The internet has made possible for everybody to read anything online for free. This will make it unnecessary to pay for printed materials such as books or newspapers in the future. 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.

The rapid expansion of the internet has enabled unprecedented access to information, with vast quantities of
books
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, articles and newspapers now available online at little or no cost. Some argue that
this
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development will eventually render printed
materials
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obsolete. I largely agree that demand for physical publications will continue to decline in the future,
although
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I do not believe they will disappear entirely. One primary reason printed
materials
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are becoming increasingly unnecessary is accessibility. Digital platforms allow users to obtain information instantly, regardless of geographical location or time constraints. A student in a remote area,
for instance
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, can download academic textbooks or access online journals within seconds, eliminating the need to purchase expensive printed editions. During global disruptions
such
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as the COVID-19 pandemic, online resources proved indispensable, ensuring educational continuity when physical libraries and bookstores were closed.
This
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level of convenience and immediacy simply cannot be matched by traditional print media. Cost efficiency
further
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accelerates
this
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transition. Printing, distributing and storing physical
books
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involve significant production expenses, which are ultimately passed on to consumers.
In contrast
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, digital publications require minimal marginal cost once produced, making them either free or substantially cheaper. For individuals facing financial constraints—
such
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as students burdened by tuition fees—the availability of open-access
materials
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reduces educational inequality and broadens participation in learning. From an economic perspective, the digital model is more sustainable for both consumers and publishers. Environmental considerations
also
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support the shift toward digital content. The large-scale production of paper contributes to deforestation, water consumption and industrial pollution.
Although
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digital technologies are not entirely carbon-neutral, reducing reliance on paper-based media can lower
overall
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resource consumption. As environmental awareness grows, societies are increasingly inclined to adopt alternatives that minimise ecological impact.
Nevertheless
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, it would be simplistic to assume that printed
materials
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will vanish completely. Many readers continue to value the tactile experience of physical
books
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, and research suggests that comprehension and retention can sometimes be stronger when reading from paper rather than screens.
Furthermore
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, not all regions have equal access to reliable internet infrastructure, meaning printed publications remain essential in certain contexts. For these reasons, print media is likely to persist in niche markets and specific demographic groups. In conclusion,
while
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printed
books
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and newspapers are unlikely to disappear altogether, the internet has fundamentally altered patterns of information consumption. Given its accessibility, affordability and environmental advantages, digital content will increasingly dominate in the future, making printed
materials
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far less necessary than they once were.

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improvement
Add a sharper final line to rest the whole view on the topic.
improvement
Keep short sentences and use simple words.
tip
Use clear linking words to show how ideas are connected.
structure
Clear plan with intro, body and conclusion.
content
Good use of examples such as COVID-19 and remote areas.
Word Count

IELTS says that you should write a minimum of 250 words in writing task 2. If you go under word count you will lose marks in task response.

A very long essay will not give you a higher band score.

Aim for between 260 to 290 words in writing task 2. This will ensure a concise essay and will be realistic in terms of time management. You have only 40 minutes to write the essay and you need around 10 minutes of planning time, so you will not be able to write a long essay in 30 minutes.

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