracy is more about freedom, authoritarian systems have more control.
Your Turn:
Use these words: more efficient, more transparent, less participatory
Rewrite Challenge
Question:
Is democracy the best political system?
Plan:
- Democracies let people join and protect freedom.
- Authoritarian systems can be more efficient but limit choice.
- The more people know, the better democracy works.
- I think the best system has strong leaders and respects people’s voices.
Task:
Write 4 clear sentences using today’s vocabulary and comparative grammar.
Final Reflection
✔️ You have:
- Learned important words about government and politics
- Looked at the good and bad sides of different systems
- Practiced speaking, reading, and writing clearly
- Used comparatives to explain your ideas well
You are not just answering questions — You are joining global talks about power and people.
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