IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

IELTS Essay # 1208 - The main purpose of public libraries is to provide books

IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic: 

The main purpose of public libraries is to provide books, and they should not waste their limited resources and space on providing expensive hi-tech media such as computer software, videos and DVDs.

To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

 

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Write at least 250 words.



Model Answer 1: [Disagreement] [Band 8/9 level sample essay]

Traditionally, a library is a place that shelves many books that readers can read or borrow. However, technological advancement and its tremendous effects on the way we learn new things and share information have redefined the concept of a library in recent days. Thus digital content and technological facilities are widely used in public libraries all around the world, and I quite disagree with the notion that these amenities are a waste of resources or space for a library.

To begin with, libraries with modern facilities are far more useful to readers, and allow the librarian to manage its collection in a more organised fashion. Multimedia resources offer readers a dynamic combination of images, sounds, videos and virtual tours. Thus listening to a famous historical speech or taking a virtual tour of a historical site is far more interactive and exciting than just reading about them. Moreover, multimedia facilities and DVDs in a library may initially seem expensive, but they preserve valuable resources for a longer time and contain important information for future research and reference. To cite an example, a single DVD can store the entire volume of Encyclopedia Britannica which would otherwise occupy a large shelf of a library.

Interestingly, a public library can actually save money and space and attract more readers with the use of technology and interactive content. When they have computers and library management software, they barely need many staff members. Besides, it takes great effort to protect books from moisture, fire and human damage but digital contents can easily be copied and preserved for as many years as we want. As for attracting young generations, a high-tech library is more successful.

To conclude, the transformation of public libraries has made them more beneficial to readers and researchers as they now work as centres for interactive learning and knowledge sharing. It is expected that traditional libraries would start including digital and modern facilities to enhance human knowledge and experience.



 

Model Answer 2: [Disagreement]

Public libraries have always been considered as a hub of knowledge for the local community. Their primary purpose is to provide easy access to books and other reading materials. Some argue that public libraries should not waste their limited resources and space on providing expensive hi-tech media such as computer software, videos, and DVDs. However, I firmly believe that public libraries should offer a range of media and resources, including expensive hi-tech media.

It is essential to acknowledge that public libraries serve a diverse range of patrons, and not all of them have access to hi-tech media at home. By providing computer software, videos, and DVDs, public libraries can bridge the digital divide and promote digital literacy among their members. Moreover, providing access to hi-tech media can enhance the learning experience of the users and make it more engaging and interactive. For instance, a modern public library that uses interactive video tours and recorded audiobooks can offer a far superior experience to its members than traditional libraries with only books and magazines can.

In addition, offering expensive hi-tech media can attract new members and retain existing ones. Public libraries need to keep up with the changing times and cater to the evolving needs of people. By providing a range of media and resources, public libraries can remain relevant and serve as vital community resources. Undeniably, younger people would be more interested in visiting a library that resonates with their expectations and meets up their needs rather than traditional libraries that seems so backdated to technologically sound young generations.

In conclusion, I believe that public libraries should provide a range of resources, including expensive hi-tech media, to cater to the diverse needs of their patrons including the young generation. By doing so, public libraries can remain relevant, promote digital literacy, and enhance the learning experience of their patrons.



Model Answer 3: [Agreement]

Public libraries are a vital resource in any community, providing access to books, magazines and other educative materials. Some argue that libraries should focus solely on their primary function of providing books and not invest in expensive hi-tech media such as computer software, videos, and DVDs. I fully agree with the view that libraries should not waste their limited resources and space on these modern technologies.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that public libraries have limited resources and space. Their budgets come from public funds, and therefore they must use these resources in the most efficient way possible. Investing in expensive hi-tech media may not be the most efficient use of these limited resources as they may not be used by many people. This could lead to a situation where a library has invested a significant portion of its budget in hi-tech media that few people use, leaving the library unable to purchase the books that patrons need.

Moreover, public libraries are primarily intended for reading and learning, and it is important that they remain committed to this primary function. Providing hi-tech media such as DVDs and computer software may be entertaining, but it does not promote the same intellectual development and critical thinking skills that reading does. The primary function of public libraries is to promote literacy and education, and they should focus on this core mission.

In conclusion, while some may argue that public libraries should invest in expensive hi-tech media, I fully agree that libraries should not waste their limited resources and space on these modern technologies. Public libraries are primarily intended to provide books and promote literacy and education, and it is important that they focus on this core mission.

