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 widely anticipated that printed newspapers and books will eventually become obsolete as people gain unrestricted access to a vast array of digital content at no cost. I partly disagree with this prediction, since although the proliferation of online media is likely to diminish the demand for printed publications, it is improbable that physical reading materials will disappear altogether. This is primarily because digital platforms offer unparalleled convenience and affordability, whereas printed books continue to provide a tangible and distraction-free reading experience.

There are compelling reasons to believe that the demand for printed publications will decline substantially. The foremost factor is the unparalleled accessibility of digital content. With a smartphone, tablet or computer, individuals can instantly access newspapers, e-books and academic materials from virtually anywhere. Moreover, a considerable proportion of online content is available free of charge, eliminating the financial burden associated with purchasing printed material. This is particularly appealing to students and younger generations, who are accustomed to obtaining information through digital platforms. In addition, electronic publications are considerably more convenient: thousands of books can be stored on a single device, while online newspapers can be updated instantaneously. Consequently, as digital technology becomes increasingly ubiquitous, many consumers are likely to regard purchasing physical publications as unnecessary and inconvenient.

Nevertheless, it would be premature to conclude that printed books and newspapers will become entirely obsolete. One important reason is that a significant number of readers still value the tactile experience associated with physical books. Unlike electronic devices, printed materials do not require batteries, internet connectivity or prolonged exposure to a screen, making them particularly suitable for extended reading. Furthermore, digital access is not universal. People living in areas with inadequate internet infrastructure or limited access to technological devices may continue to rely on printed sources. Finally, certain books possess cultural, sentimental and historical significance; collectors and avid readers may therefore continue purchasing physical editions even when digital alternatives are freely available.

In conclusion, the growing prevalence of free online content will undoubtedly erode the demand for printed newspapers and books, primarily because digital media is inexpensive, portable and readily accessible. However, I do not believe that physical publications will disappear completely. Their tangible nature, independence from technology and enduring cultural value mean that there will probably continue to be a market for them, even as digital reading becomes the predominant means of accessing information.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the decline of printed media due to digital alternatives and the reasons why physical books will still persist. The writer adopts a clear, well-developed partial stance from the introduction and maintains it consistently throughout the essay. Main ideas are extended and supported with relevant explanations, such as the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of digital content versus the tactile experience and lack of internet reliance associated with printed formats. The arguments are logical, well-reasoned, and directly respond to the complex prompt without any digression. Therefore, this response meets all the criteria for a high Band 8 in Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a balanced introduction, followed by well-structured body paragraphs addressing distinct aspects of the argument, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and naturally, such as 'whereas', 'Moreover', 'In addition', 'Consequently', and 'Nevertheless', ensuring smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs. Paragraphing is managed effectively and appropriately to guide the reader through the writer's line of reasoning. There is no faulty or mechanical referencing, and the logical flow is sustained from beginning to end, reflecting Band 8 performance in Coherence and Cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible lexical range that is well-suited to an academic essay. There is skilful use of less common and sophisticated vocabulary items, such as 'obsolete', 'proliferation', 'ubiquitous', 'tactile experience', and 'sentimental significance'. Word choices and collocations are generally accurate and natural, for instance, 'financial burden' and 'inadequate internet infrastructure'. While there are a few minor lexical choices, they do not detract from the overall precision and sophistication of the writing. The language shows a strong command of vocabulary, comfortably satisfying the requirements for a Band 7.5 or 8.0, and is best represented by a solid Band 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. The writer successfully employs conditional and concessive structures, such as 'since although the proliferation of online media is likely to diminish...', and participle clauses like 'eliminating the financial burden associated with purchasing printed material'. The majority of sentences are entirely error-free, and any complex forms are handled with strong control over punctuation and syntax. Grammatical accuracy is well-maintained throughout the entire 395-word text, which clearly aligns with the descriptors for a Band 8 in Grammatical Range and Accuracy.

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