IELTS Writing Task 2: Newspapers Vs Online News (Agree/Disagree) Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2: Road Safety – Band 8.0 Sample with…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice - Band 7.0 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice – Band 8.0 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Social Media Influencers - Band 7.0…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Traffic Congestion - Band 6.5 Sample…

Understanding the Task

The IELTS Writing Task 2 Newspapers vs Online News question asks you to agree or disagree with the statement that "some people believe that reading newspapers is more beneficial than getting news from other sources such as the internet and television." You must write a minimum of 250 words and include:

• An introduction with clear thesis statement
• Two main body paragraphs with supporting arguments
• A conclusion that restates your position

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Model Answer

In my view, reading newspapers is better than getting news from internet. First, newspapers give more correct information. Internet news sometimes wrong. Second, newspapers help people relax. Many people read newspaper in morning with coffee. It is good habit.

Newspapers have advantage of no ads. Internet news have many pop-up ads. These ads annoy people. Also, newspapers use good paper. Reading paper is nicer than reading screen. Finally, newspapers last longer. You can keep newspaper for many days. Internet news disappear quickly.

In conclusion, I think newspapers better. They give good information, help relax, and no ads. People should read newspapers more.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (4.0): Presents a position but with limited development and some irrelevant points
• Coherence and Cohesion (5.0): Basic organization with some logical flow but frequent mechanical errors
• Lexical Resource (5.0): Limited vocabulary range with some attempts at less common words but frequent errors
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (5.0): Frequent basic grammatical errors that impede communication

Band 7.0 Answer

Model Answer

The assertion that newspapers provide more benefits than online news is somewhat contentious. I contend that while traditional print media offers distinct advantages, digital news platforms have become equally, if not more, valuable in contemporary society.

On one hand, newspapers offer tangible benefits. Their physical format creates a tangible reading experience that many find more engaging and less taxing on the eyes than digital screens. Moreover, newspapers typically undergo rigorous editorial processes that ensure factual accuracy and eliminate sensationalism. This is particularly important for delivering credible news, especially in an era where misinformation proliferates online.

Conversely, the internet and television offer unparalleled convenience and immediacy. Breaking news is disseminated instantaneously online, allowing people to stay updated in real-time. Additionally, digital platforms offer multimedia elements like videos and interactive graphics that enhance understanding and engagement. The internet's ability to share news globally also fosters a more interconnected and informed society.

In conclusion, while newspapers hold certain advantages, the dynamic nature of online news makes it an indispensable resource in today's fast-paced world. Both mediums have their place, and the choice between them ultimately depends on individual preferences and needs.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (7.0): Presents a clear position with relevant, extended arguments but some points could be developed further
• Coherence and Cohesion (7.0): Logical organization with clear progression and appropriate use of cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (7.0): Sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items but occasional errors in word choice
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (7.0): Some grammatical errors but generally uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms effectively

Band 8.0 Answer

Model Answer

The debate surrounding the merits of newspapers versus online news is a contentious one. I firmly believe that while newspapers offer certain advantages, the benefits of online news are far more substantial and pertinent to modern life.

One of the primary advantages of online news is its immediacy. In an era where information travels at the speed of light, the ability to access breaking news instantaneously is invaluable. Whether it's a political development, a natural disaster, or a financial crisis, online platforms provide real-time updates that can be crucial for decision-making. Furthermore, digital news platforms offer a multitude of perspectives, allowing readers to compare and contrast different viewpoints, thereby fostering a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.

Conversely, newspapers offer a more curated and in-depth analysis of events. The editorial process ensures that news is fact-checked and presented in a coherent manner. Additionally, the tactile experience of reading a newspaper can be more relaxing and less straining on the eyes compared to the constant glare of digital screens. However, these advantages are somewhat mitigated by the infrequent publication cycles and the limited space available for comprehensive reporting.

In conclusion, while newspapers have their merits, the dynamism, immediacy, and breadth of online news make it a far more valuable resource. The ability to access a wide array of information, compare different viewpoints, and stay updated in real-time are qualities that cannot be matched by traditional print media.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (8.0): Presents a clear, well-developed position with relevant, extended arguments and supported ideas
• Coherence and Cohesion (8.0): Logical organization with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (8.0): Sufficient range of vocabulary with less common lexical items used appropriately
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (8.0): Some grammatical errors but generally uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms accurately

Band 9.0 Answer

Model Answer

The contention that newspapers offer more benefits than online news is a contentious issue, but I contend that the advantages of digital news platforms far outweigh those of traditional print media. This assertion is grounded in the immediacy, accessibility, and comprehensive nature of online news.

