IELTS Writing Task 2: Newspapers Vs Online News — Band 9.0 Sample with Full Breakdown

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The Prompt

Some people prefer to read 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, but others prefer to get news online. Both have advantages and disadvantages.

Newspapers are good because they are easy to read and you can hold them in your hand. Also, they have pictures and sometimes they are cheaper than paying for online news. But newspapers can be old news because they are printed only once a day. Also, you have to buy them every day, which can be expensive.

Online news is better because it is always new and you can read it anytime. Also, you can find news from all over the world very quickly. But sometimes online news is not true, and it can be hard to read on a small phone screen. Also, you need the internet, which is not always available.

In my opinion, online news is better because it is always new and you can find news from everywhere. But I think newspapers are still good for people who like to read and hold a paper in their hand.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.0 - Uses some cohesive devices but with frequent errors.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses a mix of basic and some less common vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Makes frequent grammatical errors but attempts complex sentences.

Band 7.0 Answer

In contemporary society, the medium through which individuals consume news has become a contentious issue. While traditional newspapers maintain a loyal readership, the digital revolution has propelled online news to the forefront. Both mediums possess distinct advantages and drawbacks.

Proponents of newspapers argue that they offer a tangible reading experience, which can be less straining on the eyes than digital screens. Moreover, newspapers often contain in-depth analysis and investigative journalism that may not be readily available online. However, newspapers are constrained by their publication schedule, rendering them outdated by the time they reach readers. Additionally, the environmental impact of paper production is a growing concern.

Conversely, online news provides immediacy and accessibility, allowing readers to stay informed in real-time. The internet also offers a vast array of sources, enabling individuals to compare perspectives and verify information. Nevertheless, the digital landscape is rife with misinformation, and the constant influx of news can lead to information overload. Furthermore, the digital divide ensures that not everyone has equal access to online news.

In my view, online news is superior due to its immediacy and the wealth of information available. However, I believe that newspapers still hold value for those who prefer a more curated and reflective news consumption experience.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively but with some lapses.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

The digital age has transformed the way we access news, sparking a debate between the traditional allure of newspapers and the convenience of online platforms. Both mediums have their merits and demerits, which warrant a balanced examination.

Newspapers, with their tactile appeal and curated content, offer a more immersive reading experience. They often feature high-quality journalism and in-depth analyses that are less prone to sensationalism. Furthermore, newspapers can be a reliable source of information, as they are subject to editorial oversight. However, their static nature means that news can become outdated quickly, and their production has environmental implications.

On the other hand, online news provides unparalleled immediacy and accessibility. The internet allows for real-time updates and a multitude of perspectives, fostering a more informed citizenry. Additionally, digital platforms enable interactive engagement through comments and social media sharing. Yet, the digital sphere is plagued by misinformation and the pressure to prioritize clickbait over quality journalism. Moreover, not everyone has equal access to the internet, which can exacerbate social inequalities.

In my opinion, while newspapers have their charm and reliability, online news is more advantageous due to its immediacy and the wealth of information it provides. However, it is crucial to approach online news with a critical eye to discern credible sources from misinformation.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with only minor lapses.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some sophisticated vocabulary.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a variety of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.

Band 9.0 Answer

The advent of digital technology has revolutionized news consumption, pitting traditional newspapers against online platforms in a battle for supremacy. Both mediums offer unique advantages and face distinct challenges, necessitating a nuanced analysis.

Newspapers, with their tangible format and meticulously edited content, provide a more contemplative reading experience. They often serve as a bastion of quality journalism, offering in-depth analyses and investigative reports that are less susceptible to the whims of viral trends. Furthermore, newspapers can be a reliable source of information, as they are subject to rigorous editorial standards. However, their static nature renders them obsolete in the face of breaking news, and their production contributes to environmental degradation.

Conversely, online news offers unparalleled immediacy and accessibility, enabling readers to stay abreast of global events in real-time. The digital landscape facilitates a plurality of voices, fostering a more informed and engaged citizenry. Moreover, online platforms encourage interactive engagement through comments, forums, and social media sharing. Nevertheless, the digital sphere is rife with misinformation and the proliferation of clickbait, which can undermine the quality of journalism. Additionally, the digital divide ensures that not everyone has equal access to online news, potentially exacerbating social inequalities.

In my view, while newspapers retain their value as a reliable and reflective news source, online news is more advantageous due to its immediacy, accessibility, and the wealth of information it provides. However, it is imperative to approach online news with a critical mindset to navigate the complexities of the digital landscape effectively.

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear position with fully extended, supported, and relevant ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively with no lapses.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with full flexibility and precision.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with frequent error-free sentences.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Tactile (adj.) - Relating to the sense of touch. Example: The tactile appeal of newspapers makes reading them a more immersive experience.
2. Curated (adj.) - Selected, organized, and presented carefully. Example: Newspapers offer a curated selection of news articles.
3. Immersive (adj.) - Providing or involving deep absorption or immersion. Example: The immersive experience of reading a newspaper can be more engaging than scrolling online.
4. In-depth (adj.) - Thorough and detailed. Example: Newspapers often feature in-depth analyses of current events.
5. Sensationalism (n.) - The use of exciting or shocking stories or language at the expense of accuracy, in order to provoke public interest or excitement. Example: Online news can sometimes prioritize sensationalism over quality journalism.
6. Immediacy (n.) - The quality of being immediate or instant. Example: Online news provides immediacy, allowing readers to stay informed in real-time.
7. Plurality (n.) - The state of being multiple or various. Example: The internet facilitates a plurality of voices, fostering a more informed society.
8. Contemplative (adj.) - Involving deep thought or reflection. Example: Newspapers offer a more contemplative reading experience.
9. Bastion (n.) - A thing regarded as a stronghold of a principle, cause, or condition. Example: Newspapers often serve as a bastion of quality journalism.
10. Rigorous (adj.) - Extremely thorough and careful. Example: Newspapers are subject to rigorous editorial standards.
11. Obsolete (adj.) - No longer produced or used; out of date. Example: The static nature of newspapers can render them obsolete in the face of breaking news.
12. Degradation (n.) - The process of deterioration. Example: The production of newspapers contributes to environmental degradation.
13. Plagued (adj.) - Affected or troubled by something repeatedly or persistently. Example: The digital sphere is plagued by misinformation.
14. Clickbait (n.) - Internet content, especially that of a sensational or provocative nature, whose main purpose is to attract click-throughs, often with exaggerated or misleading headlines or meta tags. Example: Online news can sometimes prioritize clickbait over quality journalism.
15. Nuanced (adj.) - Characterized by subtle differences or distinctions. Example: A nuanced analysis of newspapers and online news reveals both advantages and drawbacks.

Common Mistakes Students Make

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position on the issue, resulting in a lower Task Response score.
2. Inadequate Development of Ideas: Some students present ideas but do not develop them sufficiently, leading to a lack of depth in their response.
3. Poor Coherence and Cohesion: Students often struggle with organizing their ideas coherently and using cohesive devices effectively.
4. Limited Vocabulary: Many students use a limited range of vocabulary, which can result in a lower Lexical Resource score.
5. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of the response and lower the Grammatical Range and Accuracy score.

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