IELTS Writing Task 2: Newspapers vs Online News (Problem Solution) - Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Some people prefer reading news from newspapers, while others prefer to get their news online. What are the problems associated with these two forms of news media? Which one do you think is better and why?

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a problem and solution but lacks depth and development.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition and unclear references.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Attempts to use varied vocabulary but makes some errors and uses some inappropriate words.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but makes frequent grammatical errors.

Answer

In recent years, the way people consume news has changed dramatically. Some prefer newspapers, while others opt for online news. Both have problems, but online news is better.

One major problem with newspapers is that they are not up-to-date. By the time a newspaper is printed and distributed, the news is often outdated. Additionally, newspapers use a lot of paper, which is bad for the environment. Online news, on the other hand, is always current and does not harm the environment.

To solve these problems, newspapers should focus on in-depth analysis and investigative journalism, which online news often lacks. They should also consider reducing the frequency of printing to lessen their environmental impact.

In conclusion, while both newspapers and online news have their problems, online news is better because it is more current and environmentally friendly. Newspapers should adapt by focusing on quality content and reducing their environmental impact.

Band 7.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 6.5 - Presents a clear problem and solution but could provide more specific examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression, but some sentences are awkwardly phrased.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and varied vocabulary but makes some errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but makes some grammatical errors.

Answer

The proliferation of news sources has led to a debate between the efficacy of newspapers and online news. Both mediums have distinct problems, but online news offers more advantages.

One significant problem with newspapers is their lack of immediacy. Newsprint cannot keep pace with the rapid dissemination of information online. Moreover, the physical production of newspapers contributes to deforestation and pollution. In contrast, online news is instant and environmentally friendly.

To mitigate these issues, newspapers should transition to digital formats. They could also focus on providing in-depth analysis and investigative journalism, areas where they still hold an advantage over online news. Additionally, newspapers could implement subscription models to ensure financial viability.

In conclusion, while both newspapers and online news have their drawbacks, online news is superior due to its immediacy and environmental benefits. Newspapers should adapt by embracing digital formats and focusing on their strengths.

Band 8.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 7.5 - Presents a clear problem and solution with specific examples and relevant supporting ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of appropriate and varied vocabulary with few errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent grammatical accuracy.

Answer

In the digital age, the debate between newspapers and online news has intensified. Both mediums face unique challenges, but online news is increasingly becoming the preferred choice.

One pressing problem with newspapers is their inability to provide real-time updates. By the time a newspaper is printed and distributed, the news is often hours old. Additionally, the production of newspapers consumes vast amounts of paper, contributing to deforestation. In contrast, online news is instantaneous and eco-friendly.

To address these issues, newspapers should leverage their strengths in investigative journalism and in-depth analysis. They could also adopt a hybrid model, offering both print and digital subscriptions. Furthermore, newspapers could collaborate with online platforms to reach a wider audience and stay relevant.

In conclusion, while both newspapers and online news have their limitations, online news is superior due to its immediacy and environmental benefits. Newspapers should adapt by embracing digital innovation and focusing on their unique strengths.

Band 9.0 Answer

Scoring Breakdown

• Task Response (TR): 9.0 - Presents a clear problem and solution with specific, relevant, and extended examples.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0 - Ideas are logically organized with clear progression and effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0 - Uses a wide range of appropriate and varied vocabulary with rare errors in word choice and collocation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent grammatical accuracy and flexibility.

Answer

The digital revolution has transformed the way we consume news, sparking a debate between the efficacy of newspapers and online news. While both mediums have distinct challenges, online news offers unparalleled advantages.

One critical problem with newspapers is their lack of immediacy. In an era where news breaks every second, the delay in printing and distributing newspapers renders them obsolete. Moreover, the production of newspapers consumes vast amounts of paper, contributing to environmental degradation. In contrast, online news is instantaneous, eco-friendly, and accessible from anywhere in the world.

To mitigate these issues, newspapers should transition to digital formats and focus on their strengths in investigative journalism and in-depth analysis. They could also implement paywalls to ensure financial viability. Additionally, newspapers could collaborate with online platforms to reach a wider audience and stay relevant in the digital age.

In conclusion, while both newspapers and online news have their drawbacks, online news is superior due to its immediacy, environmental benefits, and global accessibility. Newspapers should adapt by embracing digital innovation and leveraging their unique strengths.

Vocabulary Highlights

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

• Example: The proliferation of news sources has led to a debate between newspapers and online news.

1. Efficacy (noun): the ability to produce a desired result or effect.

• Example: The efficacy of newspapers versus online news is a topic of much debate.

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

• Example: Online news offers the immediacy that newspapers cannot match.

1. Deforestation (noun): the action of clearing forests on a large scale.

• Example: The production of newspapers contributes to deforestation.

1. Instantaneous (adjective): happening or done immediately.

• Example: Online news is instantaneous, providing real-time updates.

1. Eco-friendly (adjective): not harmful to the environment.

• Example: Online news is eco-friendly, unlike newspapers.

1. Hybrid (adjective): combining two different elements.

• Example: Newspapers could adopt a hybrid model, offering both print and digital subscriptions.

1. Collaborate (verb): work jointly on an activity or project.

• Example: Newspapers could collaborate with online platforms to reach a wider audience.

1. Relevant (adjective): closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand.

• Example: Newspapers should focus on their relevant strengths in investigative journalism.

1. Accessibility (noun): the quality of being easily reached, entered, or used by people who have a disability.

• Example: Online news offers global accessibility, making it a preferred choice.

1. Paywall (noun): a system that prevents Internet users from accessing page content without a paid subscription.

• Example: Newspapers could implement paywalls to ensure financial viability.

1. Digital innovation (noun): the introduction of new ideas, methods, or devices in the digital realm.

• Example: Newspapers should embrace digital innovation to stay relevant.

1. Obsolete (adjective): no longer produced or used; out of date.

• Example: The delay in printing and distributing newspapers renders them obsolete.

1. Degradation (noun): the process of being reduced in value, quality, or importance.

• Example: The production of newspapers contributes to environmental degradation.

1. Global accessibility (noun): the ability to be reached or used by people around the world.

• Example: Online news offers global accessibility, making it a preferred choice.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Specific Examples: Many students fail to provide specific examples to support their arguments, leading to a lower score in Task Response.
2. Poor Organization: Some students struggle with organizing their ideas logically, resulting in a lower score in Coherence and Cohesion.
3. Inappropriate Vocabulary: Students often use vocabulary that is either too simple or too complex, leading to errors in Lexical Resource.
4. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can significantly lower the score in Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
5. Repetition: Some students repeat the same ideas or words, which can make their writing seem less sophisticated.

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