One of the most compelling advantages of online news is its unparalleled immediacy. In an era where information is power, the ability to access breaking news instantaneously can be crucial. Whether it's a political development, a natural disaster, or a financial crisis, online platforms provide real-time updates that can inform decision-making and shape public opinion. This immediacy is particularly valuable in today's fast-paced world, where delay can often mean the difference between being informed and being left behind.

Moreover, the accessibility of online news is a significant advantage. With the proliferation of smartphones and internet connectivity, news is available at one's fingertips 24/7. This democratization of information ensures that anyone, anywhere, can stay informed. Additionally, digital platforms offer a multitude of perspectives, allowing readers to compare and contrast different viewpoints, thereby fostering a more nuanced and critical understanding of complex issues.

In conclusion, while newspapers have their merits, the dynamism, immediacy, and accessibility of online news make it a far more valuable resource. The ability to access a wide array of information, compare different viewpoints, and stay updated in real-time are qualities that cannot be matched by traditional print media. As society continues to evolve, the importance of digital news platforms will only grow, making them an indispensable tool for staying informed and engaged.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (9.0): Presents a clear, fully developed position with relevant, extended arguments and supported ideas
• Coherence and Cohesion (9.0): Logical organization with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices
• Lexical Resource (9.0): Sophisticated vocabulary with precise, natural, and varied word choices
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (9.0): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms accurately and effectively with minimal errors

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adjective): Controversial or likely to cause disagreement

• Example: The debate on newspapers vs online news is a contentious issue.

1. Immediacy (noun): The quality of being immediate or instant

• Example: One of the primary advantages of online news is its immediacy.

1. Rigorous (adjective): Extremely thorough and careful

• Example: Newspapers typically undergo rigorous editorial processes.

1. Multitude (noun): A large number of people or things

• Example: Digital platforms offer a multitude of perspectives.

1. Curated (adjective): Selected, organized, and presented for public viewing

• Example: Newspapers offer a more curated and in-depth analysis of events.

1. Nuanced (adjective): Characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression

• Example: Fostering a more nuanced understanding of complex issues.

1. Proliferation (noun): Rapid increase in the number or amount of something

• Example: The proliferation of smartphones and internet connectivity.

1. Democratization (noun): The action of making something accessible to everyone

• Example: The democratization of information ensures that anyone can stay informed.

1. Informed (adjective): Having or showing knowledge of a subject or situation

• Example: The ability to access a wide array of information, compare different viewpoints, and stay informed.

1. Indispensable (adjective): Absolutely necessary

• Example: Digital news platforms will only grow, making them an indispensable tool.

1. Tactile (adjective): Relating to the sense of touch

• Example: The tactile experience of reading a newspaper can be more relaxing.

1. Straining (adjective): Causing physical or mental effort or pain

• Example: Less straining on the eyes compared to the constant glare of digital screens.

1. Sensationalism (noun): The use of exciting or shocking stories or language at the expense of accuracy, in order to provoke public interest or excitement

• Example: Newspapers eliminate sensationalism.

1. Misinformation (noun): False or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to mislead

• Example: An era where misinformation proliferates online.

1. Multimedia (adjective): Using, involving, or combining several media

• Example: Digital platforms offer multimedia elements like videos and interactive graphics.

1. Interconnected (adjective): Connected or linked together

• Example: The internet's ability to share news globally also fosters a more interconnected society.

1. Comprehensive (adjective): Including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something

• Example: The comprehensive nature of online news.

1. Pertinent (adjective): Relevant or applicable to a particular matter

• Example: The benefits of online news are far more pertinent to modern life.

1. Invaluable (adjective): Extremely useful; indispensable

• Example: The ability to access breaking news instantaneously is invaluable.

1. Mitigated (verb): Make less severe, serious, or painful

• Example: These advantages are somewhat mitigated by the infrequent publication cycles.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Failing to explicitly state whether they agree or disagree with the statement.
2. Overgeneralization: Making broad statements without specific examples or evidence.
3. Poor Organization: Not structuring the essay with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
4. Repetition: Repeating the same points or vocabulary without adding new information or variety.
5. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that hinder comprehension.

Get Your Own Response Scored by AI on English AIdol

Practice makes perfect. Get your own IELTS Writing Task 2 responses scored by AI on English AIdol and receive detailed feedback to improve your score.