IELTS Writing Task 2 · Opinion (agree or disagree) · Academic

The decline of print newspapers: a positive or negative development

The question

Specifically, print newspapers are becoming obsolete as more people get their news online. Is this a positive or negative development?

About 40 minutes. Write at least 250 words.

Plan before you write

Position:: The shift toward digital news is a positive development due to increased accessibility and the environmental benefits of reducing paper waste.
Paragraph 2:: Digital platforms offer instantaneous access to information, which keeps the public better informed than traditional print media.
Paragraph 3:: Transitioning away from physical newspapers significantly decreases the environmental footprint associated with paper production and distribution.

State a clear position in the last sentence of the introduction and keep it to the end.
Two body paragraphs that each give one reason for that position, with an example.
A partial position is fine if it is stated precisely; a position that drifts is what caps task response at 6.

Band 8 sample essay

The rapid migration of audiences from printed journals to digital news platforms has sparked significant debate. While some lament the loss of traditional media, I believe this shift is overwhelmingly positive because it enhances global connectivity and promotes ecological sustainability.

The primary advantage of digital news is its unparalleled accessibility and speed. Unlike physical newspapers, which are constrained by daily printing schedules and delivery logistics, online portals provide real-time updates on global events. For instance, during the recent climate summits, citizens worldwide could monitor live negotiations and expert analysis through interactive websites, ensuring a more informed electorate. This immediacy allows for a more responsive and engaged society, as individuals can access diverse perspectives instantly rather than waiting for the morning edition.

Furthermore, the abandonment of print media offers substantial environmental advantages. The industrial production of newspapers requires vast quantities of paper, ink, and chemical solvents, alongside the carbon-intensive logistics of physical distribution. By shifting to digital formats, the media industry can drastically reduce its reliance on deforestation and minimize the waste generated by discarded papers. A clear example of this is the recent decision by several major international newspapers to move exclusively online, which has saved thousands of tonnes of paper annually while significantly lowering their corporate carbon footprint.

In summary, the transition from print to digital news represents a beneficial evolution for modern society. By prioritising rapid information dissemination and environmental conservation, this digital transformation outweighs the sentimental value of physical media. Embracing this technological change is essential for a more efficient and sustainable future.

256 words. Use the structure and the vocabulary, not the sentences.

Why this scores Band 8

This essay achieves Band 8 for task response by providing a clear, consistent position supported by well-developed, relevant arguments. A Band 6 response often fails to address the 'positive or negative' prompt directly, instead listing general pros and cons without taking a definitive stance.

Vocabulary from the essay

unparalleled: having no equal or being beyond comparison
constrained: limited by specific conditions or restricted scope
electorate: all the people who are entitled to vote
immediacy: the quality of being direct and instant
carbon-intensive: processes that result in high carbon emissions
dissemination: the act of spreading information to many
evolution: the gradual development of something into better
ecological: relating to the environment and natural world

Write this one yourself and get a band

Forty minutes, then a band for task response, coherence, vocabulary and grammar, with the sentences that cost you marked.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of essay is "The decline of print newspapers: a positive or negative development"?

Opinion (agree or disagree). State a clear position in the last sentence of the introduction and keep it to the end.

How long should the answer be?

At least 250 words. This sample is 256 words, written to fit 40 minutes with five minutes left to check grammar.