Prompt
Opinion – Public libraries
Some people think public libraries are no longer necessary because of digital resources. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Band 9 sample answer
Band 9 sample answer
Although search engines, e-books and online journals have made information easier to obtain, I largely disagree that public libraries are no longer necessary. Digital resources reduce our reliance on printed shelves, but they do not replace libraries’ role in equal access, guided learning and community space.
The first issue is that “digital” does not automatically mean “available to everyone”. Many households still lack stable broadband, up-to-date devices or paid subscriptions to academic databases. Even when the internet is technically accessible, some users—older people, new migrants or job seekers—may not have the skills to navigate e-government portals, create CVs or evaluate sources. Libraries help close this gap by providing free computers, Wi‑Fi, printing and staff support, meaning essential services are not limited to those who can afford them.
Secondly, modern libraries function as multipurpose civic centres. They offer quiet study areas, children’s reading sessions, homework clubs, language exchanges and training in digital literacy. These benefits are inherently physical: students in crowded homes need a calm place to concentrate, and parents often rely on safe public venues for educational activities. An app can deliver a text, but it cannot provide supervised space, a sense of inclusion or face-to-face help.
Finally, librarianship remains valuable in an era of misinformation. Professional staff curate collections, recommend credible materials and teach people how to verify claims and reference properly—skills that random online searching rarely develops.
Overall, while digital resources are extremely useful, public libraries are still essential and should be strengthened rather than abandoned.
Verified word count: 254
Why this answer works
explanation
It takes a clear position (“largely disagree”) and directly addresses the “because of digital resources” rationale. Each body paragraph develops a distinct, non-overlapping reason (digital inequality and skills; community/space functions; information quality and curation) with concrete examples and a brief counterbalance acknowledging the usefulness of digital tools. The conclusion restates the position without repeating wording.
what this question tests
This opinion essay tests whether you can state and maintain a clear position, evaluate the claim that digital resources make public libraries unnecessary, and develop logically connected reasons with specific support. It also assesses your ability to handle counterarguments, organise paragraphs coherently, and use accurate academic language about technology, public services, and social equity.
Useful vocabulary and phrases
close the gap
Concise, natural collocation for discussing equity.
Libraries help close the gap for people without devices at home.
e-government portals
Adds specificity and realism to the argument about digital skills.
Some users struggle to navigate e-government portals without guidance.
multipurpose civic centres
Shows a broader understanding beyond books.
Libraries increasingly act as multipurpose civic centres.
quiet study areas
Concrete, easy-to-visualise support.
Quiet study areas are crucial for students in crowded housing.
curate collections
Directly answers why libraries add value in the digital age.
Librarians curate collections to prioritise reliable sources.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Writing only about borrowing books and ignoring libraries’ current services (internet access, classes, study space).
- Assuming everyone has affordable broadband and subscriptions; this weakens credibility.
- Listing benefits without explaining how they counter the ‘digital resources replace libraries’ claim.
- Using informal wording (e.g., “stuff online”, “people just Google it”) in an academic essay.
- Failing to state the extent of agreement/disagreement clearly in the introduction and conclusion.
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