Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-10-04

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)

Nowaday, technology is gradually replacing the old ways of doing things. People prefer reading books and news online than buying paper based.There is a fear that in the future individuals will no longer buy books and news paper rather they will completely go digital.I strongly agree, as online books and news is cheaper and convenient.

Books and news paper are expensive as companies tend to spend a huge amount of money to print and distribute the copies.Additionally, they need proffessional workers for production. In contrast, Online news does not need proffessionals everyone with a smart phone can just write and share news.And with the advancements in technology, internet and smart phones are accessible and affordable. For example, individuals can use social media platforms like facebook and instagram to share what is happening in their area at zero cost.And with the rising cost of living individuals opt for cost effective ways inorser to save money.

Moreover,online reading is convenient. You can access both books and news in your comfort zone.For instance, for people to access books they need to go to a book store or library. To use most libraries you are supposed to be a member of the library and a fee is usually attached.Additionally when you are reading online you choose what you want to read you do not have to flip over the pages inorder to get what you want.In contrast,online you just click the search button and type what you want it comes instantly.

In concusion, I would argue that, Online news and books will replace news paper and books as it is cheaper and convenient. Therefore, individuals are slowly prefering online.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.0

The response addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position throughout that online books and news will replace printed versions because they are cheaper and more convenient. Relevant ideas are introduced, such as the high cost of printing and the accessibility of digital content via smartphones. However, some ideas are under-developed or lack extension. For instance, the point that companies need professional workers for production is mentioned briefly without further elaboration on how this directly drives up consumer prices compared to digital alternatives. Similarly, the example regarding social media platforms is relevant but remains limited in scope. To reach a higher level, the writer needs to fully extend and support all main arguments with deeper explanations and more comprehensive examples rather than relying on brief generalisations.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The essay presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear stance established in the introduction and reinforced in the conclusion. Paragraphing is utilised appropriately, separating the main body into distinct themes addressing cost and convenience. However, cohesion is sometimes mechanical and referencing is not always clear. For example, the transitional phrases used between sentences can feel abrupt, and the progression within paragraphs occasionally lacks smooth linking devices. Pronoun referencing is also at times ambiguous, such as in the opening sentences of the second paragraph where the relationship between antecedents and pronouns could be tightened. To achieve a stronger flow, the writer should employ a wider and more flexible variety of cohesive devices while ensuring that the logical progression from one idea to the next is seamless and transparent.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

The writer demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully attempting less common items such as 'cost effective', 'accessibility', and 'advancements'. However, there are noticeable spelling, word form, and word choice errors that prevent the writing from achieving a higher mark. Examples of lexical inaccuracies include 'paper based' instead of 'paper-based' or 'print formats', 'news paper' instead of the correct compound noun 'newspaper', 'proffessional' containing a spelling error, and 'inorser' which is a typographical error for 'in order'. Additionally, phrases like 'zero cost' could be expressed with more sophisticated phrasing. These errors do not impede overall communication, but they highlight the need for greater precision, better spelling control, and a more refined selection of academic collocations and lexical items.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

The response displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, attempting structures with subordinate clauses such as 'as companies tend to spend' and 'when you are reading online'. There are some errors in grammar and punctuation, but these errors rarely impede overall communication. Noticeable grammatical issues include missing articles ('companies need professional workers', 'online news does not need professionals', 'everyone with a smart phone'), comma splices ('reading books and news online than buying paper based.There is a fear'), and prepositions or phrasing within patterns ('prefer reading... than' instead of 'to', 'prefering online'). Furthermore, minor punctuation lapses occur throughout the text. To improve further, the writer needs to increase the frequency of error-free complex sentences, exercise tighter control over article usage and prepositions, and refine punctuation habits to ensure greater grammatical accuracy.

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.