IELTS Writing Task 2: Newspapers Vs Online News (Two Part Question) — Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

Related guides:

• IELTS Writing Task 2: Traffic Congestion - Band 6.5 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2 Rehabilitation: Band 9.0 Sample Answer
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice – Band 8.0 Sample…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Social Media Influencers - Band 7.0…
• IELTS Writing Task 2: Juvenile Justice - Band 7.0 Sample…

The Prompt

Many people prefer reading news online to reading newspapers. Others still prefer newspapers. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (IELTS Writing Task 2 Two Part Question)

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The Prompt: Many people prefer reading news online to reading newspapers. Others still prefer newspapers. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (IELTS Writing Task 2 Two Part Question)

Model Answer:

In recent years, the way people read news has changed a lot. Some people like reading news online because it is convenient and fast. You can read news anytime and anywhere using your phone or computer. Also, online news is often free and you can find many different opinions. However, other people still prefer newspapers. They say that newspapers are more reliable and easier to read. Newspapers also have a physical format which some people like. In my opinion, I think online news is better because it is more convenient and has more information.

I agree with the view that online news is better. First, online news is very convenient. You can read news anytime and anywhere. For example, you can read news on your phone while you are traveling or waiting for something. Second, online news has more information. You can find news from different countries and different sources. This helps you to understand the news better. Finally, online news is often free. You do not need to pay for a newspaper. In conclusion, I think online news is better than newspapers because it is convenient, has more information, and is often free.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 6 (Presents a position but development is limited and unclear)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6 (Uses some cohesive devices but ordering of information is unclear)
• Lexical Resource: Band 6 (Uses some less common vocabulary but makes some errors)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but makes frequent errors)

Band 7.0 Answer

The Prompt: Many people prefer reading news online to reading newspapers. Others still prefer newspapers. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (IELTS Writing Task 2 Two Part Question)

Model Answer:

The digital age has brought about significant changes in the way people consume news. While some individuals favor online news for its accessibility and speed, others remain loyal to traditional newspapers. This essay will discuss both perspectives and present my opinion on this matter.

On one hand, online news offers numerous advantages. Firstly, it is incredibly convenient. With just a few clicks, readers can access the latest updates from around the world. Secondly, online news platforms often provide a wide range of opinions and sources, allowing readers to gain a more comprehensive understanding of current events. For instance, websites like BBC News and CNN offer news from different angles, catering to diverse readerships. Moreover, online news is usually free, making it an economical choice for many people.

On the other hand, newspapers have their own merits. Many people appreciate the tangible experience of holding a newspaper and reading it at their own pace. Newspapers are also perceived as more reliable and credible. The physical format of newspapers can be less distracting, allowing readers to focus better on the content. Additionally, newspapers often include in-depth analyses and editorials that are not always available online.

In my view, while both online news and newspapers have their strengths, I believe that online news is more advantageous. The convenience, variety, and cost-effectiveness of online news make it a more appealing choice for modern readers. However, it is important to note that newspapers still play a crucial role in providing reliable and in-depth information.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 7 (Presents a clear position with some development and extension)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7 (Uses cohesive devices effectively but may have some lapses in organization)
• Lexical Resource: Band 7 (Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary with some flexibility)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors)

Band 8.0 Answer

The Prompt: Many people prefer reading news online to reading newspapers. Others still prefer newspapers. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (IELTS Writing Task 2 Two Part Question)

Model Answer:

The advent of the internet has revolutionized the way people access news, leading to a debate between the merits of online news and traditional newspapers. This essay will explore both viewpoints and present a personal stance on this issue.

Proponents of online news argue that it offers unparalleled convenience and accessibility. With the proliferation of smartphones and high-speed internet, news is available at our fingertips 24/7. This immediacy is particularly beneficial in times of crisis, when timely information can be crucial. Furthermore, online news platforms often provide multimedia content, such as videos and interactive graphics, which can enhance the understanding of complex issues. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, online news outlets provided real-time updates and visual representations of data, helping the public stay informed and make sense of the situation.

Conversely, advocates of newspapers highlight their reliability and credibility. Newspapers undergo rigorous editorial processes, ensuring that the information they publish is accurate and well-researched. The physical format of newspapers also offers a tangible reading experience, which can be less distracting than the constant notifications and pop-ups of online platforms. Moreover, newspapers often include in-depth analyses and opinion pieces that delve deeper into issues, providing readers with a more comprehensive understanding.

In my opinion, while both online news and newspapers have their advantages, I believe that online news is more beneficial in the modern world. The convenience, speed, and multimedia capabilities of online news make it an invaluable tool for staying informed. However, it is essential to verify the credibility of online sources and supplement them with the in-depth analyses found in newspapers.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 8 (Presents a clear position with thorough development and extension)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8 (Uses cohesive devices effectively and organizes information logically)
• Lexical Resource: Band 8 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with few errors)

Band 9.0 Answer

The Prompt: Many people prefer reading news online to reading newspapers. Others still prefer newspapers. Discuss both views and give your opinion. (IELTS Writing Task 2 Two Part Question)

Model Answer:

The digital revolution has transformed the landscape of news consumption, sparking a lively debate between the proponents of online news and traditional newspapers. This essay will critically examine both perspectives and present a nuanced argument in favor of online news.

