Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-14

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)

It is argued that in the future printed newspapers and books will disappear because people will be able to read everything online for free. While I agree that online reading will become more common, I do not fully agree that printed materials will completely vanish.There are several reasons why many people will prefer to read online in the future.

Firstly, online content is very convenient and accessible. People can read news and books on their phones or laptops at any time and any place without going to a shop. Secondly, most websites and apps provide news and articles for free. This makes it cheaper than buying a newspaper or a book every day. For example, students today use free PDFs and online articles instead of buying expensive textbooks. Finally, digital content can be updated immediately, so people get the latest news faster than in printed newspapers.

However, I believe that printed newspapers and books will still exist for some reasons. Firstly, many people enjoy the feeling of holding a book and reading on paper. Reading a physical book causes less eye strain than reading on a screen for long hours.

Secondly, not everyone has access to the internet, especially in rural areas or developing countries. For them, printed newspapers and books are still the main source of information.

Thirdly, some books and magazines are considered collectibles. People buy them not just to read, but also to keep in their library. Also, not all online content is free. Many good newspapers and book platforms now ask for a paid subscription.

To conclude, although online reading will dominate in the future due to convenience and low cost, I disagree that nobody will buy printed newspapers or books. Printed materials will continue to exist because of personal preference, lack of internet access, and the value people place on physical books.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The candidate has fully addressed all parts of the prompt by discussing both sides of the issue—why online reading is becoming dominant and why printed materials will still retain their value—and has presented a clear, consistent position throughout the response. The ideas are well extended and supported with relevant examples, such as students using free PDFs and the tactile and collectible nature of physical books. The arguments flow logically from the digital advantages to the enduring benefits of print, meeting the Band 7 level descriptors successfully by addressing all parts with a clear, developed stance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The response is divided into logical paragraphs, starting with an introduction that outlines the writer's stance, followed by body paragraphs detailing the pros of digital reading, the counters for print, and a conclusive summary. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'To conclude' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently, ensuring that distinct themes are separated cleanly. While some transitional markers are slightly formulaic, cohesion is managed effectively to earn a solid Band 7 rating.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision, using terms such as 'convenient and accessible', 'collectibles', 'subscription', and 'dominate'. There are attempts at less common lexical items with appropriate awareness of collocation, such as 'cause less eye strain' and 'paid subscription'. While the vocabulary is generally suitable and precise enough for the task, it occasionally relies on standard everyday collocations without pushing into the more sophisticated or idiomatic territory required for higher bands. Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout, matching the Band 7 descriptor well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The writer uses a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional and concessive clauses such as 'While I agree that online reading will become more common, I do not fully agree that printed materials will completely vanish.' There is a high proportion of error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled competently. Minor structural awkwardnesses or repetitive openings exist, but they do not impede communication in any way. The grammatical control demonstrated throughout the essay satisfies the criteria for Band 7, featuring frequent error-free sentences and solid control over complex forms.

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