The Main Purpose of Public Libraries is to Provide Books - IELTS Writing Task 2

In today’s fast-paced digital world, public libraries face growing pressure to modernize. While some believe that libraries should stick to their traditional role of providing printed books, others argue that libraries must evolve by offering modern, hi-tech media. This difference in opinion is discussed in the IELTS agree-disagree topic, The Main Purpose of Public Libraries is to Provide Books, one of the most common essay types in IELTS Writing Task 2. 

Here, we examine sample answers for the IELTS agree-disagree essay on the topic ‘The Main Purpose of Public Libraries is to Provide Books’, along with an outline and relevant IELTS vocabulary, which is crucial for achieving a high band score.

Essay Question for The Main Purpose of Public Libraries is to Provide Books

Outline for IELTS Agree Disagree Essay

Given below is the outline that will help you to understand how to write agree-disagree essays in IELTS.

Sample Answers for The Main Purpose of Public Libraries is to Provide Books IELTS Writing Task 2

To achieve your desired writing band score, ensure that you carefully examine the three IELTS Band 9 essay samples on the topic, The Main Purpose of Public Libraries is to Provide Books, which are given below.

The Main Purpose of Public Libraries is to Provide Books - Sample Answer 1 (Agreement)

Libraries are the source of immense knowledge and have been an integral part of our lives since time immemorial. As everything transcends into being a different version of itself with a passage of time, so has been the case with libraries, as well. Some people put forth that libraries should be parochial to having books and magazines and shouldn’t transgress into the digital sources of information. I don’t agree with this statement and in the forthcoming paragraphs, I shall be peddling my point of view on the topic.

The world has been revolutionized today, and it’s well known to all. As intellectuals say, “The ones who don’t keep up with the pace of the world tumble down the race.” The traditional mode is defunct now in most of the cases including the information and education sector; the dynamism is perceptible. Libraries today need to have subsidiary resources including digital contrivances, and paradoxically, the ancillary resources are becoming the preponderant sources of information given to the digital waves that have enveloped the globe. Moreover, the scope of the information and the confounding profoundness of the information found in the leaps of computers and digital spaces are multifold more than the pages of the books. Hence, to argue that the libraries should stay confined to the pages and mound of printed books without annexing the e-resources to its storage, seems baseless.

Also, as far as space is concerned, having a computer in place with a subtle internet connection is typically more sound as compared to having stockpiles of books and documents in the racks of the library. Adding to that, where an ardent book reader takes a few minutes to a few hours to scout and pick the relevant information whilst turning the pages of the books, net surfers just take a few seconds to type and search for the bits and pieces of the content they need. Hence, from the point of view of the fast-paced world that incessantly dashes and waits for none, having just the books in libraries is not beneficial to anyone.

Though, some might argue that having books is fundamental to libraries and having the e-resources could render dilution to the essence of traditional libraries, I don’t consider that it is a pragmatic statement to cripple the dynamic ripple effect of the present day tech-inclination.

Therefore, it can be concluded that libraries should definitely indulge in alternative resources like computers, videos, etc., to uplift the knowledge base of today’s generation.

The Main Purpose of Public Libraries is to Provide Books - Sample Answer 2 (Balanced View)

Public libraries today face a dilemma - should they stay true to their roots by focusing solely on books, or evolve to accommodate modern hi-tech resources? In my opinion, while books should remain the main offering, it is important not to dismiss the benefits of including digital media, especially in today’s technologically-driven world.

Books undeniably form the backbone of libraries and continue to serve millions for education, leisure, and research. Libraries are often integral parts of communities, offering free access to literature that many cannot afford. Stockpiling expensive digital tools may seem wasteful when physical texts are still in high demand. Additionally, library spaces are limited, and allocating space for DVDs or computers can sometimes lead to the removal of valuable collections.

However, it would be too rigid to assume that modern media has no place in libraries. Videos, software, and e-resources can significantly enhance the learning experience, especially for students and young users who are visually oriented or need up-to-date information. These resources can transcend the limitations of books by offering interactive learning experiences. For instance, educational videos and language learning apps serve as excellent supplementary tools.

Therefore, instead of a binary choice, libraries should view digital media as subsidiary to books rather than their replacement. A balanced approach ensures that traditional users are not left out while also catering to new-age learners. In conclusion, libraries should avoid being overly parochial or excessively modern, and they must evolve gradually, with books still at the heart of their mission.

The Main Purpose of Public Libraries is to Provide Books - Sample Answer 3 (Disagreement)

While books have long been the cornerstone of public libraries, the modern demands of society necessitate a broader approach to knowledge dissemination. I strongly disagree with the view that libraries should refrain from investing in digital and multimedia resources, as such investments are essential for accessibility, relevance, and inclusive learning.

To begin with, the perception that libraries are solely meant to house printed books is increasingly parochial. We now live in a digitized era where education and information are no longer confined to paper. Audiobooks, documentaries, e-learning platforms, and interactive software have become integral to modern learning. For instance, students learning foreign languages benefit more from listening and speaking exercises available on DVDs or online tools than from text-based books alone. Similarly, aspiring software developers or graphic designers require access to specialized programs and tutorials, resources that are not available in traditional books.

Furthermore, digital inclusion is key to bridging social and economic gaps. Many low-income individuals lack personal access to the internet or updated technology. Public libraries equipped with computers, internet access, and e-resources help these users stay informed and competitive in the job market. Paradoxically, ignoring hi-tech media in libraries not only alienates tech-oriented youth but also widens the digital divide. Critics may argue that tight budgets and space constraints make this expansion impractical. However, many tech initiatives are supported by public grants or donations, and the space they occupy is minimal compared to the benefits they offer.

In conclusion, while physical books remain a vital resource, modern libraries must transcend their traditional roles. Embracing digital media is not a waste of resources but a forward-thinking evolution that ensures libraries remain dynamic, inclusive, and relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Vocabulary to Use for The Main Purpose of Public Libraries is to Provide Books - IELTS Writing Task 2

Given below is an IELTS Vocabulary words list for Band 8 or 9 related to the topic, ‘The Main Purpose of Public Libraries is to Provide Books’, that can be used in your sample answers and will help you boost your vocabulary for similar essay topics.

In conclusion, while books remain the heart and soul of these institutions, integrating modern resources can enhance accessibility and cater to diverse learning needs. Mastering such opinion essay topics requires not just strong grammar and vocabulary but also the ability to present nuanced arguments. So, consistently practicing IELTS Writing practice tests can assist in improving your writing skills, so it is important to create a strategy for yourself to achieve a Band 7+ score.

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