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The influence of newspapers: IELTS Task 2 essay #2, band 7.0

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.

267 words. Marked by Axiom on 11 October 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.

Task 2267 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 can influence people's ideas and opinions. There are a number of reasons for this, and I truly believe that it is a positive development.

When people read newspapers, they learn about different events, ideas and viewpoints. As a result, their opinions may change when they receive new information. Another reason is that newspapers have historically been an important source of information. In the past, before the internet became widely available, newspapers were one of the main ways for people to learn about events around the world. Therefore, they may change their opinions after reading new information.

  1. Lexical resource

    RevisedA primary reason for the impact of newspapers on people's ideas and opinions is their role in providing readers with novel information.

    The revised sentence provides a more varied and precise vocabulary.

  2. Lexical resource

    RevisedDespite the prevalence of television and the internet as sources of information, some individuals, particularly older generations, maintain their trust in newspapers as a reliable news source.

    The revision provides a more varied and precise vocabulary.

For instance, someone who knows little about global environmental problems might believe that spending money on protecting endangered animals is unnecessary. However, after reading an article written by experts, this person may understand why protecting these animals is important and change their opinion.

  1. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedDespite the presence of some drawbacks, I am of the opinion that the positive effects outweigh the negative effects.

    The revised sentence provides a more formal and academic tone.

  2. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedA notable advantage of newspapers is their ability to enhance people's knowledge on a wide range of important issues.

    The revision provides a more specific and formal expression of the idea.

  3. Lexical resource

    RevisedHistorically, newspapers have played a crucial role in extending people's knowledge beyond their local communities.

    The revised sentence provides a more varied and precise vocabulary.

  1. Coherence & cohesion

    RevisedIn conclusion, the ability of newspapers to influence people's ideas and opinions is, in my view, a positive development as they are instrumental in providing information and fostering a broader understanding of global issues among readers.

    The revised sentence provides a more formal and academic tone, and the phrase 'broader understanding of global issues' adds specificity to the advantage mentioned.

Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.

Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.

What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.

Coherence & cohesion

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay is logically organized and ideas are connected well. The introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion are clearly identifiable. However, there are a few areas where the flow of ideas could be improved.

Suggestions

  • Try to use a wider range of linking words to connect your ideas more effectively.
  • Ensure that your conclusion is comprehensive and effectively summarizes the main points of your essay.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedDespite the presence of some drawbacks, I am of the opinion that the positive effects outweigh the negative effects.

    The revised sentence provides a more formal and academic tone.

  • RevisedA notable advantage of newspapers is their ability to enhance people's knowledge on a wide range of important issues.

    The revision provides a more specific and formal expression of the idea.

  • RevisedIn conclusion, the ability of newspapers to influence people's ideas and opinions is, in my view, a positive development as they are instrumental in providing information and fostering a broader understanding of global issues among readers.

    The revised sentence provides a more formal and academic tone, and the phrase 'broader understanding of global issues' adds specificity to the advantage mentioned.

Grammar & accuracy

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay demonstrates a good control of a range of grammatical structures, with only minor errors. However, there are a few sentences that could be improved for clarity.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedOne of the primary reasons newspapers influence people's ideas and opinions is by providing them with updated information.

    The revised sentence is more concise and clear.

  • RevisedWhile this development may have some drawbacks, I believe its positive effects significantly outweigh the negative ones.

    The revision provides a more precise and emphatic expression of the writer's opinion.

  • RevisedIn conclusion, the ability of newspapers to influence people's ideas and opinions is, in my view, a positive development as they not only provide information but also facilitate a deeper understanding of global issues among readers.

    The revised sentence provides a more precise and emphatic expression of the writer's opinion.

Lexical resource

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary and there is evidence of less common and idiomatic language. However, there are a few instances of awkward or incorrect word choice.

Sentence revisions 3

  • RevisedA primary reason for the impact of newspapers on people's ideas and opinions is their role in providing readers with novel information.

    The revised sentence provides a more varied and precise vocabulary.

  • RevisedDespite the prevalence of television and the internet as sources of information, some individuals, particularly older generations, maintain their trust in newspapers as a reliable news source.

    The revision provides a more varied and precise vocabulary.

  • RevisedHistorically, newspapers have played a crucial role in extending people's knowledge beyond their local communities.

    The revised sentence provides a more varied and precise vocabulary.

Task response

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay addresses the task effectively, providing a clear position throughout the response. The writer's opinion is well-supported with relevant examples. However, the introduction could be more engaging to capture the reader's attention.

Suggestions

  • Consider using a more engaging hook in your introduction to capture the reader's attention.
  • Ensure that your conclusion effectively summarizes the main points of your essay.

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