Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-26
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 5.5)
It is highly argued that in the near future the physical newspaper will reach to a verge of extinction and would be replaced by online news. I support the later view.
The most prominent factor supporting such type of modernisation is that in todays fast paced world technological advancements are to be noticed in every sector. The digital media is now efficient enough to transmit any type of news from one edge of the world to another within minutes. There has been various multi-media platforms developed for every specific aspect of news and it is easily available to every age group.
The youth of todays times seem to be chronically online and find it far convenient to search for current affairs online using one click rather than siting and reading a newspaper. On Other hand it is basic human nature that a person would choose to not buy something if it is already available for free.
Furthermore, it is equally important to consider the physical newspapers as majority of the elderly age group citizens rely on print media in their daily life as they are unfamiliar with the modern technology. Consequently, it becomes evident that such type of print media still plays an important role in general life. Looking at the drawbacks of online media, excessive screen time could cause eye problems and may other subsequent problems.
In conclusion, while opinions on this matter may vary, I remain convinced that online reading could possibly replace newspapers. This perspective is thoroughly justified by the undeniable impacts of both print media and online media.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses the prompt, but the development of ideas is somewhat inconsistent. You clearly state your position in the introduction, but the body paragraphs lack depth. For instance, the argument regarding the elderly is relevant, but it is not fully connected to the prompt's core premise of 'free' online content. The conclusion is a bit vague, as it mentions the 'undeniable impacts' of media without summarizing your main points effectively. To improve, ensure each paragraph directly supports your thesis with specific examples or logical reasoning, rather than just stating general observations.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, and there is a clear progression of ideas. You use some cohesive devices like 'Furthermore' and 'Consequently' to link sentences. However, some transitions feel a bit mechanical or forced. The referencing is generally clear, but the flow between the second and third paragraphs could be smoother. The use of paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure helps the reader follow your argument, even if the internal logic within paragraphs could be more tightly knit.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'modernisation', 'chronically online', and 'extinction'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice and collocation, such as 'reach to a verge of extinction' (should be 'reach the verge of extinction') and 'siting and reading' (should be 'sitting'). While you attempt to use more sophisticated language, these small errors prevent the vocabulary from being considered 'flexible' or 'precise' at a higher band level. Focus on learning the correct prepositional phrases associated with your key vocabulary.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical slips, such as 'in todays fast paced world' (missing apostrophe), 'There has been various multi-media platforms' (subject-verb agreement error: 'have been'), and 'may other subsequent problems' (should be 'many'). These errors do not impede communication, but they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. To improve, pay closer attention to subject-verb agreement and basic punctuation, particularly with possessives and pluralization.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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