Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-16

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 frequently predicted that printed newspapers and physical books will become entirely obsolete as readers gain free online access to all reading materials. While the digital revolution has irrevocably changed how information is produced and consumed, I largely disagree with the notion that print media will vanish completely, primarily because high-quality content is rarely free, and physical print offers distinct advantages that screens cannot replace.

The Fallacy of Free Online Content

The assertion that readers will access everything online without paying misjudges the economic realities of digital publishing. Producing thorough investigative journalism, academic research, and original literature requires substantial financial investment.

Subscription Models and Paywalls: Major news organizations have increasingly moved away from free, ad-supported models in favor of strict paywalls and digital subscriptions.

Copyright Protections: Authors and publishers rely on copyright laws to monetize their intellectual property. E-books and digital audiobooks are rarely distributed legally for free; consumers simply pay for access to a digital file rather than paper.

Quality vs. Free Content: While superficial daily news and social media content are often free, in-depth analysis and authoritative books will always command a price, regardless of the delivery medium.

The Lasting Appeal of Physical Print

Beyond economic factors, physical books and print media provide tangible experiences that digital screens fail to emulate.

Reduced Screen Fatigue: The average person spends several hours a day looking at electronic screens for work and communication. Physical books offer a screen-free refuge, avoiding the optical strain, headaches, and blue-light exposure associated with digital devices.

Deeper Focus and Retention: Studies in cognitive reading show that readers often retain complex narratives and technical details better when reading physical paper. Physical books lack pop-up notifications, hyperlinked distractions, and social media prompts, enabling sustained deep reading.

Tactile and Emotional Value: Printed books serve as physical artifacts. Bookshelves represent personal identity, history, and aesthetic value. For many, the weight of paper, the smell of fresh ink, and the tactile action of turning a page remain deeply satisfying sensory experiences.

The Shifting Role of Print

While daily print newspapers may become an increasingly niche product due to the speed requirements of breaking news, printed books—especially fiction, collector’s editions, art monographs, and educational texts—will continue to enjoy a stable market.

In conclusion, digital media will undoubtedly remain the dominant format for fast, convenient information retrieval. However, because premium content will continue to require payment and physical paper offers irreplaceable cognitive and sensory benefits, printed books and high-value publications will remain a permanent feature of modern culture.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed position throughout. The writer clearly disagrees with the prompt's premise and successfully supports this stance using two main pillars: the economic necessity of paid publishing and the cognitive and sensory benefits of physical media. The ideas are extended logically with appropriate supporting points, such as subscription models, copyright protections, and screen fatigue. The arguments are compelling and relevant, fully meeting the requirements of Band 8.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression from introduction to body paragraphs and a concluding summary. Paragraphing is used skillfully and appropriately, with distinct thematic headings and sub-points that guide the reader smoothly through the argument. Cohesive devices are managed well without feeling mechanical or obtrusive. Reference words and logical transitions are used effectively throughout the text, earning a solid Band 8 for overall structure and flow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a wide, flexible, and fluent range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'irrevocably changed', 'investigative journalism', 'intellectual property', and 'sensory experiences'. Word choice is precise, and there are virtually no inaccuracies in collocation or spelling. This lexical control comfortably aligns with the Band 8 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

A wide range of complex grammatical structures is deployed with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring sophisticated subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and conditional structures (e.g., 'While daily print newspapers may become an increasingly niche product...'). Control over punctuation and grammar is consistent throughout, with only very rare, minor imperfections. This performance meets the criteria for Band 8.

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