Some people think that public libraries are a place to find information and read books. Others believe that computers replace the function of libraries, so building libraries is a waste of money. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Sample Response
There are those who opine that libraries are venues where people can search for information and do some reading, while the opposing stance is that the construction of these buildings squanders money because individuals can do the same things by using their computers. This essay will initially analyse the two ideas before a presentation of my perspective, which is that it is of necessity to establish libraries, despite the functions being performed by computer technology.
It is justified for some to favour the view that libraries are used by people to gain information and read books. This is a fact because a considerable number of reading materials of multifarious types are stored in libraries, such as novels, magazines and academic papers. Students, be they school-aged children or university students, can consult books to complete their learning tasks, and employees can refer to materials relevant to their work commitments. It is also common to see many people of different ages go to libraries to read books to help them unwind. For example, during school breaks, many children read books with their peers in libraries.
However, it is also true that building libraries wastes money as computers can be the substitute. Numerous books have been produced in digital formats by publishers and uploaded onto a range of internet platforms, making people’s access to these materials easier. Thus, they do not need to physically sit in libraries if they intend to seek information and read books. More conveniently, e-books can be downloaded and saved in people’s electronic devices, including smart phones and tablets, so they can study literature references and read their favourite novels whenever they want and wherever they go.
In conclusion, I believe that both sides of the argument are reasonable. On balance, I firmly claim that keeping libraries is important and does not waste financial resources. After all, these constructions can not only provide people with places to relax, but also become the landmark of a city or a nation.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. State the idea directly Original: the construction of these buildings squanders money Suggested revision: building libraries wastes money Why it matters: The revision removes an unnecessarily indirect reference and uses the task’s central wording.
- 2. Clarify the reference Original: do the same things Suggested revision: perform the same functions Why it matters: This phrase identifies more precisely what computers are claimed to replace.
- 3. Use natural framing Original: It is justified for some to favour the view Suggested revision: Some people reasonably hold the view Why it matters: The revision expresses support for the view without the awkward impersonal construction.
- 4. Avoid an absolute claim Original: This is a fact because Suggested revision: This view is supported by the fact that Why it matters: This wording introduces the supporting evidence without declaring the entire position indisputable.
- 5. Fix countability Original: a considerable number of reading materials Suggested revision: a considerable amount of reading material Why it matters: “Reading material” is normally uncountable when referring collectively to available texts.
- 6. Use concise vocabulary Original: multifarious Suggested revision: many Why it matters: The simpler phrase conveys the same range without sounding unnecessarily ornate.
- 7. Choose a precise noun Original: commitments Suggested revision: duties Why it matters: “Duties” refers more directly to the tasks employees use these materials to complete.
- 8. Fix article and number Original: computers can be the substitute Suggested revision: computers can serve as substitutes Why it matters: The plural subject requires a plural complement, and “serve as” forms the natural construction.
- 9. Use direct phrasing Original: making people’s access to these materials easier Suggested revision: making these materials easier to access Why it matters: The revision expresses accessibility more directly and naturally.
- 10. Fix the preposition Original: in Suggested revision: on Why it matters: Digital files are saved “on” devices rather than “in” them.
- 11. Fix the collocation Original: study literature references Suggested revision: consult academic references Why it matters: “Consult references” is the natural expression for using sources to obtain information.
- 12. Sentence rewrite Original: This essay will initially analyse the two ideas before a presentation of my perspective, which is that it is of necessity to establish libraries, despite the functions being performed by computer technology. Suggested revision: This essay will examine both views before explaining why I believe libraries remain necessary despite the functions performed by computer technology. Why it matters: The rewrite removes heavy nominalisations and makes the writer’s position easier to follow.
Suggested Rewrites
- the construction of these buildings squanders money building libraries wastes money
- do the same things perform the same functions
- It is justified for some to favour the view Some people reasonably hold the view
- This is a fact because This view is supported by the fact that
- a considerable number of reading materials a considerable amount of reading material
- multifarious many
Why this response received Band 7.5
The response discusses both positions clearly, sustains a definite opinion, and uses an orderly paragraph structure with a broad grammatical range. Its main limitation is that the writer's preference for libraries is asserted more strongly than it is justified, while a key supporting point appears only in the conclusion. Develop the reasons libraries remain worth funding within the main body and favour natural, precise wording over conspicuously formal expressions.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
Both views are discussed and a clear pro-library position is given, but the reasons supporting that position are not fully developed in the body.
Add a body-stage comparison explaining why libraries retain unique value despite digital access, rather than introducing the landmark point only in the conclusion.
Coherence and Cohesion
The essay follows a clear progression from the two views to the writer's judgement, and paragraphs each have a coherent central focus.
Integrate the writer's evaluation into the body paragraphs so the final opinion emerges more naturally from the preceding discussion.
Lexical Resource
The response displays a wide vocabulary, although several highly formal or awkward choices reduce naturalness and precision.
Replace expressions such as "it is of necessity" and "these constructions" with direct, idiomatic alternatives suited to the context.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Complex clauses and varied sentence forms are used confidently, with only occasional article, agreement, or phrasing weaknesses.
Check noun phrases and articles in forms such as "computers can be the substitute" and "the landmark of a city" for consistently accurate expression.
Write this task while it is fresh
Try the same task now. It helps you remember the feedback and write better next time.
IELTS Writing Task 2
Some people think that public libraries are a place to find information and read books. Others believe that computers replace the function of libraries, so building libraries is a waste of money. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.