In the future, nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Sample Response
In today's digital age, the consumption of information has shifted rapidly towards the online platform, and this includes the reading of newspapers and books. While some may argue that print media will continue to exist, it is undeniable that online platforms have overtaken traditional forms of reading. In this essay, I agree with the view that in the future, people will no longer purchase printed newspapers or books, and will instead rely on online sources for their reading needs.
One reason for this shift towards online reading is the convenience it offers. With just a few clicks, readers can access a vast array of information from a range of sources, without the need to leave their homes. In contrast, buying a physical book or newspaper often requires a trip to a store, and can be time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, online reading allows for customization and personalization, as readers can easily select the topics they are interested in, and receive news and updates tailored to their preferences. For example, a reader interested in technology might subscribe to a newsletter that delivers daily updates on the latest gadgets, while someone passionate about health could receive customized articles on fitness tips and nutrition.
Another reason why online reading is likely to dominate in the future is the environmentally friendly aspect of it. The production and distribution of print media contribute significantly to deforestation, pollution, and carbon emissions. In contrast, digital reading is more sustainable and eco-friendly, with no physical materials being used or discarded. As environmental concerns become increasingly prevalent, it is likely that more people will turn to online reading as a way to reduce their carbon footprint. For example, by reading news articles, e-books, and reports online instead of using paper-based sources, individuals can significantly cut down on the demand for paper production, thus helping to conserve trees and reduce the energy consumed in the paper manufacturing process.
In conclusion, the future of reading appears to be in the online realm. The convenience, personalisation, and eco-friendliness of online reading make it a more appealing and practical option than traditional print media. While some may argue that print media will still have a place in society, the growing trend towards online reading suggests otherwise.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Use natural number Original: towards the online platform Suggested revision: toward online platforms Why it matters: The plural noun fits the general reference to many digital sources more naturally.
- 2. Make it concise Original: this includes the reading of Suggested revision: this includes reading Why it matters: The gerund construction expresses the same idea more directly.
- 3. Name the medium Original: traditional forms of reading Suggested revision: traditional print formats Why it matters: The revision contrasts online platforms with the physical medium more precisely.
- 4. State the view directly Original: In this essay, I agree Suggested revision: I agree Why it matters: Removing the metadiscourse makes the position more direct without changing it.
- 5. Remove the extra comma Original: newspapers or books, and will instead Suggested revision: newspapers or books and will instead Why it matters: The two verb phrases share the same subject, so no comma is needed before “and.”
- 6. Keep the phrase attached Original: from a range of sources, without Suggested revision: from a range of sources without Why it matters: The following prepositional phrase directly modifies “access” and should not be separated by a comma.
- 7. Remove the extra comma Original: a trip to a store, and can Suggested revision: a trip to a store and can Why it matters: The coordinated verb phrases share the subject “buying,” so the comma is unnecessary.
- 8. Join shared predicates Original: they are interested in, and receive Suggested revision: they are interested in and receive Why it matters: The coordinated predicates share the subject “readers,” so no comma is required.
- 9. Sentence rewrite Original: Another reason why online reading is likely to dominate in the future is the environmentally friendly aspect of it. Suggested revision: Another reason online reading is likely to dominate is its environmental benefit. Why it matters: The rewrite removes wordiness and replaces the awkward phrase “aspect of it.”
- 10. Reduce repeated explanation Suggested revision: State the environmental reason once, then use the paper-production example as direct support for it. Why it matters: The paragraph repeats the sustainability claim before reaching its specific supporting example.
Suggested Rewrites
- towards the online platform toward online platforms
- this includes the reading of this includes reading
- traditional forms of reading traditional print formats
- In this essay, I agree I agree
- newspapers or books, and will instead newspapers or books and will instead
- from a range of sources, without from a range of sources without
Why this response received Band 7.5
The essay presents an unequivocal position and develops two substantial reasons—convenience and environmental sustainability—with relevant examples and clear progression. Its main limitation is that it scarcely addresses the statement’s specific claim that online material will be available without payment, so the reasoning does not fully test the proposition being judged. Add a focused discussion of subscriptions, paywalls, and whether free access is realistic before reaffirming the prediction about print.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
The position is clear and the convenience and environmental arguments are well developed, but the central premise of free online access is largely unexamined.
Discuss whether readers can truly access everything without paying and connect that judgement directly to the prediction that nobody will buy print.
Coherence and Cohesion
The essay is logically organised into a clear introduction, two focused reasons, and a consistent conclusion, with smooth progression throughout.
Keep this structure while reducing minor repetition of online reading and use one concise transition to connect the two main reasons.
Lexical Resource
Vocabulary is broad and generally precise, particularly for convenience, personalisation, sustainability, and environmental impact, with only occasional awkward phrasing.
Replace expressions such as the online platform and the environmentally friendly aspect of it with more concise natural formulations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
A wide range of complex sentences is used accurately, and the few punctuation or structural lapses do not impede communication.
Remove unnecessary commas before restrictive or coordinated clauses and streamline passive constructions to make the prose more controlled.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
In the future, nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.