Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-10-01

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 5.5)

Nowadays, there is ongoing debate about mostly people in future will not use physical books or newspaper, as compare to that they will prefer e-books or newspaper because they are more handy and comfortable. While some people support this viewpoint, others hold the opposite opinion. In my perspective, I completely agree that online books and newspaper are more useful as compare to physical books. This essay will explain the reasons behind my viewpoint.

The primary reason behind my viewpoint is that online books are easy tu use and are versatile, each book is available on a single click so the need to find it on store are no more needed. For instance, many people use websites like " read any book " or " open library" to read their favorite books and newspaper. Therefore it is clear that , online books are more handy and usable as compare to the physical books.

Another compelling reason for my opinion is that electronic newspaper and books are mostly free so you don't have to pay huge amount everytime. For example, you can read two or three books side by side without paying for it.

Admittedly, some people argue that physical books are more comfortable and better for eyesight. Fr example, many older adults prefer to read books physically because it is best way of keeping themselves distracted from mobile phones.

To sum up, although some people believe that physical books will not be use in future and I complete agree with that because they are expensive and occupy more space as compare to e-books .

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

The response addresses the task partially, presenting a clear position agreeing that online reading materials are superior. However, the ideas remain limited and under-developed. For instance, the prompt specifically mentions reading online 'without paying', a crucial nuance that the student touches upon briefly in the third paragraph by stating electronic books are free, but fails to fully explore the implications of free access versus purchasing printed goods. While the essay covers the general debate surrounding digital versus physical formats, the arguments lack extension and deeper support, leading to a tendency to generalise. To move up, the writer needs to more fully explore all parts of the prompt, ensuring every main point is supported by well-developed examples and clear explanations rather than surface-level statements.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The essay displays some overall organisation with clear paragraph breaks, yet it lacks a clear overall progression. Cohesive devices are at times inadequate, inaccurate, or repetitive, as seen with frequent reliance on phrases like 'The primary reason behind my viewpoint is' and 'Another compelling reason for my opinion is'. Referencing is also occasionally unclear or mechanical, such as using 'it' ambiguously in sentences like 'Therefore it is clear that , online books are more handy'. Paragraphing is used to separate main ideas, but the logical flow between sentences needs better transitional links. To achieve a higher level, the writer must ensure that information and ideas are sequenced more fluidly, making the progression of arguments much more natural and reducing mechanical repetition of cohesive phrases.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The vocabulary range is limited but minimally adequate for the task. The writer attempts some less common terms such as 'versatile', 'compelling', and 'distracted', but there are noticeable lexical errors in word choice, collocation, and word form, such as 'easy tu use' (spelling), 'on a single click' (preposition collocation), and 'read books physically' (awkward collocation for reading print books). Additionally, repetitions of words like 'viewpoint', 'books', and 'newspaper' restrict the lexical scope. To progress, the student should expand their vocabulary range and focus on precision in word choice and natural collocations, while eliminating basic spelling mistakes to ensure smooth communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

The response demonstrates a limited range of sentence structures, relying heavily on simple or slightly repetitive complex forms. There are frequent grammatical errors that can cause difficulty for the reader, including errors in subject-verb agreement ('mostly people in future will not use'), articles ('on store are no more needed'), and tense consistency. Punctuation errors also appear, such as unnecessary spaces before commas ('clear that , online books'). Attempts at complex structures are often faulty, leading to awkward phrasing. To reach a higher standard, the writer needs to incorporate a wider variety of error-free complex sentence structures, paying closer attention to basic grammatical rules, subject-verb agreement, and accurate punctuation.

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