Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)

I completely agree with this statement that nobody will purchase books or newpapers in the future because they will find everything they want online without paying.

On the one hand, Nowadays, we live in an age of technology and everyone uses internet according to their need. In the future, I think people or students will not use any printed books for their educational and other purposes because they will read books online on different websites according to their need. For example, many university students should use different kinds of websites and apps for their exam preparation without any printed book. It also helps them to learn anything at anytime of the day and night. As a result, they can read everything that they want without any difficulty. It also helps them save money that they spent on books related to their course.

On the other hand, In the past, many people liked to read newspapers every day. Firstly they bought a newspaper from the shops and then they were able to read it. But I think, In future this habit became changed among the people because they will learn about technology and about its use so they are start reading newspaper on different kinds of websites without any need of printed copy and without purchasing any newspapers from market. As a result, the people's knowledge increases about using the internet that is better for their daily life routine.

I completely agree with this statement people and students will not buy any printed books in future because they find everything they want online. While it also helps people to read newspaper online that increase their knowledge about using of technology. It also helps them to save their money.

AI examiner evaluation

CriterionBand
Task Achievement / Task Response5.5
Coherence and Cohesion5.5
Lexical Resource5.0
Grammatical Range and Accuracy5.0
Overall5.5

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt by stating a clear position of complete agreement regarding the future of printed materials and free online access. The main ideas are presented and supported with examples, such as university students using websites and apps for exam preparation and cost-saving benefits. However, the development of ideas tends to be repetitive, particularly in the conclusion which heavily restates previous points without introducing deeper extension or nuance. Consequently, the task response aligns best with Band 6, as the position is clear and relevant ideas are present, though some points remain slightly under-developed and circular.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5

The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear stance established early on. Paragraphing is utilised appropriately to separate introduction, body paragraphs (On the one hand / On the other hand), and conclusion. However, the use of cohesive devices is sometimes mechanical or repetitive, such as the frequent reliance on 'As a result' and 'It also helps'. Furthermore, referencing is occasionally imprecise, leading to a somewhat formulaic flow. While logical progression is generally maintained, these limitations place the performance firmly within the Band 6 descriptor.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.0

The vocabulary used is generally adequate for the task, allowing the student to communicate basic arguments about technology, education, and reading habits. Less common lexical items are attempted, such as 'exam preparation' and 'knowledge increases', but there are noticeable errors in word choice and collocation, such as 'this habit became changed' instead of 'this habit will change', and 'they are start reading'. Spelling is mostly accurate, but the limited range and frequent minor inaccuracies mean the lexical control fits Band 5.0 rather than Band 6.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0

The student attempts a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating some control over basic structures. However, there are frequent grammatical errors, particularly with verb tense consistency, such as mixing future predictions with present and past tenses ('this habit became changed', 'they are start reading', 'they find everything'). Punctuation and article usage also show recurrent lapses. Because these errors occur frequently throughout the response—though they do not entirely impede communication—the appropriate band score for this criterion is 5.0.

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.