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 4.52 (52 Votes)

Abhi
Public libraries are a powerhouse of knowledge and are meant for use by the general public. Modern-day public libraries also include all kinds of technological resources such as computer software, videos, DVDs, etc. apart from books. Some people believe that public libraries should stick to their main utilitarian purpose of providing books and should shun the practice of keeping additional media resources. This essay will discuss why this notion is entirely unacceptable to the extent of being illogical and irrelevant in the present-day context.

Traditional public libraries have been known as the hub of the dispensation of essential, literary as well as non-literary, sources of knowledge to masses. Not only the educated and learned have attained enormous benefits from it but it also has been a means of learning & acquiring knowledge for the uneducated ones. With the advent of modern-day computers, tablets & e-book readers, more and more people are opting for e-books, and so there has been a drastic decline in the book readers opting for the regular printed books. For the same reasons, to stay relevant to the changing trends public libraries have started keeping media resources. For instance, it has been estimated that the number of people opting to visit libraries for e-resources has shot from 10% in 2009 to 57% in 2019. Such a significant rise in user preferences and behaviour clearly highlights the need for the shift in the allocation of library resources, pertaining to being relevant to the majority of users.

Admittedly, it is noteworthy that public libraries still find a segment of people visiting libraries only for studying and borrowing books. The option of having myriad choices of books at a considerably economical borrowing price entices many book readers to prefer public libraries. Such kinds of people may opt to prefer digital media as a priority for reading. It can be aptly illustrated from the fact that according to a survey, for an average public library, 70% of its revenue comes from book borrowing services. Making book renting the cash cow and the main source of earning a stream of a public library. All in all, a public library has a wide variety of people it needs to cater to and therefore it should stay relevant in terms of delivering for needs of both of them.

In conclusion, the need for the notion to stop putting digital content in public libraries is highly relevant and more so will become illogical if a library is not able to cater to its majority of its users.

Deepak
Traditionally, a library is a place where people can read or borrow books of any subject and gain knowledge. However, with the advancement in technology, their role is not confined to providing information via books only. Many people believe that libraries should not offer a hi-tech source of learning like DVDs or software as they have limited space and resources. I do not agree with this notion.

To begin with, the library is a great source of enhancing knowledge from ages. Modern-day library not only contains books but are also equipped with hi-tech gadgets to play DVDs and videos to provide information to the learners. These advanced libraries offer a convenient method of studying in a more interactive and elaborative way. Therefore, allocating a small section of the library for interactive learning is more advantageous for the readers

Additionally, these advanced public libraries attract an increased number of users and save money in storing things in lesser space. Moreover, protecting books is more difficult, expensive, and space-consuming as compared to DVDs or videos. For example, old books need a controlled environment to prevent the decaying of pages, whereas there is no special requirement for storing digital data. Furthermore, book management software helps in managing and tracking books in a better way. Consequently, they require less manpower and effort to organise the books, hence, saving money.

In conclusion, the transformation of the traditional library to hi-tech digital is more beneficial for the readers by providing them with a better, more interactive, and systematic way of learning.

Aman Garg
Hi there,
Thank you so much for the free essay topics and their sample answers to guide writing my essay. I have recently registered for the IELTS Exam that is due in the month of January. I have been trying to attempt the above essay you have discussed and would like you to help me assess my introduction to the essay which is as follows:


"Libraries have been considered a great source of knowledge and wisdom for a long time. Today technology threatens to change the way libraries have traditionally operated. I completely disagree with the notion that technology's disrupted the status quo of libraries.

The opposition believes that using advanced technology in libraries is an unnecessary exploitation of the resources and space. I however, believe that technology..."

Kindly help me evaluate the beginning of this essay.

Thanks and Regards
Aman Garg

Asha Katariya
Please send me general training task 2 preparation questions pdf for practise?
Krushi
Hi IELTS Mentor,

Thank you for your help. Today was my IELTS GT exam and it was awesome. Again thanks for your free materials.

Letter: 1) Letter to your friend suggesting a book you have read recently.
i) Tell about that book. ii) Tell how it will be useful to him/her. iii) Tell how they can get the book.

Essay: 2) Some people think road safety has decreased due to more speed on the roads. Others opine that there are other ways to increase road safety.

Discuss both views and provide your opinion.

Cue Card 3): Discuss the advice you gave to someone recently.

Thanks a lot again.

Krushi.

Nasim
Hello, please send me writing task 2 details.
Nasim
Hello, please send me writing task 2 details on my email address - kakesh806@gmail .com.
Abdifatah
Can you please send me writing task 2 samples on my email address engabdifatah446 @gmaili.com?
Gilbert Adamma
I give my 100 per cent approval.
Preet Kumar
Hello,
Please send me writing task 2 details on my email address - preetkalia12345@gmail.com.