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Read the following passage. Then try to make notes of the key facts.
Fair elections depend on voting systems that best show which candidate is favored among the public. For this reason, many people have proposed that a computerized voting system which could be completed over the Internet be implemented. There are several advantages to using computerized voting systems rather than traditional voting systems.
First, computerized voting systems are much safer than using paper ballots. At every election, much care has to be taken in order to properly handle paper ballots. Unfortunately, the current system allows many opportunities for dishonesty. For example, someone could easily add extra ballots to an election when dealing with paper voting systems. Basically, computerized voting systems eliminate most of the chances for human errors, making voting safe, accurate: and reliable.
Second, the proposed system is much more affordable than the use of paper ballots. The current voting system requires thousands of ballots to be printed out on paper. The sheer volume of ballots needed makes this a very expensive task. However, a computerized voting system, does not use any paper at all. Therefore, governments do not end up spending a fortune to produce the paper ballots, which translates into huge savings. Finally, computerized voting systems result in fewer lost votes. Obviously, lost votes pose a big problem for elections. Unfortunately, it is very easy for a paper ballot to get lost during the craziness of an election. Additionally, some votes have to be thrown out if it is not clear which candidate the voter meant to specify. With computerized voting systems, however, all ballots are registered on an electronic database. It is impossible for computerized voting systems to lose votes.
candidate – a person competing for an elected position
propose – to suggest
ballot – a piece of paper on which a vote is written
reliable – able to be counted on
sheer – complete; absolute
specify – to show something clearly
register – to put information on an official record
database – a large amount of information stored on a computer system
Reading:
Predict how the listening passage may contrast with the reading.
mishandle – to deal with badly or ineffectively
partiality – a bias or preference
implement – to put into effect
invest – to put money inton
expense – money spent on something
maintain – to keep something working
on-going – continuous
traditional – customary; used in the past
Now listen to a lecture related to the topic in A. Make notes while listening.
Listening
M: Computerized voting systems have drawn a lot of attention recently as a possible alternative to the current paper-based systems. Many governments are currently looking into switching to the new system. However, before we change everything, I think it's important to consider some of the drawbacks of using such a system. Let me give you three examples of how computerized voting systems are bad.
First, supporters of the computerized system say that it is a lot safer than the current voting methods. But that's not true at all. Let's be honest: there are just as many possibilities for the system to be mishandled over the Internet as on paper. If we're going to start voting over the Internet, we have to be aware of the dangers that are present on the web. For example, hackers could completely ruin an election if they were to attack the computer-based system. A skilled hacker with a particular partiality could easily get into the system and add or subtract votes. Clearly, this is no safer than paper ballots.
Next, computerized systems aren't actualy cheaper for governments, either. In order to implement the system, a lot of expensive equipment is needed for counting and managing the electronic votes. So if a country wants to switch over, they'll have to be willing to invest in the equipment to begin with. The expenses don't stop there. See, these machines cost money to maintain and operate. Overall, the system would introduce an on-going expense for governments rather than saving money.
Finally, I want to clarify that it is possible for computerized systems to lose votes. In fact, they result in more lost votes than traditional paper ballots. Why? The system relies entirely on machines to sort and count votes. This is all very nice when it's functioning, but what happens if the machines break down. A mechanical failure would result in the loss of all the votes registered on that computer. In the end, thousands of votes could be lost from a single failure.
Read the sample response below.
The professor disagrees with the passage by saying that computerized voting systems have many drawbacks.
First, the passage says that computerized voting systems are safer than paper ballots. The systems remove the possibility of human error, making voting safe, reliable, and accurate. Paper ballots, on the other hand, can be easily lost or mishandled.
The professor does not agree with this point. According to him, it is more expensive to use computerized systems because the equipment costs more to purchase. The system also requires continuous spending in order to maintain and operate it.
Finally, while the passage says that computerized voting systems reduce the amount of lost votes, the professor claims that they actually result in more lost votes. This is because a mechanical failure could lead to the loss of thousands of votes all at once.
The professor concludes that computerized voting systems are not better than paper-based systems.
Using your notes, evaluate the sample response by answering the following guide questions.
1. Does the introduction mention the main idea from both the reading passage and the lecture?
2. Does each body paragraph compare the key points of the reading and the lecture?
3. Does the conclusion summarize the main points of both the reading passage and the lecture?
Reading:
Listening
Revise the sample response by correcting the problems you noted.
