IELTS Writing Task 2 Argumentative Essay Topic: People read news on the Internet

Courtney Miller

4 min read

Updated On Mar 05, 2024

Outline
Sample Essay
Band 9 Sample Essay

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Although more and more people read news on the Internet, newspapers will remain the most important source of news. Do you agree or disagree?

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Outline

Essay Type

Opinion Essay

Introduction

Paraphrase the topic sentence.

Clearly mention the view on the essay topic.

Body

Paragraph 1 – The speed and convenience of the Internet in this digital age have led to the increasing popularity of online news. Firstly, the Internet is able to provide up-to-the-minute news as it happens, 24 hours a day every day.

Paragraph 2 – Newspapers have drawbacks which affect their popularity. One major disincentive of relying on newspapers as a news source is the cost.

Conclusion

Conclude the essay by summarizing the final view on the topic.

Sample Essay

Many traditionalists believe that while people have access to the Internet, conventional newspapers will continue as the major source of news. I totally disagree with this view.

The speed and convenience of the Internet in this digital age have led to the increasing popularity of online news. Firstly, the Internet is able to provide up-to-the-minute news as it happens, 24 hours a day every day. As long as I have my smart phone or laptop with me, I can connect almost instantly to the Internet, surf the websites and access the news of my choice across the globe. Secondly, more and more people now have access to the Internet and this trend appears set to continue. The more widespread the accessibility of the Internet, the more people will come to rely on it as their new’s source.

In contrast, newspapers have drawbacks which affect their popularity. One major disincentive of relying on newspapers as a news source is the cost. Competing with freely available news online, newspaper publishers are facing the reality of falling circulation figures. Some major American newspapers have now’ introduced online versions alongside their printed editions in an attempt to arrest this trend. Another disadvantage of newspapers is the amount of paper consumed in their production. With growing environmental awareness, there is a body of public opinion which rejects buying newspapers because this involves cutting trees and transporting them to paper mills. While this may not be a major factor at present, the environmental argument will almost certainly gain ground in the future.

In conclusion, I would argue that newspapers will continue to decline in importance, and more and more people will use the Internet to access the news.

Vocabulary

traditionalists

Meaning: people who prefer traditional ways of acting and thinking.
Example: I agree with those traditionalists who think that drinks served in plastic cups taste worse than drinks served in glasses or normal cups.

conventional

Meaning: following what has been done in the past.
Example: The dress code in our company is conventional – all the men must wear a suit and tie.

digital age

Meaning: a period when information is sent electronically.
Example: In this digital age, many people have computer skills and Internet access.

up-to-the-minute

Meaning: having the latest information.
Example:Up-to-the-minute weather forecasts are always available on the Internet.

surf the websites

Meaning: look through various sites on the Internet.
Example: When he researched his essay, John surfed the websites that appeared to contain the most useful information.

circulation figures

Meaning: the figures for the number of copies of a newspaper sold each day.
Example: After the price of the newspaper went up, the circulation figures immediately fell.

Band 9 Sample Essay

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As we progress further into the 21st century the prominence of newspapers is declining at a gradual albeit steady pace. Presently, news subscriptions have become virtual and people tend to avail these online subscriptions more than physical ones. I believe that the age where newspapers will become obsolete is near. In the following paragraphs, I will elaborate on my views on the topic and justify the same.

Firstly, to understand why the fashion of reading an article in print is becoming outdated we have to understand how the realm of media has evolved over the years. Secondly, people have so many avenues of exchange of information that choosing a taxing activity like reading the paper is considered unfashionable. This is quite evident in the popularity of podcasts, news clips and news applications which are deemed the new face of news media.

Another fact that has to be acknowledged whilst on the topic of print media going out of fashion, is the inconvenience faced by the waste created by improper disposal of paper waste. Although a bio-degradable material, paper can give rise to natural hazards if not disposed of responsibly. Thus, to avoid these complications altogether, the production of newsprints has been curbed worldwide. This has indirectly led to the decline in the notability of print media lately.

Nevertheless, some individuals will always prefer to read their morning paper with a crisp cup of tea to start their weekend as that is a part of their lifestyle. However, these practices will also be lost as we move forwards in time.

Finally, I believe that the direction in which the growth of media is headed, the eminent eradication of print, especially newspapers is inevitable as digital forms of media take over the globe.