The main purpose of public libraries is to provide books, and they should not waste their limited resources and space on providing expensive hi-tech media such as computer software, videos and DVDs. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Same questionCompare 2 different answers (Band 7.5)
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Sample Response

1

Public libraries are a vital resource in any community, providing access to books, magazines and other educationaleducative materials. Some argue that libraries should focus solely on their primary function of providing books and not invest in expensive hi-tech media such as computer software, videos, and DVDs. I fully agree with the view that libraries should not waste their limited resources and space on these modern technologies.

2

Firstly, it is important to recognize that public libraries have limited resources and space. They are funded by the publicTheir budgets come from public funds, and therefore they must use these resources as efficiently as possiblein the most efficient way possible. Investing in expensive hi-tech media may not be the most efficient use of these limited resources as they may not be used by many people. This could mean thatcould lead to a situation where a library has invested a significant portion of its budget in hi-tech media that few people use, leaving the library unable to buy the books patrons needpurchase the books that patrons need.

3

Moreover, public libraries are primarily intended for reading and learning, and it is important that they remain focused on this core purposeremain committed to this primary function. Providing hi-tech media such as DVDs and computer software may be entertaining, but it does not promote the same intellectual development and critical thinking skills that reading does. The core purpose of public librariesThe primary function of public libraries is to promote literacy and education, and they should focus on this core mission.

4

In conclusion, while some may argue that public libraries should invest in expensive hi-tech media, I fully agree that libraries should not waste their limited resources and space on these modern technologies. Public libraries are primarily intended to provide books and promote literacy and education, and it is important that they focus on this core mission.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.5

The response presents a clear position and follows a logical structure, with two relevant reasons that are easy to understand. Its main limitation is that the argument remains fairly general and repetitive, particularly in asserting that digital media is little used and less educational without supporting or qualifying those claims. The highest-priority improvement is to develop each reason with a specific example or deeper explanation while reducing repeated task language.

Band score breakdown

IELTS Writing Criteria Scores

TR

Task Response

7.0
Scoring rule

The response fully addresses the question with a clear position and two relevant reasons, but development remains somewhat general.

Next step

Support the claims about usage and educational value with specific examples or more detailed causal explanation.

CC

Coherence and Cohesion

7.0
Scoring rule

The essay is logically organised and easy to follow, although repeated wording makes parts of the progression feel mechanical.

Next step

Vary the way ideas are linked and avoid restating the same core-mission point in successive paragraphs.

LR

Lexical Resource

7.0
Scoring rule

Vocabulary is appropriate and sufficiently varied, but key phrases such as “limited resources” and “primary function” are overused.

Next step

Use more precise paraphrases and less repetition when referring to library priorities, funding, and digital materials.

GRA

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

8.0
Scoring rule

Sentence structures are varied and consistently well controlled, with errors rare and meaning always clear.

Next step

Refine occasional heavy coordination and ambiguous pronoun reference to make already accurate sentences more concise.