Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-09-28

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)

The prompt suggests that the ubiquity of free digital content will eventually render printed books and newspapers obsolete. While I acknowledge the profound shift toward digital consumption, I disagree with the notion that print media will vanish entirely, primarily because the assumption of "everything being free" is a fallacy..The Rise of Digital DominanceThe migration to digital platforms is undeniable, driven by unparalleled convenience and real-time accessibility. In the contemporary era, the ephemeral nature of news makes the 24-hour cycle of a printed newspaper appear anachronistic. Furthermore, from an environmental and fiscal perspective, the elimination of physical production and distribution costs allows publishers to reach a global audience instantaneously. For many, the ability to house a vast library within a single, lightweight device has transformed reading from a stationary activity into a portable, seamless experience.The Endurance of PrintHowever, the argument that print will disappear ignores the tactile and aesthetic value of physical media. For bibliophiles, a book is not merely a vessel for information but a tangible object that offers a sensory experience—the scent of paper and the weight of a volume—which digital screens cannot replicate. This has led to a resurgence in "slow reading" as a form of digital detox. Moreover, the prediction that online content will remain free is increasingly inaccurate. As digital advertising revenues fluctuate, many reputable publications have implemented stringent paywalls to preserve journalistic integrity. Consequently, the high-quality content that consumers value is often still a paid commodity, whether digital or physical.ConclusionIn conclusion, while digital media will undoubtedly remain the primary mode of information consumption due to its efficiency, printed materials are unlikely to face total extinction. Instead, they will likely transition into a niche or premium market, valued for their longevity and the focused experience they provide. The future is not one of total digital replacement, but rather a hybrid landscape where both formats coexist.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task prompt, discussing both the shift toward digital content and the counter-argument regarding the survival of print media. You establish a clear, well-developed position right from the introductory paragraph where you state, 'I disagree with the notion that print media will vanish entirely, primarily because the assumption of 'everything being free' is a fallacy.' Your arguments are well-supported and extended logically throughout the body paragraphs, covering aspects such as the tactile value of books, the rise of 'slow reading,' and the economic reality of publishers implementing paywalls. Ideas are fully explored without any irrelevant tangents, meeting all the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

Ideas are logically sequenced and progress naturally from the introduction to the digital migration arguments, the counter-arguments on print endurance, and finally the conclusion. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, as demonstrated by the clear structural breaks and headings. Cohesive devices are managed well, using appropriate transitional phrases such as 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'Consequently'. However, there are minor formatting issues with missing spaces between sentences in a couple of places (e.g., 'fallacy..The Rise', 'experience..The Endurance'), which slightly impacts the fluency of the layout, though the underlying logical progression remains strong and clear throughout.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Less common and sophisticated lexical items are used skillfully throughout the text, including terms such as 'ubiquity', 'anachronistic', 'ephemeral', 'bibliophiles', and 'stringent paywalls'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate and natural, contributing significantly to the academic tone of the essay. There are only occasional minor lapses, but overall, the lexical control allows you to convey precise meanings with a high degree of sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of flexibility and accuracy. You successfully incorporate advanced structures, such as concessive clauses ('While I acknowledge...') and participial phrases ('driven by unparalleled convenience...'). The majority of your sentences are entirely error-free, and punctuation is handled competently aside from the minor spacing punctuation glitches mentioned earlier. Grammar and punctuation control remains robust throughout, allowing the reader to follow complex ideas effortlessly without any impediment to communication.

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.