Sample LNAT Essay: Should the law require people to vote in general elections?

Posted by Catherine Robinson on October 19, 2023

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Scroll to the bottom of the page to find a sample LNAT essay on whether the law should require people to vote in general elections.

What is the LNAT essay?

The LNAT essay is a 40-minute written task that assesses your ability to construct a persuasive argument. It is an opportunity for you to showcase your critical thinking, analytical skills, and ability to communicate effectively.

Understand the question

Before you start writing, take the time to carefully read and understand the essay question. Identify the key terms and concepts, and make sure you have a clear understanding of what is being asked. This will help you structure your essay and ensure that you address the question directly.

Plan your essay

Planning is crucial when it comes to writing a successful LNAT essay. Take a few minutes to brainstorm ideas, create an outline, and organise your thoughts. This will help you stay focused and ensure that your essay has a logical flow.

Structure your essay

A well-structured essay is easier to read and understand. Start with an introduction that provides an overview of your argument and sets the tone for the rest of the essay. Then, develop your argument in the body paragraphs, using evidence and examples to support your points. Finally, conclude your essay by summarising your main points and restating your thesis.

Use evidence and examples

When writing your LNAT essay, it is important to support your arguments with evidence and examples. This will make your essay more persuasive and convincing. Use relevant facts, statistics, and real-life examples to back up your claims and strengthen your argument.

Be concise and clear

In a time-limited task like the LNAT essay, it is important to be concise and clear in your writing. Avoid unnecessary repetition and wordiness. Use clear and straightforward language to convey your ideas effectively. It is much better to write in plain and simple language than convoluted flowery language.

Practice, practice, practice

Like any skill, essay writing requires practice. Take the time to practice writing LNAT essays under timed conditions. This will help you improve your time management skills and help familiarise yourself with the format and requirements of the test.

Seek feedback

After writing practice essays, seek feedback from teachers, tutors, or peers. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improvement.

Example essay: Should the law require people to vote in general elections?

The question of whether the law should require people to vote in general elections is a contentious one. Some argue that compulsory voting would enhance civic participation and ensure representative governments. However, in this essay it will be argued that this view is misguided because it disregards the importance of individual choice, misunderstands the nature of democracy, and may lead to uninformed decisions. Therefore, it will instead be argued that mandatory voting is not the ideal solution.

Compulsory voting is inherently flawed because it infringes upon individual freedoms and the principle of choice. Democracy, at its core, is about allowing citizens to exercise their right to vote freely, without coercion. Forcing people to vote contradicts this fundamental principle and undermines the very essence of democratic values. A truly vibrant democracy should respect the choices of its citizens, including their choice to abstain from voting. However, proponents of mandatory voting argue that it ensures greater civic participation and leads to more representative governments. By requiring all eligible citizens to cast their votes, it is believed that a broader cross-section of society's views is reflected in the election results. However, this argument is based on a presumption that lacks empirical evidence. Compulsory voting may increase the number of ballots cast, but it does not guarantee an informed or engaged electorate. Voters may simply choose candidates at random or vote for individuals they know little about, which can result in uninformed decisions.

In a democracy, the emphasis should be on informed and voluntary voting. When people are motivated to vote based on their understanding of the issues and candidates, their choices are more meaningful and reflective of their values. Compulsory voting, on the other hand, can lead to a superficial engagement with the political process, where citizens may cast uninformed votes, potentially undermining the quality of the democratic outcome. Supporters of mandatory voting argue that it can reduce political apathy and foster a sense of civic responsibility. However, a more effective approach to addressing political apathy is through education and engagement rather than coercion. Encouraging people to be well-informed and actively participate in the political process is a more sustainable solution that respects individual autonomy.

Implementing and enforcing mandatory voting laws can also be a logistical challenge. The state would have to devote significant resources to track and penalise non-voters. Moreover, it is uncertain whether this enforcement will result in more informed or responsible voting behaviour. Instead, it may lead to a mere formality of voting, without a genuine understanding of the political choices at hand.

In conclusion, while mandatory voting may have its merits in theory, it is not the optimal approach for a robust democracy. It infringes upon individual freedoms, neglects the value of informed choice, and presents logistical challenges in enforcement. A more effective path to strengthening democracy is through education, engagement, and fostering a sense of civic responsibility rather than coercion. Ultimately, the law should respect individual choice and the fundamental principles of democracy.

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