IELTS Writing Task 2: Newspapers Vs Online News — Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Some people prefer to read the news from newspapers, while others prefer to get their news online. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The news is very important for people to know what is happening in the world. Some people like to read newspapers, while others prefer to get news online. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

Newspapers are good because they are reliable. You can trust the information because it is checked by editors. Also, newspapers are good for reading in the morning with coffee. But newspapers can be expensive and not always up-to-date.

Online news is better because it is fast and free. You can get news anytime and anywhere. But sometimes the information is not accurate because anyone can write online. Also, too much news can be bad for your eyes and brain.

In my opinion, online news is better because it is convenient. I can read news on my phone while traveling. But I still read newspapers sometimes because I like the feeling of paper.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but lacks depth and development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but lack clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses some appropriate vocabulary but with frequent errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical mistakes.

Band 7.5 Answer

The way people consume news has evolved significantly with the advent of digital technology. While some individuals still prefer traditional newspapers, others have embraced online news platforms. Both mediums have distinct advantages and drawbacks.

Newspapers offer several benefits. Firstly, they provide a tangible reading experience, which many people find comforting and engaging. Secondly, printed news has undergone rigorous editorial processes, ensuring a higher level of credibility. However, newspapers are often expensive and not as environmentally friendly as digital alternatives. Moreover, the information can become outdated quickly.

On the other hand, online news offers instantaneous access to the latest information. It is also more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. However, the sheer volume of information can be overwhelming, and the lack of editorial oversight can lead to the spread of misinformation. Additionally, constant exposure to news can have negative effects on mental health.

In my view, online news is more advantageous due to its convenience and accessibility. Nevertheless, it is crucial to verify the credibility of online sources to ensure accurate information. Newspapers still hold value for those who prefer a more traditional and reliable news consumption method.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.5 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.5 - Uses cohesive devices effectively and organizes information logically.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.5 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.5 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with only occasional errors.

Band 9.0 Answer

The digital revolution has transformed the way we access news, sparking a debate between the merits of traditional newspapers and online news platforms. This essay will explore the advantages and disadvantages of both before presenting a personal stance.

Newspapers have long been a staple of informed societies, offering a tangible reading experience that many find comforting. The rigorous editorial processes involved in print journalism ensure a high level of credibility. Furthermore, newspapers provide a curated selection of news, shielding readers from the overwhelming deluge of information available online. However, the cost and environmental impact of printed news are significant drawbacks, and the information can quickly become outdated.

In contrast, online news offers unparalleled accessibility and immediacy. With just a few clicks, readers can access the latest developments from around the world. The digital format is also more cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Nevertheless, the lack of editorial oversight can lead to the proliferation of misinformation. Additionally, the constant stream of news can have detrimental effects on mental well-being.

In my opinion, online news is the superior choice due to its convenience and accessibility. However, it is crucial to cultivate media literacy skills to navigate the digital landscape effectively. Newspapers still hold value for those who appreciate a more traditional and reliable news consumption method, but the future of news consumption undoubtedly lies in the digital realm.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas, using a wide range of vocabulary and sophisticated sentence structures.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively and organizes information logically with clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precise and sophisticated usage.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with rare errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Advent (noun): The arrival of a notable thing or event. Example: The advent of digital technology has changed how we consume news.
2. Embraced (verb): Accepted (a belief, theory, or change) willingly and enthusiastically. Example: Many people have embraced online news platforms.
3. Tangible (adjective): Clear and definite. Example: Newspapers offer a tangible reading experience.
4. Rigorous (adjective): Extremely thorough and careful. Example: Printed news undergoes rigorous editorial processes.
5. Credibility (noun): The quality of being trusted and believed in. Example: Newspapers are known for their credibility.
6. Instantaneous (adjective): Happening or done immediately. Example: Online news offers instantaneous access to information.
7. Overwhelming (adjective): Too much to be dealt with or managed. Example: The volume of online news can be overwhelming.
8. Misinformation (noun): False or inaccurate information, especially that which is deliberately intended to deceive. Example: The lack of editorial oversight can lead to the spread of misinformation.
9. Curated (adjective): Selected, organized, and presented carefully. Example: Newspapers provide a curated selection of news.
10. Deluge (noun): An overwhelming quantity of information or things. Example: The deluge of information online can be overwhelming.
11. Proliferation (noun): Rapid increase in the number or amount of something. Example: The proliferation of misinformation is a concern with online news.
12. Detrimental (adjective): Tending to cause harm. Example: Constant news can have detrimental effects on mental health.
13. Media literacy (noun): The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication. Example: It is crucial to cultivate media literacy skills.
14. Navigate (verb): Find one's way through (a difficult or complex situation or subject). Example: Navigate the digital landscape effectively.
15. Staple (noun): A thing that is regarded as a necessary constituent of a diet or way of life. Example: Newspapers have long been a staple of informed societies.
16. Immediacy (noun): The quality of being immediate or instant. Example: Online news offers unparalleled immediacy.
17. Proliferation (noun): Rapid increase in the number or amount of something. Example: The proliferation of misinformation is a concern with online news.
18. Detrimental (adjective): Tending to cause harm. Example: Constant news can have detrimental effects on mental health.
19. Media literacy (noun): The ability to access, analyze, evaluate, create, and act using all forms of communication. Example: It is crucial to cultivate media literacy skills.
20. Navigate (verb): Find one's way through (a difficult or complex situation or subject). Example: Navigate the digital landscape effectively.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Vague Language: Using general statements without specific examples or details.
2. Poor Structure: Failing to organize ideas logically with clear paragraphs and cohesive devices.
3. Inaccurate Vocabulary: Using words incorrectly or inappropriately.
4. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that hinder understanding.
5. Lack of Depth: Presenting ideas without sufficient development or support.

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