Sample response & feedback

Future of Printed Newspapers and Books

Question

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?

Annotated response

12 correction notes

Showing 12 correction notes.

In today's digital age, the consumption of information has shifted rapidly towards , 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 , as readers can easily select the topics they are 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.

Overall assessment

Why this response received Band 7.0

The essay presents a clear position and organises its arguments about convenience and environmental effects logically, using a broad vocabulary and generally controlled complex sentences. Its main limitation is incomplete engagement with the prediction: it does not examine whether everything will be free online, and its reasons for digital popularity do not establish the complete disappearance of print purchases. The environmental argument also overstates the absence of physical materials.

IELTS criteria

How each score was decided

TR Task Response

6.0

The essay clearly agrees that print purchases will disappear and develops relevant convenience and environmental arguments. However, it does not examine the prediction of universal free online access, and greater digital popularity does not establish that nobody will buy print.

CC Coherence and Cohesion

7.5

Ideas progress logically across well-organized paragraphs with a range of cohesive devices, though linking and example phrasing become slightly mechanical toward the end.

LR Lexical Resource

7.5

Vocabulary is sufficiently flexible and precise, with natural collocations such as carbon footprint and customized articles, though some expressions remain somewhat formulaic.

GRA Grammatical Range and Accuracy

7.5

A wide range of structures is used with generally good control and frequent error-free sentences, with only occasional minor lapses in punctuation and construction.