🔶 Part 1 — Tutorial

Step 1 — Analyse the task & map both views

Read the prompt twice and underline the instruction (“Discuss both views and give your opinion”). This means you must explain each side fairly before stating your own view. Identify the two positions: one argues that physical books will disappear due to digital convenience; the other claims print will always have a place because of enduring value and specific contexts. Clarify the topic scope: reading formats, access, cost, environmental impact, learning/health factors (eye strain, focus), culture (libraries, bookstores), and equity (digital divide). Note the task focus: you are not predicting exact dates or sales numbers; you are evaluating reasons for and against the survival of print, then presenting a justified judgement. Brainstorm two to three reasons for each side. For “disappear”: portability, instant distribution, lower storage/shipping costs, searchable text, multimedia features. For “remain”: tactile experience and attention quality, ownership/collection value, reliable access in low-connectivity settings, archiving/preservation, children’s literacy/research use. Decide your personal stance early (e.g., “print will persist in niche or high-value roles”), because it shapes your topic sentences and conclusion. Avoid vague claims like “technology is better”; write mechanism-based reasons (how/why). Keep examples compact and plausible (school e-textbooks vs. children’s picture books; professional manuals vs. art books). Finally, define any key terms you will imply: “disappear” = near-total replacement; “have a place” = continued relevance in significant niches.

Example Box — Decoding the Prompt (Books)

Prompt: “Some think physical books will disappear; others argue print will always have a place. Discuss both views and give your opinion.”
You must: Present the “digital-takes-over” case → present the “print-endures” case → state your own view → justify it with clear reasons and brief examples.

Step 2 — Plan a balanced structure

Use a four-paragraph plan for control and clarity. The introduction should paraphrase the debate in one sentence and then give a thesis that previews what you will do (compare both sides) and states your overall judgement. In Body 1, explain why some predict the decline of print: digital formats reduce cost and space, enable instant updates, allow search/annotation, and integrate audio/visual aids. Show the mechanism (e.g., e-libraries scale cheaply; cloud sync increases access). Add one compact, realistic example (e.g., universities shifting journals to e-access). In Body 2, present the counter-view that print retains unique advantages: deeper focus without notifications, tactile memory for study, reliable access where devices/connections are limited, and cultural/archival value for libraries, children’s books, and art/photography. Again, explain how and add a micro-example (e.g., picture books in early literacy). Keep the two body paragraphs conceptually distinct: “disappearance drivers” vs. “persistence drivers.” The conclusion should re-state the overall judgement (e.g., “print will persist in specialised roles”) without adding new ideas. Aim for ~270–310 words. Time plan: 6–8 minutes to plan, ~28 minutes to write, ~3–4 minutes to check coherence/accuracy and refine topic sentences.

Example Box — Skeleton Plan (Books)

Intro: Paraphrase + thesis (“This essay outlines both perspectives before arguing that print will remain in specific, high-value contexts.”)
Body 1 (View A — disappear): Cost, convenience, searchability, updates → example (e-textbooks/journals).
Body 2 (View B — remain): Focus/tactility, equity/offline access, cultural/archival value → example (children’s picture books, art monographs).
Conclusion: Print persists in niches; digital dominates mass/low-cost distribution.

Step 3 — Write balanced, high-impact paragraphs

Keep the introduction focused: one sentence to rephrase the debate and one sentence to present your stance and roadmap. For Body 1, the topic sentence should name the side you are presenting and summarise its core logic (e.g., “Many predict print’s decline because digital delivery lowers cost and expands access.”). Follow with mechanism-driven explanations (instant downloads, search, cloud sync) and a concise example. Use neutral, non-judgemental language when presenting a view you might not share. For Body 2, pivot clearly (“However, others contend…”) and foreground the unique functions of print (attention quality, tactile learning, offline reliability, artefact/heritage value). Include a micro-example to show context (e.g., shared picture-book reading supports interaction that screens may disrupt). Maintain parallel structure: topic sentence → explanation → example → link-back. Avoid repeating the same benefit across both paragraphs. In the conclusion, give a crisp overall judgement (“digital will dominate distribution, but print will survive where format affects comprehension, access, or cultural value”). Use cohesive devices sparingly and prefer reference chains (“this model”, “such titles”) to mechanical linkers. Keep tone formal, claims moderated, and examples plausible.

Example Box — High-impact Sentences (Books)

Thesis (balanced): “This essay examines both positions before arguing that, although digital formats will dominate everyday reading, print will endure in roles where tangibility and stable access matter.”
Body 1 topic sentence: “Advocates of a fully digital future emphasise lower costs, instant availability, and powerful search tools.”
Body 2 topic sentence: “By contrast, supporters of print highlight attention quality, tactile learning, and the cultural significance of physical collections.”
Conclusion line: “Consequently, print is unlikely to vanish; it will specialise.”

Step 4 — Language, cohesion, and exam accuracy

Choose precise vocabulary for the topic: distribution costs, accessibility, screen fatigue, tactile cues, archival value, digital divide, annotations, marginalia, discoverability. Vary your grammar with controlled subordination and participle clauses while keeping punctuation accurate. Use balanced evaluative language (“supporters argue”, “critics maintain”) to present both sides fairly before your judgement. Ensure cohesion by repeating key nouns with variation (print books → physical copies → hardbacks/paperbacks) and by using pronouns/references (“this shift”, “such titles”). Keep paragraphs unity-focused: one main idea per paragraph with explicit mechanism and example. Avoid absolute claims; hedge appropriately (“tends to”, “is likely to”). In the last two minutes, check articles, prepositions, and subject–verb agreement, and tighten topic sentences so they answer the task precisely. Finally, confirm that your conclusion re-evaluates the debate rather than adding fresh ideas or statistics.

