Why young people read fewer books
This is a model answer written to show what a Band 7 response looks like against the marking criteria. It is a worked example, not a graded submission. To see your own band, paste your writing into the free checker.
The prompt
These days, many young people spend less time reading books than previous generations did. Why do you think this is happening? Is it a positive or a negative development?
Band 7 model answer (260 words)
It is often observed that young people today read far fewer books than earlier generations. This essay will consider why this change has taken place and argue that, on balance, it is a negative development.
There are two main reasons for the decline in reading. The most obvious is the rise of digital entertainment. Smartphones, streaming services and video games now compete constantly for young people's attention, and these offer instant, effortless enjoyment that a printed book cannot easily match. A further reason is the pressure of modern study and social life. Many students have packed timetables and part-time jobs, and when they do have free time, they would rather spend it online with friends than alone with a long novel.
Although some people argue that young people simply read in different ways now, such as articles, blogs and posts online, I believe the overall trend is negative. Reading full books builds concentration, steadily expands vocabulary and develops the ability to follow a long and complex argument, skills that short, fragmented online content rarely trains. A generation that reads very little may therefore struggle with the deeper thinking and sustained focus that are demanded at university and in many careers.
In conclusion, young people read less mainly because digital media are more immediately entertaining and because their free time is increasingly limited. While there are some minor benefits to online reading, I consider the decline in book reading to be a negative development, because of the valuable skills, such as deep concentration and a rich vocabulary, that books uniquely build.
Why this reaches Band 7
-
Task Response
Both questions are answered directly: two developed reasons for the decline, and a clear, argued position that it is a negative development, stated in the introduction and conclusion.
-
Coherence and Cohesion
One paragraph per question, with signposting ("There are two main reasons", "Although some people argue") that guides the reader.
-
Lexical Resource
Precise phrasing such as "digital entertainment", "sustained focus" and "packed timetables".
-
Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Varied sentence structures with concession ("Although some argue that...") and few errors.
The one fix to reach Band 7
The classic Band 6 mistake on a two-part question is answering one half fully and rushing the other. To reach Band 7, give each question its own body paragraph and equal development, so neither half feels like an afterthought.
Now check your own answer.
Paste your own attempt at this prompt and Examinerly names the single criterion keeping you below your target band, and shows the sentence-level fix. We never inflate your band.
Check your writing free