Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 15 · 2026-10-22

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 argued that printed newspapers and books will eventually become obsolete because people will be able to access all the information they need online for free. I disagree with this view because many people still prefer printed materials, and online content is not always available without payment.

Admittedly, printed books and newspapers will remain popular because they offer a comfortable reading experience. unlike electronic devices, physical copies do not require electricity or internet connection. Individuals can use a biro to circle or underline important information as well as fold the pages of the books so as to return to the same topic they were reading about. For instance, students may prefer to use physical textbooks when preparing for an examination so they can underline important text, key words and make notes in the margin. As a result, they develop a better understanding and achieve better performance.

In contrast, it is unrealistic to assume that online content will be free in the future. Many digital newspapers, websites and electronic books require payment before accessing their services. Some platforms charge a one-time fee, while others require a subscription. For example, readers may have to pay a monthly fee to access premium newspaper articles online, making printed newspapers a more affordable option for some people. Consequently, people may still choose to buy printed newspapers and books instead of paying for online content.

In conclusion, I disagree with the view that nobody will buy printed newspapers or books in the future. Although online platforms provide convenient access to information, some content requires payment, and many people will continue to prefer printed copies.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

Your position is clear from the introduction to the conclusion: you disagree that printed publications will disappear, and you give two relevant reasons—readers’ preference for physical copies and the fact that online content may require payment. The examples about students annotating textbooks and readers paying for premium newspaper articles help extend these points. This addresses the task directly and supports your view. To develop the argument further, explain more fully why the practical benefits of print are likely to outweigh online convenience for some readers, or acknowledge that preferences may differ across groups. The claim that printed newspapers are “a more affordable option” could also be qualified, since this depends on the publication and subscription cost.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response has a clear, effective structure: an introduction states your position, two body paragraphs present separate reasons, and the conclusion restates your view. The progression within each paragraph is generally logical, with examples followed by outcomes, as in the discussion of students’ notes and examination performance. Linking expressions such as “Admittedly,” “In contrast,” and “Consequently” help signal relationships between ideas. To make cohesion more flexible and less formulaic, vary the way you connect examples and explanations rather than relying mainly on explicit transition phrases. Also ensure paragraph openings connect smoothly to the overall argument: “Admittedly” can suggest a concession, but the paragraph primarily supports your position, so a more direct topic sentence would clarify its role.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

You use a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss print and digital media, including “obsolete,” “physical copies,” “subscription,” and “premium newspaper articles.” These choices are generally appropriate and allow you to express the argument clearly, with some precision. There are occasional weaknesses in naturalness or collocation: “before accessing their services” is less direct than “to access their content,” and “achieve better performance” is broad in the context of examination results. The phrase “a biro” is understandable but may sound region-specific; “pen” would be more widely natural. Aim to use precise, idiomatic combinations consistently and avoid repeating general terms such as “important” and “content” when a more specific alternative is available.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

You use a range of sentence forms, including complex clauses with “because,” “so,” and “while,” and most sentences are clear and well controlled. For example, “Some platforms charge a one-time fee, while others require a subscription” combines contrasting ideas accurately. A few errors remain. The sentence beginning “unlike electronic devices” starts with a lowercase letter after a full stop; it should begin “Unlike.” In “Individuals can use a biro to circle or underline important information as well as fold the pages of the books,” the parallel structure is awkward; “to circle or underline … and to fold …” would be clearer. Review punctuation and parallel constructions, while continuing to use varied complex sentences.

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