Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

It is often argued that printed newspapers and books will become obsolete because people will eventually be able to access all the information they need online free of charge. Although digital media is undoubtedly becoming increasingly dominant, I disagree with the view that printed publications will disappear completely.

There are several reasons why online reading is likely to become more popular in the future. First and foremost, digital content is considerably more convenient and accessible than printed material. People can use smartphones, tablets or laptops to access news, books and other information at virtually any time and from almost anywhere. In addition, many online resources are either free or significantly cheaper than their printed equivalents. This is particularly beneficial for students, who can access a wide range of educational materials without having to purchase numerous books. For example, a university student can download free academic articles or use digital libraries instead of buying several expensive textbooks.

Nevertheless, I believe printed newspapers and books will continue to have a place in society. One important reason is that many people value the physical experience of reading a printed book. Unlike digital devices, printed books do not require batteries and do not expose readers to screen-related distractions. Furthermore, not all reliable or high-quality content will necessarily be available online free of charge. Publishers and authors need to earn revenue, meaning that specialised books, premium newspapers and professional publications are likely to remain paid products. For instance, people studying medicine, law or engineering may still purchase printed textbooks because they often contain detailed and professionally produced information.

In conclusion, I believe that digital reading will continue to expand because it is convenient, accessible and often inexpensive. However, I do not agree that printed newspapers and books will completely disappear, as many people still prefer physical publications and some valuable content will continue to require payment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The candidate has fully addressed all parts of the task by discussing both sides of the prompt (the rise of online reading and the enduring nature of print) and presenting a clear, well-developed position throughout the essay. The introduction establishes a definitive stance, and the body paragraphs logically extend ideas with relevant justifications and examples, such as the mention of university students downloading articles and the specific needs of law or medical students. The arguments are thoroughly explored without any irrelevant tangents, fulfilling the Band 7 and Band 8 descriptor criteria successfully. The response is coherent in its development of the prompt's thematic dualism, earning a strong score for task fulfillment.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the arguments in favor of digital media, followed by the counter-arguments supporting printed books, and a neat concluding summary. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally without feeling mechanical, as seen with transition markers like 'First and foremost', 'In addition', 'Nevertheless', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately to separate distinct conceptual blocks. Referencing is clear, and the overall progression guides the reader seamlessly from start to finish, reflecting solid Band 8 characteristics.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student exhibits a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic essay. Words and phrases such as 'obsolete', 'undoubtedly', 'convenient and accessible', 'equivalents', and 'professionally produced' demonstrate a good command of lexical items and collocations. There are attempts at less common vocabulary with an appropriate awareness of academic style, such as 'specialised books' and 'revenue'. Word choice is generally precise, and spelling is entirely accurate throughout the text. Although it stops short of the fully natural and sophisticated control required for a Band 8, the vocabulary easily meets the Band 7 standard by providing ample range, precision, and contextual appropriateness.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer uses a wide variety of complex sentence structures with a high degree of accuracy. Sentences incorporate subordinate clauses effectively, such as in the opening concession ('Although digital media is undoubtedly becoming increasingly dominant, I disagree...') and conditional or participial modifications ('without having to purchase numerous books', 'meaning that specialised books... are likely to remain paid products'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free, with proper punctuation and consistent control over tense and agreement. Occasional complex constructions are handled skillfully, demonstrating the strong control typical of a Band 8 level.

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