The Tension Between Data Sovereignty and International Governance
An IELTS Writing Task 2 essay prompt. Plan a clear position, develop two supporting paragraphs, and conclude — then get AI feedback in about 45 seconds.
40 min
2
250+ words
Question Prompt
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As the digital economy grows, governments around the world are increasingly asserting 'data sovereignty' — the principle that citizens' personal data should be stored and processed within national borders. However, some experts warn that such data localisation policies hinder international trade and technological innovation, and may even be exploited by authoritarian governments as a tool to justify surveillance of their citizens. To what extent do you agree or disagree that national efforts to strengthen data sovereignty have a negative impact on the global digital ecosystem?
How to Approach This Question
A quick, practical checklist for this specific task type.
- 1
Take a clear position in the introduction and restate it in the conclusion — do not sit on the fence.
- 2
Devote one body paragraph to each main reason, with a specific example or evidence supporting your view.
- 3
Address a counter-argument briefly to show awareness, then explain why your position still holds.
- 4
Aim for 270–290 words in 40 minutes and use linking words: firstly, furthermore, however, therefore.
Key Topic Vocabulary
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