Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)
It is often argued that people will prefer to read everything online for free in the near future instead of buying physical copies of books or newspapers. I partially agree with this view because online access to books and news is much more convenient. However, people may still have to pay for premium services and certain types of content.
One of the major reasons why people may stop purchasing printed newspapers or books in the coming years is the convenience that online platforms provide. Anyone can gain easy access to global or local news with just a few clicks. In terms of books, many authors nowadays publish their works online, making it easier for people to read them without having to go out and purchase physical copies. Moreover, people can find a wide range of options according to their interests in one place, which is not possible with most printed materials. For example, people may have to visit multiple stores or libraries to find different books, whereas online platforms allow them to explore numerous alternatives much more easily.
However, not all online services will be free. For instance, readers may have to pay for premium services or subscriptions to access certain books, newspapers or other exclusive content. Even today, many online publishing platforms offer free trials for a month or so before requiring users to pay for continued access. Therefore, although there is a high possibility that people will increasingly prefer online platforms to physical stores for reading newspapers and books, they will not necessarily be able to access everything without paying.
In conclusion, I believe that people will increasingly shift from printed newspapers and books to online platforms because digital content is more convenient and offers a wider range of options in one place. Nevertheless, I only partially agree with the statement because many online services require subscriptions or other forms of payment, meaning that people will not be able to read everything for free.
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, clearly stating a partially agreeable position. The ideas are relevant and logically developed. You effectively balance the argument for convenience with the counter-argument regarding payment models. To reach a higher band, you could provide more specific examples of how the publishing industry is changing, such as mentioning specific digital subscription models (e.g., Kindle Unlimited or news paywalls) to add depth to your analysis. The conclusion reinforces your position well, ensuring the reader understands your stance on both the convenience of digital media and the inevitability of costs.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, starting with an introduction, followed by two body paragraphs—one for the convenience argument and one for the cost argument—and a clear conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Moreover', 'For instance', 'Therefore', and 'Nevertheless' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The flow is logical and easy to follow throughout. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the benefits of online reading and the reality of subscription costs is smooth.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'premium services', 'exclusive content', and 'online publishing platforms' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is appropriate and clear, it is somewhat functional rather than sophisticated. To achieve a higher band, you could incorporate more nuanced collocations or less common academic vocabulary, such as 'ubiquity of digital media' or 'monetization strategies'. However, the current range is more than adequate for the task, and there are no errors in word choice that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use conditional structures and subordinating conjunctions effectively, such as 'although there is a high possibility that...' and 'if...'. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your arguments. The sentences are well-constructed, and there is a high level of control over complex grammatical forms. The writing is error-free for the most part, which is a strong indicator of a high band score in this criterion.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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