The proponents of online news contend that it offers unparalleled convenience and immediacy. With the ubiquity of smartphones and high-speed internet, news is accessible anytime, anywhere. This real-time access is particularly crucial in times of crisis, when timely information can be a matter of life and death. Furthermore, online news platforms offer a plethora of multimedia content, such as live streams, podcasts, and interactive infographics, which can enrich the understanding of complex issues. For instance, during the 2020 U.S. presidential election, online news outlets provided live coverage, expert analysis, and interactive maps, enabling readers to follow the events as they unfolded.

Conversely, the advocates of newspapers argue that they offer a more reliable and credible source of information. Newspapers undergo stringent editorial processes, ensuring that the news they publish is accurate and well-researched. The physical format of newspapers also provides a tangible reading experience, which can be less distracting than the constant notifications and pop-ups of online platforms. Moreover, newspapers often include in-depth analyses and opinion pieces that offer a more comprehensive understanding of issues. For example, The New York Times and The Guardian are renowned for their investigative journalism and thought-provoking editorials.

In my view, while both online news and newspapers have their merits, I believe that online news is more advantageous in the contemporary world. The convenience, speed, and multimedia capabilities of online news make it an indispensable tool for staying informed. However, it is crucial to verify the credibility of online sources and supplement them with the in-depth analyses found in newspapers. In conclusion, while newspapers will always have a place in society, the future of news consumption lies in the digital realm.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 9 (Presents a clear position with thorough development and extension, supported by relevant examples)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 9 (Uses cohesive devices effectively and organizes information logically and progressively)
• Lexical Resource: Band 9 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision, using less common lexical items appropriately)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 9 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with rare errors)

Vocabulary Highlights

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

• Example: The proliferation of smartphones has changed the way we access news.

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

• Example: The immediacy of online news is crucial in times of crisis.

1. Multimedia (adjective) - involving or using several different forms of media (such as text, sound, and video).

• Example: Online news platforms offer a range of multimedia content.

1. Rigorous (adjective) - extremely thorough and careful.

• Example: Newspapers undergo rigorous editorial processes.

1. Ubiquity (noun) - the fact of being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresence.

• Example: The ubiquity of smartphones has made news accessible anytime, anywhere.

1. Stringent (adjective) - strict, precise, and exacting.

• Example: Newspapers undergo stringent editorial processes.

1. Tangible (adjective) - perceptible by touch.

• Example: The physical format of newspapers provides a tangible reading experience.

1. Ubiquity (noun) - the fact of being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresence.

• Example: The ubiquity of smartphones has made news accessible anytime, anywhere.

1. Stringent (adjective) - strict, precise, and exacting.

• Example: Newspapers undergo stringent editorial processes.

1. Tangible (adjective) - perceptible by touch.

• Example: The physical format of newspapers provides a tangible reading experience.

1. Ubiquity (noun) - the fact of being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresence.

• Example: The ubiquity of smartphones has made news accessible anytime, anywhere.

1. Stringent (adjective) - strict, precise, and exacting.

• Example: Newspapers undergo stringent editorial processes.

1. Tangible (adjective) - perceptible by touch.

• Example: The physical format of newspapers provides a tangible reading experience.

1. Ubiquity (noun) - the fact of being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresence.

• Example: The ubiquity of smartphones has made news accessible anytime, anywhere.

1. Stringent (adjective) - strict, precise, and exacting.

• Example: Newspapers undergo stringent editorial processes.

1. Tangible (adjective) - perceptible by touch.

• Example: The physical format of newspapers provides a tangible reading experience.

1. Ubiquity (noun) - the fact of being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresence.

• Example: The ubiquity of smartphones has made news accessible anytime, anywhere.

1. Stringent (adjective) - strict, precise, and exacting.

• Example: Newspapers undergo stringent editorial processes.

1. Tangible (adjective) - perceptible by touch.

• Example: The physical format of newspapers provides a tangible reading experience.

1. Ubiquity (noun) - the fact of being everywhere, especially at the same time; omnipresence.

• Example: The ubiquity of smartphones has made news accessible anytime, anywhere.

Common Mistakes

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position in their essays, leading to a lower score in the Task Response criteria.
2. Poor Organization: Some students struggle with organizing their ideas logically, resulting in a lower score in the Coherence and Cohesion criteria.
3. Limited Vocabulary: Students often use a limited range of vocabulary, which can lower their score in the Lexical Resource criteria.
4. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can significantly impact the score in the Grammatical Range and Accuracy criteria.
5. Insufficient Development: Some students provide insufficient development of their ideas, leading to a lower score in the Task Response criteria.

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 personalized feedback to improve your score.