Printed books in a digital era: IELTS Task 2 essay #2, band 7.5

There is an ongoing debate over which version of books should be prioritized. While some argue that the advent of technology resulted in the wider use of e-books for reading, I agree with those who believe that printed books should not be taken for granted.

1. Grammar & accuracy

   Close revision note

   RevisedWhile some argue that the advent of technology has led to the wider use of e-books, I agree that printed books should not be taken for granted.

   The revised sentence is more clear and concise, and the use of 'has led to' instead of 'resulted in' is more accurate in this context.

Advocates of electronic books are putting forward several claims to why devices are far better than printed books, with chief among them being the accessibility. Since traditional books can only be purchased in book stores or rented in libraries which might be quite time-consuming if there are no such places nearby. In this technologically developed era, however, every individual possesses a smartphone or have an easier access to devices like laptops or computers than to actual books, allowing them to simply search for the same information and download it on their device, thereby having an entire library-worth material in their pockets. At the same time, the positive changes of storing information electronically brings to the environment can be another claim of supporters, as no tree is being cut down to produce paper for the sake of tangible books. E-books, for this reason, can be the best initiative to avoid forestation as the demand for traditional books can easily be met with another sustainable alternative.

1. Lexical resource

   Close revision note

   RevisedAdvocates of electronic books put forward several arguments about why digital devices are superior to printed books, with the main claim being their accessibility.

   The revised sentence is more natural and idiomatic.

2. Lexical resource

   Close revision note

   RevisedFor this reason, e-books can help prevent deforestation as the demand for traditional books can be easily met with a sustainable alternative.

   The revised sentence is more clear and concise, and the use of 'help' instead of 'can' makes the statement more realistic.

Despite these arguments, I firmly believe that the traditional way of reading has more values than its electronic version, starting with the importance of libraries and book stores in the society. Generally, these places have been considered as community hubs for a lot of individuals where avid readers from different backgrounds gather around and engage in conversations, creating a warm atmosphere and a lot better sociable life. Following the introduction of e-books, people might lose motivation and interest in going to book stores or libraries, causing negative effects to both owners of such places and the social life of people, ultimately prompting them to be centered around social media and devices out of need. Moreover, although the process of making books have been another dimension people love to debate over, new approach towards manufacturing came with more environmentally safer ways, such as using recycled paper. Once this method is widely implemented, it does not only prevent environmental degradation but also lets readers to have an authentic reading experience with printed books.

1. Coherence & cohesion

   Close revision note

   RevisedDespite these arguments, I firmly believe in the greater value of traditional reading, which is exemplified by the important role of libraries and book stores in society.

   The revised sentence presents the argument more clearly and concisely.

2. Coherence & cohesion

   Close revision note

   RevisedThe introduction of e-books might lead to a loss of motivation and interest in traditional reading, which could negatively affect both the owners of libraries and book stores, as well as the social lives of individuals, potentially leading to an over-reliance on social media and devices.

   The revised sentence presents the idea more clearly and concisely, and the use of 'could' instead of 'might' makes the statement more definitive.

3. Grammar & accuracy

   Close revision note

   RevisedOnce this method is widely implemented, it not only prevents environmental degradation but also allows readers to have an authentic reading experience with printed books.

   The revised sentence is grammatically correct and more natural.

In conclusion, in spite of positive outcomes of popularizing e-books such as availability and the illumination of cutting trees, I strongly believe that the role of printed books in the community and individuals’ lives is irreplaceable.