IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer (band score 8-9)
IELTS Essay # 1477 - Books are losing importance as a source of information and knowledge
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that books are losing importance as a source of information and knowledge due to the increasing popularity of the Internet.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
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]
In an increasingly digital world, there is a prevailing argument that the role of books as a primary source of information and knowledge is diminishing with the rising prominence of the Internet. While it is undeniable that the Internet has revolutionized information accessibility, I firmly disagree with the notion that books are losing their importance.
One critical aspect sustaining the significance of books is their depth and credibility. Unlike the Internet, where content credibility varies significantly, books undergo rigorous publishing processes and are authored by specialists in their respective fields. These works often go through meticulous fact-checking, rendering them reliable and comprehensive sources of information. For instance, academic texts provide in-depth analysis and citations, lending credibility to the information presented, unlike the Internet, which can often lack rigorous verification.
Moreover, books offer a level of engagement and focus that the Internet often fails to provide. Reading a book demands concentration and allows readers to immerse themselves deeply in a topic without the distractions commonly found online. Unlike the Internet, which is cluttered with ads, pop-ups, and diverse content, books provide an uninterrupted and immersive learning experience. For example, the narrative form of storytelling in books stimulates critical thinking and imagination in ways that browsing web pages cannot emulate. This is why books are still the main source of information and knowledge.
In conclusion, despite the Internet's significant role in information dissemination, books remain an indispensable source of knowledge and information and their significance is not diminishing with the popularity of the Internet. Their depth, credibility, and the immersive experience they offer distinguish them as irreplaceable assets in the pursuit of knowledge.
Model Answer 2: [Agreement]
With the growing popularity of the Internet, many argue that printed books are losing their significance as a primary source of information and knowledge. I agree with this statement because I believe that the Internet provides individuals with instant access and dynamic online content that books fail to offer.
The Internet provides individuals with instant access to a wide range of information and knowledge. That is to say that the Internet now enables people to obtain a plethora of information and knowledge with just a few clicks, whereas they had to spend hours at libraries or flip through books to acquire information and knowledge. This convenience and instantaneous access to information and knowledge have made the Internet enormously popular. If you want to get information about a specific subject, for instance, a simple Google search can turn up hundreds of websites, blogs and articles related to that topic in the blink of an eye. This accessibility and convenience have made the Internet a preferred option for many individuals seeking information quickly.
Similarly, dynamic and diverse content is another reason why the Internet diminishes the importance of books as a source of information and knowledge. The Internet comprises a vast array of content formats, consisting of texts, videos, images and interactive elements. This multimedia aspect of digital content, in fact, brings interactive and engaging learning experiences and is therefore preferable. For example, online learning sites like Academic Earth, Coursera and edX provide tutorials, video lectures and demonstrations that offer an interactive learning experience. This diverse nature of online content has made the Internet increasingly popular among people who want to gain interactive and immersive learning experiences.
To conclude, I believe that the learning experience has been greatly improved by online educational platforms, particularly instant access to information and knowledge, and dynamic content provided by the Internet.
Model Answer 3: [Disagreement]
Many argue that books seem to be losing their significance as a useful source of information and knowledge in the epoch of the internet’s popularity. I disagree with this opinion and believe that the Internet never supersedes books because they are the authentic source of information and also structured in a specific way offering coherent arguments.
The main reason why the Internet cannot take the place of books is because of the editorial process maintained by publishers. Publishers usually go through a rigorous process such as proofreading, fact-checking, and peer review by experts working in the same subject area. Publishers, in fact, have set standards for authenticity and accuracy. In scientific disciplines, for example, research findings are usually reviewed by qualified experts on the subject first and then published in books. This strict procedure helps to validate the credibility of the knowledge presented. On the other hand, anyone can publish anything in this era of Web 2.0 on the Internet. Thus any information found on the Internet is not accurate and could often be misleading if not taken from authoritative sources.
Another compelling reason why physical books hold the capacity to retain their importance is that they provide readers with comprehensive coverage and in-depth analysis. Printed books allow authors to present complex topics in an organized and structured way so that readers can follow a clear learning path, thereby building knowledge systematically. A case in point is academic textbooks. These books offer learners information in a coherent manner that allows them to build their knowledge from the bottom up, thus providing a better learning tool to fully grasp the concepts.
To conclude, I believe that physical books cannot be superseded by the Internet because these books are published through a rigorous editorial process to ensure the credibility of the information presented and also offer information in a systemic structure so that readers can more easily grasp the concepts.
Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:
Essay question:
Some people think that books are losing importance as a source of information and knowledge due to the increasing popularity of the Internet.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Essay type:
Opinion Essay (Agree or Disagree).
The main question of this essay:
To what extent do you agree or disagree that books are losing importance as sources of knowledge due to the popularity of the internet?
Reasons why books are losing importance due to the Internet:
1. Instant access to information:
The Internet provides quick and easy access to vast amounts of data and knowledge at any time, which reduces the reliance on physical books. With search engines and databases, users can find specific content within seconds without flipping through pages. For example, students preparing for exams can simply search a topic on Google or watch a YouTube tutorial instead of consulting multiple textbooks.
2. More interactive and engaging formats:
Online content often includes multimedia features like videos, animations, and hyperlinks, which enhance the learning experience. This dynamic content makes it more appealing than traditional books for many learners. For example, language learning apps and websites provide audio clips and interactive exercises that books cannot offer.
3. Cost-effective and widely available:
The Internet offers free or low-cost access to resources that would otherwise be expensive to purchase in book form. This affordability increases its appeal, especially in developing regions. For example, platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy allow learners to access quality content without spending on textbooks.
4. Up-to-date and continuously evolving content:
Unlike books, which can become outdated, online content is updated regularly to reflect new findings and trends. This makes the Internet a more reliable source for the latest information. For example, scientific journals published online are updated more frequently than printed editions, helping researchers stay informed.
5. Convenience and portability:
People can carry thousands of digital books or documents in their mobile devices, eliminating the need for physical storage and transportation. This practicality adds to the preference for digital sources. For example, professionals can store entire libraries on their tablets and access them during commutes or business trips.
Arguments in favour of books still being an important source of knowledge:
1. Depth and reliability of information:
Books often undergo rigorous editorial processes and are written by experts, making them more reliable sources of in-depth knowledge. They provide well-structured and credible information, unlike many unverified online sources. For example, academic books and peer-reviewed texts are essential in higher education and research.
2. Better focus and less distraction:
Reading from a physical book allows for focused and uninterrupted engagement, unlike online reading, which often includes advertisements and hyperlinks that distract readers. For example, students report better comprehension when studying from textbooks than from online articles filled with pop-ups and sidebars.
3. Less strain on eyes and physical comfort:
Prolonged screen time can lead to eye fatigue, headaches, and other health issues, making traditional books a more comfortable option for extended reading sessions. For instance, many avid readers prefer paperbacks for leisure reading as they can read without eye discomfort.
4. Cultural and educational value:
Books have played a vital role in preserving knowledge and culture throughout history. Their tactile and aesthetic value holds significance in educational institutions and personal collections. For example, classic literature and rare manuscripts are treasured by scholars and collectors for their historical and artistic importance.
5. Limited internet access in some areas:
In remote or underdeveloped regions, Internet connectivity is still not reliable or affordable, making books the primary and most dependable source of knowledge. For example, in many rural schools in developing countries, libraries serve as the main educational resource in the absence of online access.
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