The influence of newspapers: IELTS Task 2 essay #1, band 6.0
A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.
323 words. Marked by Axiom on 11 October 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.
Task 2323 words
TASK 2: Newspapers have an influence on people’s ideas and opinions. What are the reasons for this? Is it a negative or positive development?
It is true that newspapers tend to change people’s ideas and opinions. There are number of reasons for that and I truly believe that it is a positive development.
When a person reads newspapers and got new information, their minds try to recognize the ideas, suggestions and advice in them. In that case, peoples’ ideas tend to change when they get new information or knowledge by reading. Another reason back to history. Before 1950s, when there were not internet or TV shows where people get new information or news in todays. At that time, newspapers were the source of information and knowledge for people. After 1950s, TV shows and internet invented and people started using them in order learn new things.
Lexical resource
RevisedOne significant reason why newspapers influence people's ideas and opinions is the way they interact with the human brain.
The revised sentence is more clear and natural.
Lexical resource
RevisedThat said, older people still read newspapers and may consider them a reliable source of information, potentially leading to a change in their opinions after reading something new.
The revised sentence is more natural and easier to understand.
For instance, the person who knows less about worldwide may think spending money on saving endangered animals is useless. Not only is it helpful these days, but it also played a vital role in past decades. Had it not been for newspapers, people would have waited for phones and internet to know about the world around them.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedWhile there are some drawbacks to this development, I believe the positive aspects outweigh the negatives.
The sentence is a bit confusing and could be made clearer.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedOne advantage of this phenomenon is its potential to enhance people's knowledge.
The revised sentence is more concise and has a better flow.
Coherence & cohesion
RevisedAt that point, the reader, after reading an article in a newspaper written by experts in the field, may start to reconsider their stance.
The revised sentence is more formal and has a better flow.
Lexical resource
RevisedIf those people had not read newspapers, their knowledge would not be as extensive.
The revised sentence is more clear and natural.
In conclusion, Even reading newspapers tend to change people’s ideas and opinions, I truly believe it is a positive development.
Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.
What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.
Coherence & cohesion
Band 6.0/ 9
The essay is logically organized and ideas are connected well. However, there are some areas where the flow of ideas could be improved. The essay follows a logical structure, but transitions between paragraphs and within paragraphs could be smoother. The introduction sets up the topic well, but the connection between different points could be enhanced with more explicit linking phrases. Clearer topic sentences at the beginning of each paragraph and more explicit linking phrases would help guide the reader through the essay. Ensuring consistent punctuation and spacing will also improve readability.
Suggestions
- Try to use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas more effectively.
- Make sure that your arguments are presented in a clear and logical order.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedWhile there are some drawbacks to this development, I believe the positive aspects outweigh the negatives.
The sentence is a bit confusing and could be made clearer.
RevisedOne advantage of this phenomenon is its potential to enhance people's knowledge.
The revised sentence is more concise and has a better flow.
RevisedAt that point, the reader, after reading an article in a newspaper written by experts in the field, may start to reconsider their stance.
The revised sentence is more formal and has a better flow.
Grammar & accuracy
Band 6.0/ 9
The essay demonstrates a good control of a range of grammatical structures, with only minor errors. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect sentence construction. For example, "peoples’ ideas and statements" should be "people's ideas and opinions," and "while there are some drawbacks of this development, its positives sides outweigh negatives" should be "while there are some drawbacks to this development, the positive aspects outweigh the negatives." Paying closer attention to grammatical accuracy, including correct verb forms and preposition usage, will improve the overall quality of the essay.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedOne of the significant reasons why newspapers affect people's ideas and opinions is due to the way they influence the structure of the human brain.
The word 'effect' is not used correctly in this context. 'Affect' should be used instead.
RevisedAt that point, after reading an article in a newspaper, written by experts in the field, the reader may start to reconsider their perspective.
The revised sentence is more clear and natural.
RevisedWhile there are some drawbacks to this development, I believe the positive aspects outweigh the negatives.
The revised sentence is more clear and natural.
Lexical resource
Band 6.0/ 9
The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and there is evidence of some less common and idiomatic language. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect word choice. For example, "peoples’ ideas and statements" should be "people's ideas and opinions," and "back to history" should be "in the past." Improving lexical precision and variety will enhance the clarity and professionalism of the essay. Additionally, ensuring correct spelling and grammar usage will improve overall readability.
Sentence revisions 3
RevisedOne significant reason why newspapers influence people's ideas and opinions is the way they interact with the human brain.
The revised sentence is more clear and natural.
RevisedThat said, older people still read newspapers and may consider them a reliable source of information, potentially leading to a change in their opinions after reading something new.
The revised sentence is more natural and easier to understand.
RevisedIf those people had not read newspapers, their knowledge would not be as extensive.
The revised sentence is more clear and natural.
Task response
Band 7.0/ 9
The essay addresses the task effectively, providing a clear position throughout. The arguments are well-developed and supported with relevant examples. However, the conclusion could be stronger. The essay effectively addresses the prompt by discussing how newspapers can influence people's ideas and opinions and arguing that this is a positive development. The essay provides a clear introduction, presents well-developed arguments with supporting examples, and concludes by reiterating the positive impact of newspapers on people's knowledge and opinions. The use of the word "while" in the introduction of the essay and in the body paragraphs is incorrect as it implies a contrast or contradiction, which is not the case here. Removing "while" from the introduction and body paragraphs will correct this mistake.
Suggestions
- Try to make your conclusion more impactful by summarizing your main points and restating your position more forcefully.
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