Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-08-28

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 8.0)

Some people believe that printed newspapers and books will become obsolete because digital content will be freely accessible online. While I acknowledge the growing dominance of digital media, I largely disagree with this prediction, as print formats offer distinct advantages that ensure their survival.

It is undeniable that online reading has transformed how people consume information. News websites and e-book platforms provide instant, often free access to vast amounts of content, making digital consumption more convenient and cost-effective than purchasing physical copies. Younger generations, in particular, have grown accustomed to reading on smartphones and tablets, which suggests a genuine shift away from print for everyday information consumption.

However, the assumption that everything will be free is questionable. Many reputable news organisations, such as The New York Times and The Times, have introduced paywalls precisely because quality journalism requires funding. As advertising revenue alone proves insufficient, subscription models are likely to persist, meaning free access will remain limited rather than universal.

Furthermore, printed books and newspapers retain unique appeal that digital formats cannot replicate. Many readers value the tactile experience of holding a book, annotating pages, or collecting physical copies for display. Academic and professional readers often prefer print for concentrated reading, as screens can cause eye strain and reduce comprehension during lengthy texts. Additionally, older demographics, who did not grow up with digital technology, frequently prefer traditional formats.

Finally, printed materials serve practical purposes that persist regardless of technological advancement, such as in areas with limited internet access or for archival and legal documentation, where physical records remain essential.

In conclusion, although digital reading will continue expanding, complete free access is unlikely, and printed materials will retain a dedicated readership. I therefore disagree that print media will vanish entirely.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. You provide a balanced view by acknowledging the convenience of digital media before presenting strong, well-developed arguments for the continued relevance of print, such as the necessity of paywalls for quality journalism, the tactile experience, and the practical utility of physical records. The ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as mentioning specific newspapers like 'The New York Times'. The response is well-structured and directly answers the 'to what extent' component of the question.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between ideas is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'Additionally', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. Referencing is precise, and the relationship between the digital shift and the persistence of print is managed well throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'become obsolete', 'growing dominance', 'tactile experience', and 'archival and legal documentation' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are precise and contribute to the formal tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used naturally to convey complex ideas effectively.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You successfully use complex sentences, such as 'While I acknowledge the growing dominance of digital media, I largely disagree with this prediction', and maintain control over punctuation and verb tenses throughout. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few structures used are varied and sophisticated. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication or distract the reader.

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