Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-18
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 often argued that printed newspapers and books will disappear in the future because people will be able to read everything they need online without paying. Although online content is becoming increasingly popular because of its convenience and accessibility, I disagree that printed publications will completely disappear.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why people may prefer online newspapers and books. First, digital content is easily accessible through smartphones, tablets and computers, allowing people to read information from almost anywhere. In addition, online news can be updated immediately, whereas printed newspapers are usually published only once a day. Another important advantage is that digital publications do not require paper, printing or transportation, which can reduce costs and environmental damage. For example, many young people now use websites and mobile applications to read daily news instead of purchasing newspapers.
On the other hand, I believe that printed newspapers and books will continue to have a place in society. Many people enjoy the experience of reading a physical book and find it easier to concentrate without the distractions of electronic devices. Furthermore, printed books can be particularly useful for students who need to study for long periods. It is also unlikely that all online information will remain free. Newspapers, academic websites and publishers often require readers to pay for premium or specialised content. Therefore, the assumption that everything will be available online without payment may not be realistic.
In conclusion, although digital publications will probably become more dominant because of their convenience, I do not believe that printed newspapers and books will completely disappear. Physical publications still offer benefits that digital media cannot fully replace.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, providing a clear position that is maintained throughout the essay. You effectively balance the arguments for digital media with the counter-arguments for printed materials. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the point regarding the potential for paid content online, which directly challenges the prompt's assumption. To reach a higher band, you could further extend your arguments by discussing the cultural or tactile significance of physical books in more depth, or by exploring the specific types of publications that are most likely to survive versus those that might disappear.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the progression of ideas is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'Therefore' effectively. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the task. The flow of information is natural, making the essay easy to follow from start to finish.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic context, such as 'accessibility', 'specialised content', and 'dominant'. The word choice is generally precise and natural. While the vocabulary is sufficient and accurate, it stays within a relatively standard range. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common collocations and idiomatic academic phrases to show greater flexibility and precision in your expression.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Your control over grammar is strong, and there are very few errors. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your arguments. The use of complex structures, such as the conditional and concessive clauses ('Although online content is becoming...', 'It is also unlikely that...'), is accurate. The writing is highly readable and demonstrates a solid command of English grammar.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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