Public libraries should provide books and not waste their limited resources on expensive high-tech media such as software, videos or DVDs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Sample Response
Over the past few years, the advances in high-tech media have started to change many aspects of our lives. Some people think that the public libraries should offer the unlimited access to software, videos and DVDs; while others hold that it is only a waste of money. I tend to agree that public libraries need to be equipped with special high-tech media devices.
IELTS Writing Correction
- 1. Remove unnecessary article Original: the advances in high-tech media Suggested revision: advances in high-tech media Why it matters: The plural noun refers to technological advances generally, so the definite article is unnecessary.
- 2. Remove unnecessary article Original: the public libraries Suggested revision: public libraries Why it matters: The phrase refers to public libraries in general and does not need the definite article.
- 3. Use uncountable noun correctly Original: the unlimited access Suggested revision: unlimited access Why it matters: Access is uncountable here and does not take the definite article in this general statement.
- 4. Fix clause punctuation Original: DVDs; while Suggested revision: DVDs, while Why it matters: A comma correctly links the contrastive while-clause to the preceding main clause.
- 5. Use precise category term Original: special high-tech media devices Suggested revision: high-tech media resources Why it matters: Resources more accurately covers the software, videos, and DVDs discussed in the prompt.
Suggested Rewrites
- the advances in high-tech media advances in high-tech media
- the public libraries public libraries
- the unlimited access unlimited access
- DVDs; while DVDs, while
- special high-tech media devices high-tech media resources
Why this response received Band 5.0
The response states a clear position and uses generally appropriate language to introduce the issue. Its decisive limitation is that, at only 63 words, it provides no developed argument, explanation, or example, so it does not meaningfully support that position. The priority is to add two focused body paragraphs that explain distinct reasons for funding high-tech media and illustrate each reason with a relevant example.
IELTS Writing Criteria Scores
Task Response
A relevant position is stated, but the response is drastically under-length and contains no developed supporting ideas.
Develop at least two reasons for the position with clear explanations and specific examples in a full-length response.
Coherence and Cohesion
The three sentences follow a basic introductory progression, but the response is too brief to demonstrate sustained organisation or paragraphing.
Organise the argument into an introduction, separate body paragraphs with clear central ideas, and a conclusion.
Lexical Resource
The vocabulary is relevant and shows some range, although article use and phrases such as 'the unlimited access' are awkward.
Use more natural collocations, such as 'provide unlimited access' and 'digital resources', while avoiding unnecessary articles.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
The response uses both simple and complex structures with clear meaning, despite several article and punctuation problems.
Improve control of articles and avoid separating a dependent 'while' clause with a semicolon.
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IELTS Writing Task 2
Public libraries should provide books and not waste their limited resources on expensive high-tech media such as software, videos or DVDs. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Your response
Write the task yourself, then compare your choices with the annotated response.