Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-03
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
In the future nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Student answer (Band 7.0)
It is argued that the availability of free digital media will eventually render physical newspapers and books obsolete. I completely disagree with this view because reliable content online often requires payment, and print media offers unique physical and sensory advantages that digital screens cannot replicate.
First, the premise that all online reading material is or will be free is flawed. While basic news summaries and user-generated content are widely accessible at no cost, high-quality journalism and copyrighted literature generally operate behind paywalls or subscription models. Leading media outlets like The New York Times or The Economist restrict full access to paying subscribers to sustain their research and reporting standards. Similarly, popular e-books are commercial products sold through platforms like Amazon Kindle. Therefore, readers will always need to pay for premium, credible content, whether it appears on paper or a screen.
Second, printed publications provide clear tangible benefits that guarantee their continued demand. Reading physical books and papers offers a tactile experience that minimizes digital eye strain and eliminates screen fatigue, making long reading sessions more comfortable. Furthermore, physical books hold sentimental value for collectors and students, providing a focused environment free from the frequent notifications and distractions inherent to smartphones and tablets. For many people, owning a physical library represents personal identity and nostalgia, qualities that digital files cannot match.
In conclusion, print media will not disappear entirely in the future. The necessity of paying for reliable online content and the irreplaceable physical advantages of print ensure that books and newspapers will remain relevant alongside digital platforms.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly state your disagreement in the introduction and maintain this position throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant supporting arguments. For instance, you effectively challenge the assumption of 'free' content by citing subscription models like The New York Times, and you provide a nuanced perspective on the physical benefits of print media. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion provides a clear summary of your stance. The response is balanced, persuasive, and directly answers the 'to what extent' component of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two main body paragraphs is smooth, using effective signposting such as 'First' and 'Second'. Cohesive devices are used naturally and accurately, such as 'Similarly', 'Therefore', and 'Furthermore'. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the flow of information is seamless, making the essay very easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, which is used with precision and natural control. Examples of high-level lexical items include 'render... obsolete', 'subscription models', 'tactile experience', and 'inherent to'. The word choices are consistently appropriate for an academic context, and there are no noticeable errors in collocation or spelling. You successfully use less common vocabulary to enhance the clarity and impact of your arguments, showing a high level of lexical flexibility that is well-suited to the task.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures, including conditional clauses, relative clauses, and varied sentence lengths. The vast majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is excellent. For example, the sentence 'Reading physical books and papers offers a tactile experience that minimizes digital eye strain and eliminates screen fatigue' is grammatically complex and perfectly executed. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the overall control of grammar is highly consistent throughout the piece.
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