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 advantages of online sources over public librariesbenefits 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 obtainget 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 for only a few hours each dayduring several hours per day. This is therefore particularly beneficial to those who have a hectic schedule and cannot visit librariesthese places during the operating hours.
However, the preservation of local libraries is still necessary because of their distinctivedistinguishing features that online sources cannot replicatewhich cannot be substituted by online sources. Libraries, in some countries, are still among the most popular meansare 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 thereforetechnophobes 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, because library staff carefully categorize the informationwith 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.
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.