Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-08

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 6.5)

In the years to come, no one will purchase printed newspapers or books because they will be able to access any information they want via the internet for free. However, I disagree with this view to a large extent because many people will continue to prefer printed materials.

To begin with, There are several reasons why people prefer to read information online. Firstly, online information is more convenient to read because people can access news, articles and books quickly using their smartphones or computers. As a result, people do not need to go to shops or carry heavy books or newspapers with them. Furthermore, a large amount of information is available online at little cost. This is particularly attractive to students and people with limited incomes, who can obtain educational materials and news without spending much money.

However, many people still prefer printed materials because they enjoy reading physical books. Some readers prefer to hold a real book, which makes them more comfortable while reading, and they do not like spending a long time looking at a screen. Moreover, not all books and newspapers are available online free of charge. Many high-quality newspapers and books require a subscription, while authors and publishers also need to earn an income.

In conclusion, although online reading is likely to become increasingly popular because of its convenience and low cost, I do not believe that printed newspapers and books will completely disappear. Many people will continue to prefer physical publications, while paid online content will also remain available.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, clearly stating a position of disagreement. The arguments are relevant, covering both the convenience of online content and the enduring appeal of physical books. However, the development of ideas is somewhat basic. For instance, the point about publishers needing income is mentioned but not fully explored in terms of the economic reality of the publishing industry. To reach a higher band, you should provide more depth or specific examples to support your claims, such as mentioning the tactile experience of reading or the specific demographics that still prefer physical media.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use cohesive devices such as 'To begin with', 'Firstly', 'Furthermore', and 'However' effectively to link your points. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the arguments for online reading and the counter-arguments for printed books is smooth. The structure is clear and supports the overall argument well.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication. You use some topic-specific terms like 'printed materials', 'subscription', and 'physical publications'. However, the range is somewhat limited and relies on fairly common language. To improve, try to incorporate more precise or sophisticated vocabulary related to the topic, such as 'digital transition', 'tangible experience', or 'revenue models'. While there are no significant errors, the lexical range does not demonstrate the flexibility or precision required for a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a good level of grammatical control. You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Although online reading is likely to become increasingly popular..., I do not believe...'. Most sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is generally accurate. There is a minor error in the second paragraph: 'To begin with, There are...' where the 'T' in 'There' should be lowercase. Overall, the grammar is reliable and does not impede communication, though a wider variety of complex structures would enhance the score.

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