Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-12

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 6.5)

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed the way people access information. Some argue that printed newspaper and books will eventually become obsolete because people will be able to access all the content they need online free of charge. I strongly agree with this view, as the convenience and accessibilty of digital media are likely to make printed publications increasingly unnecessary.

One major reason is flexibility. Unlike physical newspapers and books, digital publications can be accessed instantly from anywhere using smartphones, ipad or laptops. Readers can also searched for specific information within seconds rather than having to browse through numerous pages. Futhermore, online platforms can be updated continuously, meaning that people can obtain the latest news without waiting for next edition of newspaper. For example, major news websites update their reports throughout the day.

Another compelling factor is the financial advantage of digital media. A considerable amount of information is now available without direct payment, particularly through news websites, educational platforms and digital libraries. This makes online reading considerably more economical than purchasing newspapers or books on a regualr basis. In addition, eliminating printing and distribution costs allows publishers to reach a much larger audience at a lower price.

Admittedly, printed books and newspapers still have certain advantages. Some readers prefer the tactile experience of holding a physical book, while others find prolonged screen use uncomfortable. Printed materials may also be preferred for academic purposes.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that printed newspapers and books will become far less common in future. Although physical publications may continue to appeal to a minority of readers, the widespread availability of free online information aand the unparalleled convenience of digital media willl progressively diminsh the demand for printed materials.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response6.5
Coherence and Cohesion6.5
Lexical Resource6.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy6.5
Overall6.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the task and presents a clear, well-developed position throughout. In the introduction, the writer states, 'I strongly agree with this view,' and systematically supports this stance in subsequent body paragraphs. The first body paragraph explores the flexibility and instant accessibility of digital platforms, while the second examines the financial advantages. Although the counter-argument is brief, it is acknowledged and addressed, satisfying the requirement to discuss whether printed materials will become obsolete. The ideas are extended with relevant examples, such as major news websites updating reports throughout the day, ensuring full coverage of the prompt without noticeable gaps.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organization and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with flexibility, moving to financial advantages, and addressing counter-arguments before concluding. Cohesive devices such as 'One major reason,' 'Another compelling factor,' 'Admittedly,' and 'In conclusion' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the argument. However, referencing and minor cohesive links occasionally show minor mechanical traits, such as repetitive sentence openings or slight awkwardness in transition. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the overall structure is coherent and easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The writer demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow some flexibility and precision, employing less common items such as 'obsolete,' 'compelling factor,' 'tactile experience,' and 'progressively diminish.' There are, however, a few spelling and word-choice errors that prevent a higher band, including 'accessibilty' instead of 'accessibility,' 'searched' instead of 'search,' 'Futhermore' instead of 'Furthermore,' and 'regualr' instead of 'regular.' Despite these minor slips, the lexical resource is adequate for the task, and the errors do not impede communication, allowing the reader to follow the arguments smoothly.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response features a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing structures such as conditional concepts, relative clauses, and introductory participial phrases ('Unlike physical newspapers and books, digital publications can be accessed...'). There are frequent error-free sentences, though a few grammatical and typographical slips persist, such as 'smartphones, ipad or laptops' (pluralization inconsistency) and a double letter in 'andd' and 'media willl.' Punctuation and sentence control remain generally good, and these occasional mechanical errors rarely impede communication, aligning well with the descriptors for Band 7.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.