Maintaining public libraries is a waste of money since there is computer technology. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Response
It is often argued that maintaining public libraries is no longer necessary in today’s world because the development of computer technology has allowed us to get information on the Internet in a much easier way. While I accept that there are clear benefits of online libraries over public libraries, I believe that it is still worth spending money on maintaining public libraries.
There are two main advantages of online sources of information. Firstly, the storage of information in online sources is much greater in comparison with any traditional libraries. This facilitates the research needs of individuals in different aspects in the information world. Secondly, researchers can easily acquire information on the internet whenever they want without the need to attend the library, like in the past. This is therefore particularly beneficial to those who have a hectic schedule and cannot visit these places during the operating hours.
However, the maintenance of local libraries is still necessary because of their distinguishing features which can never be substituted by online sources. Libraries, in some countries, are still one of the most popular means of accessing information among senior citizens, regardless of the availability of online information. In fact, these people are mostly technophobes, or in other words, incapable of using technology, and therefore the physical libraries are their preferred option. Furthermore, public libraries can be considered a more reliable source of information, compared with online sources. Indeed, there is an influx of inaccurate and unreliable information on the Internet, while the sources in libraries are often more carefully categorized and selected by library staff members.
In conclusion, despite the obvious benefits of computer technology in providing information, in my opinion, there are sufficient grounds to reject the view that spending money on maintaining public libraries is unnecessary.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Use natural collocation Original: the development of computer technology Suggested revision: advances in computer technology Why it matters: This phrasing is more concise and idiomatic for technological progress.
- 2. Make wording concise Original: get information on the Internet in a much easier way Suggested revision: access information online much more easily Why it matters: The revision expresses the same idea more directly and naturally.
- 3. Clarify the comparison Original: clear benefits of online libraries over public libraries Suggested revision: clear advantages of online sources over physical libraries Why it matters: The revised terms distinguish digital information from physical institutions more precisely.
- 4. Fix comparison structure Original: the storage of information in online sources is much greater in comparison with any traditional libraries Suggested revision: online sources can store far more information than traditional libraries Why it matters: This creates a complete and grammatically parallel comparison.
- 5. Correct the collocation Original: facilitates Suggested revision: meets Why it matters: Needs are met rather than facilitated.
- 6. Replace vague wording Original: different aspects in the information world Suggested revision: various fields of knowledge Why it matters: The original phrase is vague and unidiomatic in this context.
- 7. Use the right verb Original: attend the library Suggested revision: visit a library Why it matters: People visit a library; attend normally refers to an event, institution, or scheduled activity.
- 8. Clarify past comparison Original: like in the past Suggested revision: as they did in the past Why it matters: The clause makes the comparison with past behaviour explicit.
- 9. Choose precise adjective Original: distinguishing Suggested revision: distinctive Why it matters: Distinctive describes characteristic qualities more naturally here.
- 10. Fix passive construction Original: substituted Suggested revision: replaced Why it matters: Replaced by is the natural passive construction for this meaning.
- 11. Improve clarity Original: one of the most popular means of accessing information among senior citizens Suggested revision: one of the most popular ways for senior citizens to access information Why it matters: This version states clearly who uses the libraries and avoids the awkward means-among combination.
- 12. Use measured wording Original: these people are mostly technophobes Suggested revision: many of these people are uncomfortable with technology Why it matters: This preserves the point while avoiding an overly categorical and loaded label.
Suggested Rewrites
- the development of computer technology advances in computer technology
- get information on the Internet in a much easier way access information online much more easily
- clear benefits of online libraries over public libraries clear advantages of online sources over physical libraries
- the storage of information in online sources is much greater in comparison with any traditional libraries online sources can store far more information than traditional libraries
- facilitates meets
- different aspects in the information world various fields of knowledge
Why this response received Band 7.0
The response presents a clear, consistent position and supports it through a well-organised comparison of online access with the continuing value of physical libraries. Its main limitation is that several supporting claims remain general and some vocabulary combinations are awkward. The highest-priority improvement is to develop each central reason with a more specific illustration while choosing more natural collocations.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
The response fully addresses the question, maintains a clear position, and develops relevant reasons on both sides of the issue.
Strengthen the argument by illustrating the accessibility and reliability claims with one precise, concrete example.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas progress logically through clearly focused paragraphs, with cohesive devices supporting an easy-to-follow argument.
Use a little more implicit referencing and fewer overt sequencing expressions to make the progression feel less signposted.
Lexical Resource
A varied vocabulary conveys the argument precisely overall, although several combinations such as attending a library and facilitating research needs sound unnatural.
Prioritise natural academic collocations, especially for accessing libraries, meeting research needs, and comparing information capacity.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex sentence structures is used with strong control, and the few grammatical slips do not impede meaning.
Refine article use, comparison structures, and noun agreement in phrases such as comparisons with traditional libraries.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Maintaining public libraries is a waste of money since there is computer technology. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.