Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

It is often predicted that printed newspapers and books will eventually become obsolete because people will be able to access the information and literature they require online free of charge. Although the growing popularity of digital media is likely to reduce demand for printed publications, I disagree with the view that they will disappear completely.

There are several reasons why digital media could substantially reduce the popularity of printed materials. First and foremost, online content is considerably more convenient and accessible. A smartphone, tablet or laptop can provide users with access to thousands of books, newspapers and academic resources within seconds, eliminating the need to visit a bookshop or carry heavy publications. In addition, much online content is available free of charge, making digital sources particularly attractive to people who cannot afford to purchase books or newspapers regularly. Furthermore, digital publishing can be updated almost instantaneously, whereas printed newspapers become outdated as soon as new events occur. These advantages are likely to encourage more people to shift towards online sources.

Nevertheless, I do not believe that printed publications will disappear entirely. One important reason is that many people continue to value the experience of reading a physical book. Printed books do not require an electronic device, battery or Internet connection, and some readers find them more comfortable for prolonged reading. Moreover, physical books can be collected, preserved and passed on to future generations, giving them a cultural and sentimental value that digital files may not provide. Printed materials may also remain important where reliable Internet access is limited, particularly in less developed regions or among groups who are less familiar with digital technology.

In conclusion, the increasing availability of free online content will undoubtedly reduce people's reliance on printed newspapers and books, largely because digital sources are convenient, inexpensive and easily updated. However, the practical, cultural and personal value of physical publications means that they are unlikely to vanish completely. Instead, the future is more likely to involve the continued coexistence of digital and printed forms of reading.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The writer clearly takes a balanced yet firm position, stating agreement with the trend towards digital media while disagreeing that printed publications will vanish completely. The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical arguments regarding convenience, cost, and the sentimental or practical value of physical books. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay, meeting all the requirements of the task response descriptor at a high level.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and the progression from the introduction through the body paragraphs to the conclusion is seamless. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively without being obtrusive, such as 'First and foremost', 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'Nevertheless'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each body paragraph focusing on a distinct, clear theme relating to either the benefits of digital media or the enduring appeal of print.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The candidate demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic essay. Less common lexical items are used naturally and accurately, including terms like 'obsolete', 'instantaneously', 'prolonged reading', and 'sentimental value'. Word choice and collocations are generally precise, with only very rare, minor inaccuracies, reflecting a strong control of lexical resource that easily aligns with Band 7.5 to 8.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring well-controlled subordinate clauses, conditional elements, and precise punctuation. Examples such as 'Although the growing popularity of digital media is likely to reduce demand for printed publications, I disagree with the view that they will disappear completely' demonstrate excellent syntactic flexibility and grammatical control, justifying a solid Band 8 score.

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