Maintaining public libraries is a waste of money since computer technology can replace their functions. 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 access a great deal of information on the internet more efficiently. 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, online sources can store a huge amount of information that is greater than any physical library. This allows researchers to easily get the information they need without having to travel to a local library. Furthermore, people can look for information on the Internet whenever they want, while most libraries can only be visited during several hours per day. This is therefore particularly beneficial to those who have a hectic schedule and cannot visit these places during the operating hours.
However, the preservation of local libraries is still necessary because of their distinguishing features which cannot 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, most elderly people these days are technophobes and therefore 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 abundance of inaccurate and unreliable information on the Internet, while libraries have proved to be a more reliable information source, with the information being carefully categorized by library staff members.
In conclusion, despite the benefits of computer technology in providing information, in my opinion, there are good grounds for rejecting the view that spending money on maintaining public libraries is unnecessary.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Keep terms consistent Original: benefits of online libraries over public libraries Suggested revision: advantages of online sources over public libraries Why it matters: Online sources matches the terminology used throughout the body and is broader than online libraries.
- 2. Use formal wording Original: get Suggested revision: obtain Why it matters: Obtain is more precise and appropriately formal in this academic context.
- 3. Correct the time phrase Original: during several hours per day Suggested revision: for only a few hours each day Why it matters: For expresses duration, whereas during requires a named period or event.
- 4. Name the reference Original: these places Suggested revision: libraries Why it matters: Naming libraries removes the vague reference and keeps the comparison clear.
- 5. Use the natural adjective Original: distinguishing Suggested revision: distinctive Why it matters: Distinctive is the conventional adjective for features that set something apart.
- 6. Clarify the comparison Original: which cannot be substituted by online sources Suggested revision: that online sources cannot replicate Why it matters: Sources cannot substitute features directly, but they can fail to replicate them.
- 7. Match the plural subject Original: are still one of the most popular means Suggested revision: are still among the most popular means Why it matters: The plural subject libraries cannot be described as one means.
- 8. Separate independent clauses Original: technophobes and therefore Suggested revision: technophobes, and therefore Why it matters: A comma is needed before and because it joins two independent clauses.
- 9. Clarify the reason Original: with the information being carefully categorized by library staff members Suggested revision: because library staff carefully categorize the information Why it matters: The finite because-clause states the reason more directly than the loose with construction.
- 10. Sentence rewrite Original: Firstly, online sources can store a huge amount of information that is greater than any physical library. Suggested revision: Firstly, online sources can store a larger amount of information than any physical library can. Why it matters: The original compares an amount of information with a library rather than comparing their capacities.
Suggested Rewrites
- benefits of online libraries over public libraries advantages of online sources over public libraries
- get obtain
- during several hours per day for only a few hours each day
- these places libraries
- distinguishing distinctive
- which cannot be substituted by online sources that online sources cannot replicate
Why this response received Band 8.0
The response is strongest in its clear, consistently maintained position and its logically developed comparison of online access with the continuing value of public libraries. The main limitation is occasional overgeneralization and mildly awkward or repetitive wording, especially in the discussion of older users and reliable information. The highest-priority improvement is to qualify broad claims and sharpen the supporting examples while preserving the concise structure.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
The response directly answers the question, maintains a clear qualified disagreement, and develops relevant reasons for both digital access and continued library funding.
Qualify the claim about elderly people and add a more specific illustration of a public-library function that technology cannot fully replace.
Coherence and Cohesion
The argument progresses clearly from the benefits of online information to the distinct value of libraries, with effective paragraphing and cohesive control.
Vary the transitions within body paragraphs and avoid repeating the same reliable-source point in consecutive sentences.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is wide, precise, and appropriately formal, with only occasional awkward combinations or unnecessary repetition.
Refine phrases such as during several hours per day and distinguishing features which cannot be substituted to make the language more idiomatic.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A broad range of complex sentence forms is used accurately, and the few minor punctuation or phrasing issues do not impede meaning.
Polish comma placement around introductory and comparative phrases to make already strong sentence control even more natural.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Maintaining public libraries is a waste of money since computer technology can replace their functions. Do you agree or disagree?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.