Buying Things on the Internet Such as Books - IELTS Writing Task 2

The IELTS Writing Task 2 Advantages/Disadvantages Essay, “Buying things on the Internet such as books,” asks candidates to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of online shopping. This blog provides three Band 8 sample answers, along with useful vocabulary, structured ideas, and exam-focused tips to help you write a well-organised, high-scoring essay.

Question

Outline

Essay Type

• Advantages/Disadvantages essay

Introduction

• Paraphrase the topic of the essay and mention that it has its merits and demerits.

Body paragraphs

• Paragraph 1 – Talk about the advantages of buying products online.
• Paragraph 2 – Implore the drawbacks.

Conclusion

• Restate your opinions.

Buying Things on the Internet Such as Books - Sample Answer 1

Today, shopping online is becoming more popular in the modern world than ever. People use it to buy many things such as books, clothes, shoes, tickets and even groceries. I am of the opinion that this method of buying has both advantages and disadvantages, and it is hard to say whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

On the bright side, shopping from online portals is highly convenient. Many people these days have hectic schedules, and due to that, they get hardly any time to buy things in store. As a result, online shopping is a boon for them. It eliminates the need to visit the stores to place the order physically. One can get whatever one needs with just a few mouse clicks on the screen. It saves both time, effort and money. Also, most online stores offer huge discounts on their products most of the year. Consequently, customers don’t have to travel a long distance or wait in a long queue to pay their bills or buy products they want.

Talking about the drawbacks of virtual shopping, identity theft and digital scams are the most common. Careless use of credit or debit cards during the payment step or sharing sensitive personal information can often invite spammers and hackers to hamper their privacy. Finally, remote shopping doesn’t have the facility to physically inspect a product before buying it, which often leads to customer dissatisfaction. However, one can easily avoid these demerits by being cautious and trusting well-known brands and websites.

In conclusion, the overwhelming benefits that online shopping offer far outweigh a few demerits it has. Depending on what kind of products you buy, you can look for the most sensible way of buying them.

Buying Things on the Internet Such as Books - Sample Answer 2

In recent years, shopping online has become increasingly popular, with people buying books, air tickets, and groceries through the Internet. While there are some drawbacks, the advantages of online shopping far outweigh the disadvantages.

One key advantage is convenience. Online shopping allows people to purchase items anytime and anywhere, eliminating the need to travel to physical stores. This is particularly useful for busy individuals or those living in remote areas. Additionally, the Internet provides a wider selection and competitive prices, enabling shoppers to compare products and find the best deals quickly. For instance, booking flight tickets online often offers better discounts than travel agencies.

Despite these benefits, online shopping does have certain drawbacks. Delivery delays and extra shipping costs can sometimes be frustrating, and there is also the risk of fraud or receiving low-quality products. However, with secure payment systems and reliable review platforms, these risks can be minimized.

In conclusion, the advantages of shopping online, including convenience, variety, and cost savings, clearly outweigh the disadvantages. With proper precautions, consumers can enjoy the benefits of online shopping safely and efficiently.

Buying Things on the Internet Such as Books - Sample Answer 3

The trend of buying items online, such as books, groceries, and flight tickets, has grown rapidly in modern society. Although there are some negative aspects, the advantages of online shopping generally surpass the disadvantages.

A major advantage is time efficiency. People no longer need to spend hours going to multiple stores, as almost anything can be purchased with a few clicks. Moreover, online platforms often provide user reviews and ratings, helping consumers make informed decisions. For example, reading reviews before buying a book online can help readers choose high-quality titles without physically browsing stores.

However, there are certain disadvantages to consider. Some people may overspend due to impulsive buying, and others may experience delays or problems with returns. Additionally, excessive online shopping may reduce face-to-face interaction with shopkeepers or local businesses. Nonetheless, careful planning and choosing trusted websites can significantly reduce these issues.

In conclusion, while online shopping carries minor risks such as overspending and delivery issues, the convenience, time-saving benefits, and access to reviews and competitive prices make it a highly advantageous method of purchasing goods.

Buying Things on the Internet Such as Books - Vocabulary

The following are some of the IELTS Vocabulary found in the above writing sample answers. 

• Groceries

Meaning – a grocer’s shop or business.
Example – My mother told me to buy some groceries on my way back from school.

• Outweigh

Meaning – be heavier, greater, or more significant than.
Example – The costs of these branded clothes outweigh their supposed value.

• Convenient

Meaning – fitting in well with a person’s needs, activities, and plans.
Example – The elevators and lifts are convenient for most people compared to stairs.

• Hectic

Meaning – full of incessant or frantic activity.
Example – Mrs. Sharma was exhausted after a long, hectic day.

1. Boon

Meaning – a thing that is helpful or beneficial.
Example – It felt like an enormous boon for the locality kids when the park was maintained for the first time in 5 years.

• Queue

Meaning – a line or sequence of people or vehicles awaiting their turn to be attended to or to proceed.
Example – Season ticket holders need not stand in the long queue.

• Theft

Meaning – the action or crime of stealing.
Example – The people were alerted when a case of theft took place in their society.

• Scams

Meaning – a dishonest scheme; a fraud.
Example – Tourists can be vulnerable to scams and con schemes of all kinds.

• Hamper

Meaning – hinder or impede the movement or progress of.
Example – The teacher warned her students not to hamper the normal functioning of the class or else they would be taken to the Principal.

• Cautious

Meaning – (of a person) careful to avoid potential problems or dangers.
Example – Parents often tell their children to always be cautious of their money.

In conclusion, the IELTS direct question essay topic “Buying things on the Internet such as books - IELTS Writing Task 2” requires candidates to discuss both positive and negative effects of lifestyle changes. With 3 sample answers and useful vocabulary, this blog helps learners present balanced arguments, organise ideas clearly, and achieve a higher band score in IELTS Writing Task 2.

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