Maintaining public libraries is a waste of money since computer technology can replace their functions. Do you agree or disagree?
Sample Response
Some people argue that society can do withoutSome people opine that people can do away with traditional libraries because technology has given us access to virtual librariesthe facility of virtual or online libraries. Although technology has reduced our need to go to librariesgo to the libraries, traditional libraries can never become redundant and maintaining them is not a waste of money.
On the one hand, it can be a waste of money to keep libraries open. The advent of new technologies like computers and the Internet has transformed traditional libraries from venues housing many printed documentsvenues containing a large number of printed documents into paperless libraries containing only digitized documents. This has led to the creation of virtual libraries through which users have accessvirtual libraries in which the user has access to information at any time and from anywhere in the worldat any time and anywhere in the world by using modern communication toolsthe modern tools of communications, such as computers and internet accesscomputers and Internet facilities. Therefore, it is unnecessary to spend money on traditional libraries because fewer and fewer users use them.
However, libraries still play an important role these days. Firstly, a person goes to a library not only to search for and obtain informationsearch and get information from books but also to sit and study there. The peaceful and scholarly ambiance of the library helps one to concentrate better on their work or studiesconcentrate more on one's work and study. Secondly, virtual libraries can be accessed only by those who are computer literate. For elderly or disadvantaged individuals who rarely have a chance to be exposed to cutting-edge technologies like computers or smartphones, it is much more challenging to access information online than going to a traditional library.
In conclusion, advancement should be welcomed in every field but the importance of the libraries for their fundamental role cannot be put aside, and funding them is not wasting financial resources.
Why this response received Band 7.5
The response presents a clear position, weighs the technological argument fairly, and develops two persuasive reasons for retaining public libraries. Its main limitation is occasional imprecision in phrasing, particularly where traditional, digitised, and virtual libraries are discussed as if they were interchangeable. The highest-priority improvement is to sharpen those distinctions and use more natural collocations when stating the conclusion.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
The position is clear throughout, and both the case for replacement and the continuing value of libraries receive relevant development.
Clarify how study space and equitable access directly outweigh the proposed financial savings from replacing physical libraries.
Coherence and Cohesion
Ideas follow a clear progression from the opposing case to the writer’s position, and paragraphing supports easy navigation.
Use less formulaic signposting and build a more explicit logical bridge between the counterargument and its rebuttal.
Lexical Resource
The response uses a broad vocabulary for technology, access, and education, although several collocations sound awkward or overly formal.
Choose more natural combinations for phrases about communication tools, technological exposure, and preserving the role of libraries.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Complex structures are frequent and generally well controlled, with minor article, number, and phrasing errors that do not impede meaning.
Review article choice and singular-plural agreement in general statements about libraries, computers, and communication facilities.
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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.