Writing Task 2 - Cambridge 15 Test 2

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Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40  minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

In the future, nobody will buy printed newspapers or books because they will be able to read everything they want online without paying.

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.

Write at least 250 words.

Sample Answer 

It is believed technological advancement will reduce the use of printed materials to a great extent since people will be able to freely access information online. However, I believe that this outcome is unlikely to happen in reality.

Many book enthusiasts, especially middle-aged and elderly individuals, continue to prefer reading physical books over e-books. The primary reason for this is that physical books provide a sense of connection that e-books cannot match. Readers enjoy highlighting their favourite quotes, taking their books with them wherever they go, and not having to worry about the availability of an internet connection or electricity. They form a deep emotional bond with the characters and the pages they have read. Even after finishing the book, they consider it a valuable possession that reminds them of the same feelings they had while reading it and they display it as an achievement mostly decorating them on a bookshelf, so they are considered an erudite or well-read person.

While reading from a screen, an individual's eyes can be harmed. If people have to spend a lot of time trying to understand information from any electronic medium, it can lead to watery eyes and headaches. Hence, people prefer reading from magazines and books to satisfy their thirst for knowledge. Additionally, screen reading can be distracting because electronic media always display notifications for emails and messages, which can interfere with a person's concentration. For instance, studies have proven that young people who spend more time reading online articles have lower retention rates compared to those who read printed material.

To conclude, the trend of reading physical books will not diminish in the future because people take pride in finishing a book and flaunt it as their possession. Besides that, online material is dependent on the availability of electricity or an internet connection and comes with lots of distractions.