Maintaining public libraries is a waste of money since computer technology can replace their functions. Do you agree or disagree?
Here is a sample essay on this topic. Need help with IELTS writing? Get your IELTS writing samples corrected by me.
Band 9 essay sample
Some people argue that public libraries are no longer necessary because computers and the internet can offer all the information in the world. In their opinion, maintaining public libraries is a wasteful expenditure. I do not agree with this view.
It is true that computer technology has made public libraries less important in many parts of the world. When people need information on something, they just go to Google and type in their query. Very few people now bother to visit a library for reference books because all the information known to mankind is already available on the internet for free.
Still, in my opinion, libraries are necessary. To start with, they have a huge collection of authoritative books neatly arranged in various sections. Libraries only collect books published by reputed authors and publishers. Hence, the reader can easily trust anything that they read in a printed library book. Also, libraries stock the best and most relevant books on any topics. Consequently, finding information in a library book is easier than searching it online. The internet, on the other hand, has too much information and it is not always possible to ascertain the credibility of the information we find online. Sometimes, the reader also has to refer several different websites to find the information they need.
Another reason for maintaining public libraries is that the internet is still not universally available. There are still many parts of the world where internet connectivity is not available. There are also many people who are not comfortable using a computer for finding information. Libraries are the best source of authentic information for these people and if libraries are shut down, they will not be able to enhance their knowledge. Libraries also provide the right environment for reading. There are hardly any distractions in a library and readers can focus entirely on the material they are reading. On the other hand, there are too many distractions online and it is not uncommon for readers to frequently switch their tabs. Consequently, even if they spend hours on the internet, they often do not read much.
In short, it is true that fewer people visit public libraries these days. This, however, does not mean that libraries can or should be closed down. Even today, libraries remain the most reliable source of information and for some people they are the only source of information available to them. Hence, maintaining public libraries is not a waste of resources.
Analysis
Here the writer disagrees with the argument that maintaining public libraries is wasteful. Task response is good. The writer has clearly expressed their opinion in the introduction itself and defended their stand with valid arguments in the body paragraphs. A wide range of grammatical structures is also used. Overall, this seems to be a band 9 essay.
Now what if you agree with the given argument? In other words, what points will you include if you believe that computer technology can replace public libraries?
While writing an agree/disagree essay, you have basically three options. You can fully agree with the given argument. You can fully disagree. You can also partially agree. Note that if you disagree with the given proposition, the whole of your essay should explain why you disagree. Likewise, if you agree with the given argument, you should only mention points that explain why you agree.
Here are some points to include if you agree with the argument that public libraries are wasteful expenditure.
1. Very few people visit libraries these days.
2. When people need information, they are more likely to search online.
3. Information on the internet is free and readily available. There is no need to travel to a library.
4. Most people have access to the internet these days.
5. These days information becomes outdated pretty fast. Library books are unlikely to have up to date information. In all likelihood, they were printed several years ago. The internet, on the other hand, provides up to date information on any topic.
