Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-26
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)
The rapid advancement in digital technology has transformed how people consume their information and literature, leading many to predict the complete collapse of physical media.
While it is undeniable that online platform offers vast amount of information, I strongly disagree with the assertion of printed newspaper or books will completely disappear or that all online material will be available at no cost.
Firstly, the premise that all online reading material will be accessible for free is flawed. High quality journalism, academic journals and literary works requires substantial resources to produce, edit and publish. As digital advertisement revenue drops, major news organisation implement paywalls and subscription models to monetize their digital content. Likewise, published authors and publishers rely on digital rights management [DRM] to sell e-books. Therefore, premium, reliable, and in-depth content will continue to carry a cost.
Secondly, printed media possesses unique physical and tactile qualities that digital formats cannot replicate. For many readers, physical books offer a sensory experience like the texture of the paper and the lack of screen glare-that reduces eye strain and welcome the interval from digital screen. Studies have also confirmed that reading physical print aids comprehension and retention compared to information gathered from digital devices. Additionally, book holds cultural, aesthetic and collectible value. Many individual take pride in owning a personal library and purchasing special editions of books.
In conclusion, while online platform will remain dominant for quick news update and accessible reading, printed newpaper and books will continue to exist. Digital content will not always be free and the distinct physical benefits of printed literature ensure its enduring relevance in the future
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5
The student has fully addressed all parts of the task by presenting a clear position throughout the essay. The prompt asks whether nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because online content will be free. The student directly challenges both premises—arguing that content will not be free and that printed media has unique qualities. The ideas are well developed with relevant supporting arguments regarding paywalls, digital rights management, and the tactile benefits of physical books. The response meets all task requirements successfully, earning a band score of 7.0 for presenting a well-developed, clear position with adequate extension of ideas.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, introduced with appropriate cohesive markers such as 'Firstly' and 'Secondly'. The conclusion effectively summarises the main points. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately. While referencing and cohesive devices are generally handled well, there are occasional minor slips in phrasing, but overall progression is coherent and natural. This corresponds well to a band 7.0, as ideas flow logically and paragraphing is expertly managed.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.5
The writer demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. Terms such as 'rapid advancement', 'digital rights management', 'sensory experience', and 'enduring relevance' showcase an ability to use less common items with an awareness of style and collocation. However, there are minor lexical inaccuracies, such as 'online platform' (should be plural), 'news organisation' (singular instead of plural), and 'Many individual' (should be plural individuals). These occasional errors do not impede communication, placing the response comfortably within the band 7.0 criteria.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5
The response employs a good variety of complex structures, including conditional and participial phrases, alongside frequent error-free sentences. Examples such as 'While it is undeniable that online platform offers vast amount of information...' demonstrate a mix of complex forms. However, there are some minor grammatical errors, including subject-verb agreement issues like 'platform offers' and 'news organisation implement', as well as missing pluralisation in 'printed newpaper'. Despite these occasional errors, control of grammar and punctuation is good and communication is never impeded, warranting a band 7.0 score.
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.