Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-05

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 7.5)

It is often argued that printed newspapers and books will become obsolete because people will be able to access all the information they need online for free. While I agree that digital media will continue to reduce the demand for printed materials, I do not believe that newspapers and books will disappear completely.

There are several reasons why online reading is becoming increasingly popular. First, digital content is much more convenient and accessible than printed material. People can read news articles, books and educational resources on their smartphones, tablets or computers from almost anywhere. In addition, online information can be updated immediately, whereas printed newspapers may contain outdated information by the time they are published. Another major advantage is that many websites and digital platforms provide free content, making online reading an affordable option for a large number of people.

However, I believe printed books and newspapers will continue to have a place in society. Many people still prefer physical books because they are easier to read for long periods and do not require an electronic device or internet connection. Printed books also provide a different reading experience, and some people enjoy collecting them or keeping them as valuable possessions. Furthermore, printed newspapers can be useful for older people who are less comfortable with digital technology. Although their circulation may decrease, there will probably still be a demand for physical newspapers and books.

It is also important to consider that not everything available online is reliable or genuinely free. Some high-quality newspapers, academic publications and books require subscriptions or payments. Therefore, the idea that people will be able to read everything they want online without paying is unlikely to be completely true.

In conclusion, I agree that online reading will become increasingly dominant because it is convenient, fast and often inexpensive. Nevertheless, I disagree with the view that printed newspapers and books will disappear entirely, as many people will continue to value their convenience, reliability and physical reading experience.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, providing a clear position that balances the convenience of digital media with the enduring value of physical formats. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between accessibility and the reality of paid content. The argument is consistent throughout, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the main points. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific examples or nuanced analysis regarding the 'future' aspect of the prompt, perhaps by discussing the shift in demographics or the evolution of publishing business models, which would add further depth to the discussion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the advantages of digital media and the counter-arguments for physical media is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'In addition', and 'Nevertheless' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate for the task. The flow is natural, and the reader is guided through the argument without any confusion or mechanical repetition of linking words.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the topic. The student uses a range of relevant terms such as 'obsolete', 'digital content', 'circulation', and 'reliable'. While the vocabulary is accurate and conveys meaning clearly, it is generally functional rather than sophisticated. To achieve a higher band, the student should aim to incorporate more precise, less common collocations or idiomatic expressions that demonstrate a higher level of lexical flexibility. For instance, instead of 'reduce the demand', one might use 'diminish the prevalence' or 'supersede'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a good command of complex sentence structures. There is a variety of subordinate clauses and compound sentences, and the grammar is consistently accurate throughout the text. Punctuation is used correctly, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of sentences are error-free, which is a hallmark of a strong performance. To reach the highest band, the student could experiment with a wider variety of advanced grammatical structures, such as inversion or more complex conditional sentences, to show greater flexibility.

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