IELTS Essay: Internet vs. Newspapers - Sample & Analysis

Why Internet Availability Reduces Printed Newspaper Purchases

Overview

This IELTS essay argues that the increasing availability of internet connectivity will lead to a decline in people buying printed newspapers. The author strongly agrees with this statement, citing reasons such as the cost-effectiveness and ease of access of online news, the time-saving benefits of reading e-books and e-papers, and the ability to access diverse news sources online. Additionally, the essay highlights the instant updates provided by online news platforms and the environmental concerns associated with printing newspapers. The conclusion reiterates the belief that online resources will eventually replace print media.

Key Features

  • Clear Stance: The essay clearly states the author's agreement with the prompt.
  • Multiple Arguments: Several reasons are provided to support the argument, including cost, convenience, and environmental concerns.
  • Examples: The essay includes examples such as instant notifications from news portals and the issue of paper quality in printed media.
  • Structure: The essay follows a standard structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.

Our Review

While the essay presents a clear argument, it could benefit from deeper analysis and more sophisticated language. The points made are valid, but they lack detailed explanation and supporting evidence. The essay focuses more on the advantages of online news rather than directly addressing why people would stop buying printed newspapers. Grammatical errors and less-than-precise vocabulary also hold the essay back. To improve, the writer should focus on developing each point more thoroughly and refining their grammar and vocabulary.


Student Submission

It is argued that availability of internet connectivity will discourse people to buy printed newspaper. I completely agree with the statement. There are number of reasons why I believe people will feel more comfort to read newspapers or books rather than printed version of it. One possible reason is that it is not only free of cost but also easy to access.In fact, people just need a internet connection to enter the website of online newspaper in a blink of eyes.Furthermore, we can save our valuable time by reading e-book or e-paper while we are stuck in the traffic congestion. People can get rid of biased information because they have access variety of news website which can never be possible by printed one. Without the online connectivity none of these possibilities will be possible in near future. In addition, online newspaper has made it possible for people to update themselves with the latest news almost instantly, something printed newspapers can never do.For instance, different news portals and websites send instant notification to users when there is an update.Besides, the paper quality of many books and newspapers is substandard so oftentimes the pages turn yellow after a while,making them illegible and irritating to read.Finally, printed books and newspapers is not eco-friendly practice beacause trees have to cut down to produce papers.With the online form of reading, these concerns can easily be addressed. In conclusion, considering the factors discussed above, I believe online books and newspapers will eventually take over the role of print-based sources of reading.


IELTS Essay Assessment

1. IELTS Writing Score: 6/9 ■■■■■□□□
2. Score Breakdown:
  • Task Achievement: 6/9 - The essay addresses the task and presents a clear opinion. However, the argumentation lacks depth and some points are underdeveloped. The connection between internet access and the discouragement of buying printed newspapers isn't fully explored. The essay focuses more on the advantages of online news than directly addressing the decline in print newspaper readership.

  • Coherence and Cohesion: 5/9 - The essay has a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. However, the linking between paragraphs and ideas could be improved. Some transitions feel abrupt, and the flow of ideas isn't always smooth.

  • Lexical Resource: 6/9 - The vocabulary is adequate, but there's a noticeable reliance on simpler vocabulary. Some word choices are inaccurate (e.g., "discourse"). More sophisticated vocabulary would enhance the essay.

  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy: 5/9 - There are several grammatical errors throughout the essay, including subject-verb agreement issues, tense inconsistencies, and article usage problems. While the essay is understandable, the grammatical inaccuracies detract from the overall quality.

3. Error Analysis:
  • Vocabulary Errors:

    • [discourse] -> [ discourage ] : "Discourse" means conversation or discussion; "discourage" means to dissuade or make someone less likely to do something.
    • [comfort] -> [ comfortable ] : The adjective "comfortable" is needed to modify "feel".
    • [printed version of it] -> [ print versions ] or [ printed newspapers] : The phrasing is awkward and unclear. A more concise and accurate alternative is needed.
  • Grammar Errors:

    • [There are number of reasons] -> [ There are a number of reasons ] : The indefinite article "a" is required before "number".
    • [people will feel more comfort] -> [ people will feel more comfortable ] : Incorrect adjective usage.
    • [in a blink of eyes] -> [ in the blink of an eye ] : Correct idiom usage.
    • [People can get rid of biased information because they have access variety of news website] -> [ People can avoid biased information because they have access to a variety of news websites. ] : Missing articles and incorrect pluralization.
    • [printed books and newspapers is not eco-friendly practice] -> [ Printed books and newspapers are not an eco-friendly practice. ] : Subject-verb agreement error.
4. English Model Essay:

The increasing availability of internet connectivity is argued to discourage people from purchasing printed newspapers. I concur with this statement, believing that the convenience and accessibility of online news sources significantly outweigh the benefits of print media.

Firstly, online news is readily available and free of charge for many sources. Accessing news websites requires only an internet connection, eliminating the need for physical purchases. This immediate access is particularly beneficial for those seeking up-to-the-minute updates, a feature impossible with printed newspapers which are published on a schedule. Furthermore, online platforms offer a wider range of perspectives, mitigating the risk of biased reporting often associated with individual print publications.

Secondly, the convenience of online news consumption is undeniable. Readers can access news articles anytime, anywhere, using smartphones or tablets. This is particularly useful during commutes or other periods of downtime. In contrast, carrying and reading physical newspapers can be cumbersome and less convenient.

Finally, environmental concerns further support the shift away from print media. The production of newspapers involves significant deforestation, while online news eliminates this environmental impact.

In conclusion, the ease of access, wider range of perspectives, convenience, and environmental benefits of online news platforms strongly suggest that print newspapers will continue to decline in popularity as internet connectivity expands.


Captured in a metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia primary school, seated amongst his classmates, this photograph depicts a young African-American schoolboy who was in the process of drawing with a pencil on a piece of white paper. Note that the student was focused on a drawing book that referenced fantasy flying planes, while intent on creating his artwork, seemingly oblivious to all the classroom goings-on that surrounded him. It is important to know that objects, including pencils, crayons, paper, etc., are known as fomites, and can act as transmitters of illnesses.

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