B1 – Intermediate
Legal voting age refers to the minimum age that an individual is allowed to cast their vote in a democratic process. Most nations in the world have 18 as their voting age.
However, UK is considering to lower it to 16.
Read the article about UK’s plans to lower voting age and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
https://breakingnewsenglish.com/2507/250721-voting-age.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “a step forward” mean? “By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy.” Use this idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “to have a say on something” mean? “It’s only right they can have a say on the issues that affect them.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- Explain “parent’s consent”. “Some point to the fact that 16-year-olds cannot drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent’s consent, yet they will be able to vote.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Share your opinion on this, “16-year-olds in Britain work and pay taxes, so they should be allowed to vote.”
- Do you think voting age should be lowered in your country, too? Why or why not?
- Share your opinion about this statement, “By [extending] the vote to younger people, we are taking a generational step forward in restoring public trust and boosting engagement in UK democracy.“
- What are the good and bad things about letting people as young as 16 years old vote?
- If 16 year olds will be allowed to vote, then, should they be allowed to drink alcohol, buy a lottery ticket, or get married without their parent’s consent too? Explain your views on this.
- What do you think is the best voting age and why?