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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

In recent years, more and more people are choosing to read e-books rather than paper books.

Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages of this trend?

Give reasons for your answer using your own ideas and experience.

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1:
Nowadays, there has been a significant shift in the way people choose to consume text content and read books, with more and more individuals opting to read e-books instead of printed books. While there are some drawbacks to this trend, I strongly believe that the advantages of e-reading far outweigh the disadvantages.

To begin with, one of the main drawbacks of reading digital books is that it lacks the tactile and sensory experience of reading a physical book. Many people enjoy the feeling of turning pages, the smell of the ink, and the overall aesthetic of a traditional book. Additionally, e-books are often criticized for causing strain on the eyes, especially when reading for prolonged periods. For example, a recent study in Ireland reveals that young children who read digital books more than four hours a day often suffer from eye problems within the next four years.

However, there are also several compelling reasons why e-reading has become increasingly popular and beneficial. Firstly, e-books are often more convenient and accessible than their physical counterparts. They are lightweight, easily transportable, and can be stored on a single device, making it easy to carry a library of books with us wherever we go. Furthermore, e-books often cost less than paper books, making them more affordable for many readers. Additionally, e-books are also more environmentally friendly as they do not require paper, ink, and energy to produce. For instance, with the popularity of digital book reading devices, the requirement for printing and cuttng trees has decreased, and as a result, has positively impacted our environment.

In conclusion, while there are some minor disadvantages to e-reading, the advantages of this trend far overshadow them. E-books offer convenience, accessibility, and affordability, making them an increasingly popular choice among readers. Furthermore, they are environmentally friendly which is a big plus.
 

Sample Answer 2:
These days, there is a growing trend of individuals preferring to read e-books over traditional printed books. In my opinion, the advantages of e-reading far outweigh the disadvantages primarily because of their easy portability, accessibility and positive impact on the environment.

To begin with, e-books offer a high degree of portability and convenience. With the ability to read on mobile devices, laptops or other hand-held devices, one can easily access books from virtually anywhere. Furthermore, the need to physically carry heavy books is eliminated, thereby making reading a more effortless and streamlined process. Additionally, many publishing companies have begun to shift towards e-book production due to the reduced costs associated with their production, resulting in e-books being more affordable than traditional printed books, particularly for students.

Furthermore, e-books are more easily accessible through online purchases, making them readily available to readers at any time. Additionally, they are more environmentally friendly as they require no paper, ink, or energy to produce.

However, it should be acknowledged that there are some drawbacks to e-reading. Many literary and scientific works are not yet available in e-book format, making them inaccessible to individuals who prefer e-reading. Additionally, it can be difficult to find certain older books in e-book format, as they are often only available in physical libraries. For instance, once I was looking for a research paper published by one of our university teachers and could not find it online. I had to access it in a library.

In conclusion, while there are some disadvantages to e-reading, I believe that the advantages far outweigh them. The growing popularity of e-books is a trend that will continue to gain momentum, offering readers convenient, accessible and affordable reading experience while also saving trees and environment.

[ Written by  - Tekin]

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