Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-03

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)

The rapid development of digital technology has significantly changed the way people access information and entertainment. Although online newspapers and books are becoming increasingly popular, I disagree with the view that printed publications will completely disappear in the future.

There are several reason why digital media is increasing. Firstly, online content is more convenient and accessible. People can read news articles, novels and educational materials on their smartphones, tablets or computers from almost anywhere. This is particularly useful for students and professionals, who can access a large amount of information without carrying physical books or newspapers. Secondly, digital publications can be considerably cheaper because they do not require printing, paper or transportation. In addition, many websites provide free articles and other reading materials, which makes online reading attractive to consumers.

However, I believe printed books and newspapers will continue to have a place in society. One important reason is that many readers enjoy the physical experience of holding and reading a book. Printed materials can also help some people concentrate better because they do not contain the notifications and distractions commonly found on digital devices. Furthermore, the claim that people will be able to read everything online without paying is unrealistic. Many high-quality newspapers and digital books are protected by paywalls or require subscriptions. Therefore, people may still choose to purchase printed copies, particularly when they want to own a book permanently or read it repeatedly.

In conclusion, while online reading will undoubtedly become more widespread because of its convenience and affordability, I do not believe that printed newspapers and books will completely disappear. Both digital and printed publications are likely to coexist, allowing people to choose the format that best suits their needs.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

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 argument, acknowledging the benefits of digital media while effectively countering the claim that printed materials will disappear. Your ideas are well-developed, particularly the point regarding the 'physical experience' of reading and the reality of paywalls, which adds depth to your argument. The response is well-structured and directly answers the 'to what extent' component of the question by arguing for coexistence rather than total replacement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and you use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'In addition', 'However', and 'Furthermore'. These transitions help the reader follow your argument without difficulty. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, the two body paragraphs, and the conclusion. The referencing is clear, and the flow between sentences is smooth, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'rapid development', 'digital publications', 'protected by paywalls', and 'coexist' show a good command of topic-specific language. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the task, it stays within a relatively standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions, such as 'ubiquitous nature of digital media' or 'tangible benefits'. Nevertheless, your word choice is natural and there are no errors that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

You use a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as the conditional 'when they want to own a book...' and the concessive 'while online reading will undoubtedly become...'. Your grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. There is a minor slip in the second paragraph ('There are several reason' should be 'reasons'), but this is a rare, non-systematic error that does not affect clarity. Your punctuation is correct, and the majority of your sentences are error-free, demonstrating a strong command of English syntax.

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