In recent years, more and more people are choosing to read e-books rather than paper books. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of this trend?
Sample Response
These days, there is a growing trend of individuals preferring to read e-books over traditional printed books. In my opinion, the advantages of e-reading far outweigh the disadvantages primarily because of their easy portability, accessibility and positive impact on the environment.
To begin with, e-books offer a high degree of portability and convenience. With the ability to read on mobile devices, laptops or other hand-held devices, one can easily access books from virtually anywhere. Furthermore, the need to physically carry heavy books is eliminated, thereby making reading a more effortless and streamlined process. Additionally, many publishing companies have begun to shift towards e-book production due to the reduced costs associated with their production, resulting in e-books being more affordable than traditional printed books, particularly for students.
Furthermore, e-books are more easily accessible through online purchases, making them readily available to readers at any time. Additionally, they are more environmentally friendly as they require no paper, ink, or energy to produce.
However, it should be acknowledged that there are some drawbacks to e-reading. Many literary and scientific works are not yet available in e-book format, making them inaccessible to individuals who prefer e-reading. Additionally, it can be difficult to find certain older books in e-book format, as they are often only available in physical libraries. For instance, once I was looking for a research paper published by one of our university teachers and could not find it online. I had to access it in a library.
In conclusion, while there are some disadvantages to e-reading, I believe that the advantages far outweigh them. The growing popularity of e-books is a trend that will continue to gain momentum, offering readers convenient, accessible and affordable reading experience while also saving trees and environment.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Pronoun reference Original: because of their Suggested revision: because e-books are portable Why it matters: Their appears to refer to advantages rather than e-books.
- 2. Redundant modifier Original: easy portability Suggested revision: portability Why it matters: Portability already implies ease of carrying.
- 3. Modern form Original: hand-held devices Suggested revision: handheld devices Why it matters: The closed compound is standard.
- 4. Awkward comparison Original: more effortless Suggested revision: easier Why it matters: Effortless is absolute and rarely graded with more.
- 5. Repeated advantage Original: Furthermore, e-books are more easily accessible Suggested revision: E-books are also instantly available Why it matters: This reduces repetition of accessibility.
- 6. Overstated claim Original: require no paper, ink, or energy to produce Suggested revision: require no paper or printing ink and can reduce physical distribution Why it matters: Producing devices, files and servers still consumes energy.
- 7. Natural category Original: scientific works Suggested revision: academic works Why it matters: Academic works better fits research publications.
- 8. Avoid repeated linker Original: Additionally, it can be difficult Suggested revision: It can also be difficult Why it matters: This improves variation.
- 9. Academic term Original: one of our university teachers Suggested revision: one of my university lecturers Why it matters: Lecturer is more precise in this context.
- 10. Natural phrasing Original: access it in a library Suggested revision: consult a physical copy in the library Why it matters: This clarifies how the source was accessed.
- 11. Missing article Original: offering readers convenient, accessible and affordable reading experience Suggested revision: offering readers a convenient, accessible and affordable reading experience Why it matters: Experience is a singular count noun here.
- 12. Missing article Original: saving trees and environment Suggested revision: saving trees and protecting the environment Why it matters: Environment needs the definite article in this general phrase.
Suggested Rewrites
- because of their because e-books are portable
- easy portability portability
- hand-held devices handheld devices
- more effortless easier
- Furthermore, e-books are more easily accessible E-books are also instantly available
- require no paper, ink, or energy to produce require no paper or printing ink and can reduce physical distribution
Why this response received Band 7.5
The essay presents a consistent position, develops several practical advantages, and gives a relevant personal example for a disadvantage in a clear paragraph structure. The comparison is weakened by some questionable claims and repetition of accessibility, while minor article and collocation errors remain; prioritise a more explicit weighing of environmental and access trade-offs and tighter factual precision.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Detailed feedback by IELTS writing criterion after the annotated essay.
Task Response
The question is fully addressed with a clear position and relevant support, though weighing is more asserted than analysed and one environmental claim is overstated.
Explain why the combined benefits are more significant than the availability and screen-related disadvantages.
Coherence and Cohesion
Paragraphing and progression are strong, with clear control of the advantages-disadvantages structure, despite some repeated linking.
Merge the two accessibility points and use the space to deepen the comparison.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is varied and generally precise, with occasional awkward or absolute expressions.
Use qualified claims and accurate collocations such as 'a convenient and affordable reading experience'.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Most complex sentences are accurate, but articles and number agreement cause a few errors.
Check articles before singular count nouns and plural nouns in coordinated phrases.