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)

It is often predicted that printed newspapers and books will eventually disappear because people will be able to access the information they need online without paying. Although digital publications are becoming increasingly popular due to their convenience and affordability, I partly disagree with this view. Many people still prefer physical reading materials, and not everyone has reliable access to the Internet.

There are several reasons why printed publications may become less common in the future. First, online content is generally more convenient and accessible than printed material. People can read news articles, novels and academic books on smartphones, tablets or computers from almost anywhere. In addition, many websites provide free access to information, meaning that people do not necessarily need to spend money on newspapers or books. Secondly, digital publications can be more environmentally friendly because they reduce the amount of paper, ink and transportation required to produce and distribute printed materials.

However, I do not believe that printed books and newspapers will completely disappear. One important reason is that many people still enjoy the experience of reading a physical book. Unlike digital devices, printed books do not require batteries or an Internet connection, and some readers find them more comfortable for long periods of reading. Furthermore, Internet access is not equally available to everyone. People living in areas with poor Internet infrastructure or those who cannot afford suitable electronic devices may continue to depend on printed materials. Printed books are also commonly used in schools, libraries and educational institutions.

In conclusion, although the growing availability of free online content is likely to reduce the demand for printed newspapers and books, I disagree that they will completely disappear. Digital media will probably become increasingly dominant, but printed publications are likely to remain useful for many people.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The candidate addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing the statement regarding the future disappearance of printed newspapers and books and the assumption that online reading will be free. A clear position is established in the introduction ('I partly disagree with this view') and maintained throughout the essay. The ideas are relevant and supported with appropriate explanations, such as the convenience of digital media versus the tactile preference and accessibility barriers associated with physical books. While the arguments are well-rounded and cover both sides effectively, deeper exploration of the economic implications for publishers could have elevated the response further. Nonetheless, the task is fully and adequately addressed, fitting well within the Band 7 descriptor.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus: the introduction outlines the stance, body paragraph one outlines reasons supporting the shift to digital, body paragraph two presents counter-arguments supporting the survival of print, and the conclusion neatly summarises the discussion. Cohesive devices such as 'First', 'In addition', 'Secondly', 'However', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is managed logically and appropriately. The only minor limitation is that some cohesive ties are somewhat conventional rather than entirely sophisticated, which places this firmly at a solid Band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is generally accurate and sufficient for the task. The student successfully incorporates less common lexical items such as 'digital publications', 'infrastructure', 'environmentally friendly', and 'educational institutions'. Word choice and collocations are natural for the most part (e.g., 'reduce the demand for printed newspapers'). There are no spelling errors, and communication flows smoothly. Although the writer does not frequently deploy highly sophisticated or idiomatic academic collocations, the lexical range is flexible enough to allow for precise communication, comfortably meeting the Band 7 criteria.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences. Examples of complex clauses include concessive clauses ('Although digital publications are becoming increasingly popular...') and relative clauses ('People living in areas with poor Internet infrastructure...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical control is strong. Punctuation is accurate, and punctuation errors are absent. The occasional minor limitation in structural variety prevents it from reaching a Band 8, but the frequent error-free sentences and solid control over complex syntax fully justify a Band 7 score.

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