Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-19
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)
In contemporary society, education has emerged as a highly debated issue. While a segment of people firmly believes that there will be no need for printed books and newspapers in future, others strongly oppose this notion. This essay aims to critically examine both perspectives. With my standpoint, I firmly believe that it is beneficial for individuals to study from the internet.
To commence with, a compelling reason supporting my viewpoint is that reading from online resources is easier and convenient. When individuals prefer to read from the internet, they become capable of learning freely from different websites. This not only enables them to read frequently but also enhanced their learning skills. Consequently, a large proportion of people can derive substantial benefits from online resources. For example, student who are from different areas can read free by using the internet. This instance vividly illustrates how reading online can exert a positive impact on our education. Hence, it is undeniable that it plays a pivotal role in our daily life.
Another noteworthy justification is that reading from online resources can save individual's time and money. This facilitates individuals to read from the internet more efficiently and accomplish superior outcomes. Additionally, it empowers individuals to gain knowledge and cultivate their future. As a result, individuals witness remarkable progress in their study. For instance, those who cannot buy books and afford newspapers can study and learn from online resources. This example clearly highlights how online resources contributes significantly to access freely without paying charges. Therefore, this strongly reinforces the argument that it has far greater benefits than drawbacks.
To conclude, it is argued by some that reading through the internet may result in certain drawbacks, I firmly believe that it offers far more benefits. This is primarily because it enables individuals to read and enhances their learning skills. Therefore, online reading should be actively promoted in modern society.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses the prompt regarding whether printed materials will be completely replaced by free online reading. The candidate takes a clear position, stating that online reading is highly beneficial, and attempts to develop arguments around convenience, time-saving, and cost-effectiveness. However, the introduction introduces a slight irrelevance by framing the topic as an 'education' issue rather than a general societal trend regarding books and newspapers. Furthermore, the body paragraphs rely on repetitive reasoning and generalisations rather than fully exploring the specific economic or cultural impacts on publishing. Ideas are supported with very broad examples, such as 'student who are from different areas can read free,' which restricts the depth of task fulfilment. Overall, the performance aligns best with Band 6.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with clear paragraphing, dividing the response into a distinct introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Transitional markers such as 'To commence with,' 'Consequently,' and 'Another noteworthy justification' are utilised to sequence ideas. However, referencing and cohesion are sometimes mechanical or repetitive, particularly with phrases like 'reading from online resources' and 'individuals' appearing frequently without smooth substitution. While the progression of ideas is generally logical, the lack of sophisticated signposting prevents the essay from reaching higher bands. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct arguments, placing the response solidly at Band 6.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The writer attempts less common vocabulary, such as 'contemporary society,' 'pivotal role,' and 'substantial benefits.' However, there are noticeable limitations and inaccuracies in word choice and collocation. For instance, the phrase 'With my standpoint' is awkward and unnatural, and 'access freely without paying charges' is redundant. There are also grammatical-lexical slips, such as 'enhanced their learning skills' where tense agreement or form is slightly flawed. Vocabulary is adequate for communicating the central message, but repetition of words like 'individuals,' 'online resources,' and 'read' restricts the lexical range, keeping the score at Band 6.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The text demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, including relative clauses and conditional structures. However, grammatical errors occur with some frequency. Examples include 'student who are' (singular/plural noun error), 'contributes significantly to access freely' (incorrect verb complementation), and 'it is argued by some that... I firmly believe' (slightly clumsy concessive phrasing). While punctuation is generally handled adequately and sentences remain understandable, the persistence of these grammatical inaccuracies means the majority of sentences are not error-free. This performance reflects the criteria for Band 6.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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