Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-24

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 predicted that printed newspaper and books will completely disappear in the future because people will be able to access all information through online for free. I largely disagree with this statement. While digital media is undoubtedly growing, physical print will never completely vanish, and unrestricted free online content is an unrealistic expectation.

To begin with, printed materials will always retain a niche market because of the unique physical experience they provide. Unlike reading on screen, which can cause eye strain and distractions, holding a physical book or newspaper offer a tactile and sensory experience that many people prefer. Furthermore, printed books are often seen as valuable collector's items or sentimental gifts. For instance, parents still prefer buying physical storybooks for their children to encourage reading away from screens. Therefore, while the mass market may shift online, there will always be a demand for printed materials.

Secondly, the idea that all online content will be available without paying is highly unrealistic. Producing high-quality journalism, books, and research requires significant time, effort, and funding. To survive, publishers and authors must monetize their work. This is already evident today, as many reputable news websites like The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal operate behind strict paywalls. Similarly, e-books and audiobooks are rarely free; they are sold through subscription services like Kindle Unlimited or Audible. If all content were free, the quality of information would likely plummet, as creators would have no financial incentive to produce reliable material.

In conclusion, I firmly diagree that printed media will become extinct and that all online content will be free. The unique physical experience of reading a printed book or newspaper ensures it survival, while the economic realities of content creation mean that paid subscriptions and paywalls will remain a necessity for quality digital material.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the future of printed media and the idea of free online content, clearly stating their position in the introduction and reiterating it in the conclusion. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as reference to established paywalls like The New York Times and the sensory appeal of physical books. The position remains clear and consistent throughout, meeting the requirements for a Band 7.0 performance.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response features a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with the introduction of the stance, moving to the physical appeal of print, then addressing the economic realities of digital publishing, and concluding with a summary. Cohesive devices are used appropriately (e.g., 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', 'Secondly', 'Similarly'), though there is a minor grammatical slip in referencing ('ensures it survival' instead of 'its'). Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, justifying a Band 7.0 score.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used effectively, such as 'niche market', 'tactile and sensory experience', 'collector's items', 'reputable news websites', and 'financial incentive'. There are a few minor lexical inaccuracies or typos, such as 'newspaper' instead of the plural 'newspapers' in the opening sentence, and 'diagree' in the conclusion. However, the vocabulary is more than adequate for the task, supporting a clear message and earning a Band 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer employs a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, showing generally good control of grammar and punctuation. Examples of successful complex structures include conditional clauses ('If all content were free, the quality of information would likely plummet') and participial clauses. There are occasional errors, such as 'newspaper offer' (subject-verb agreement), 'through online' (preposition error), and 'diagree' (spelling), but these do not impede communication. The majority of sentences are accurate, fitting comfortably within the Band 7.0 descriptors.

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