Example Box — Quality Checks (Quick List)

Coverage: Have you explained both sides fairly before judging?
Mechanism: Do your reasons show how/why, not just what?
Examples: Are they plausible and compact?
Cohesion: Do reference words and paraphrases connect ideas smoothly?
Conclusion: Does it synthesise rather than introduce new claims?

Universal Fill-in-the-Gap Template — Discuss Both Views + Opinion

Adapt carefully to the books prompt. Replace […] with your ideas. Keep sentences concise and formal.

Sentence-by-Sentence Scaffold (Books)

Intro S1 (Paraphrase): It is often debated whether physical books will be replaced entirely by digital formats or whether print will continue to matter.

Intro S2 (Thesis/roadmap + opinion): This essay outlines both perspectives before arguing that [your opinion: e.g., print will persist in specific, high-value roles].

Body 1 S3 (View A topic sentence): Many believe print will disappear because [cost/access/technology] make digital formats more practical.

Body 1 S4 (Explain mechanism): Digital texts offer [instant delivery/search/updates/cloud sync], which [reduce costs/save space/improve access].

Body 1 S5 (Example): For instance, [universities/journals/textbooks] now [provide e-access / update editions online] to reach more readers quickly.

Body 1 S6 (Link back): As a result, supporters argue that print will become unnecessary for most everyday reading.

Body 2 S7 (View B topic sentence): Others contend that print will endure because [focus/tactile memory/offline reliability/cultural value] cannot be fully replaced.

Body 2 S8 (Explain mechanism): Physical copies can [reduce screen fatigue/support deeper concentration/ensure access without power or internet].

Body 2 S9 (Example): For example, [children’s picture books/art monographs/legal archives] are often preferred in print for [interaction/colour fidelity/preservation].

Body 2 S10 (Link back): Therefore, supporters claim that print remains essential in [education/heritage/specialist] contexts.

Conclusion S11 (Restate opinion): On balance, I believe [state judgement: e.g., digital will dominate distribution, but print will persist in niche or high-stakes uses].

Conclusion S12 (Synthesis): While [benefits of digital] drive everyday reading online, [unique advantages of print] justify its continued role.

Paraphrase & Thesis — Ready-to-adapt Samples (Books)

Paraphrase Options

P1: Some argue that printed books are nearing extinction, whereas others insist there will always be a need for physical copies.
P2: While many predict a fully digital future for reading, critics maintain that print retains enduring advantages.

Thesis Options (with Opinion)

Balanced: This essay explains both views before arguing that digital will lead the mass market, yet print will remain important for study, culture, and preservation.
Digital-leaning: After assessing both sides, I contend that print will shrink substantially, though specialist sectors will keep it alive.
Print-leaning: Having compared the arguments, I believe print will continue alongside e-books because format influences attention, equity, and heritage.

🔷 Part 2 — Task & Submission

[IELTS Academic] [Writing Task 2]

Universities: Practical Skills vs Academic Knowledge

Question: Some people believe universities should prioritise practical skills that prepare students directly for the job market, while others argue that higher education should emphasise academic knowledge and theory. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Write at least 250 words. Recommended time: about 40 minutes.

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Tip: Plan 6–8 mins, write ~28 mins, check 3–4 mins.

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  🔶 Part 3 — Sample Answers & Explanations
  


    
    

      
[IELTS Academic] [Writing Task 2]

      
Books: Digital vs Print

      

        Question: Some think physical books will disappear; others argue print will always have a place. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

        Write at least 250 words.
      

    


    
    

      
Band 6 Sample Answer (≈ 290 words)


      

        

          It is often claimed that printed books will soon be replaced by electronic versions, while others believe physical copies will still matter. This essay will discuss both views before arguing that print will survive in certain situations even if most reading becomes digital.
        

        

          On the one hand, many people think print will disappear because digital texts offer strong practical advantages. E-books can be downloaded instantly, searched quickly, and stored on a single device, which saves time, money, and space. Publishers can update errors or add new chapters without printing another edition, and students can carry whole libraries on their phones or tablets. In addition, online platforms can recommend new titles and provide dictionaries and highlighting tools that make reading easier for busy readers. With these benefits, supporters say there is little reason to keep producing millions of paper copies.
        

        

          On the other hand, physical books have qualities that screens do not fully replace. Paper does not cause the same level of eye strain or distraction from notifications, so some readers find it easier to focus. Many parents prefer printed picture books because turning pages and pointing to images supports interaction with children. Print is also dependable in places with poor internet access or limited electricity, and libraries preserve important works for the long term. Furthermore, books can be gifts and objects with emotional value, which digital files rarely provide.
        

        

          In my view, digital formats will dominate everyday reading because they are convenient and affordable. However, print will continue where format affects attention, learning, or cultural value, such as early literacy, art books, and archival collections. Therefore, rather than disappearing, print is likely to specialise while digital becomes the mainstream choice.
        

      


      

        
        
      


      
      

        
Why this Band 6 sample works (Step-by-Step)

        
    
          
  1. Paraphrases the question clearly and sets up both sides of the debate.
    2. 
          
  2. States an overall opinion in the introduction, signalling a balanced approach.
    3. 
          
  3. Body paragraph 1 presents the “digital replaces print” view first, showing balance.
    4. 
          
  4. Gives practical mechanisms (instant download, search, storage) rather than vague claims.
    5. 
          
  5. Mentions updatable editions, which shows awareness of publishing processes.
    6. 
          
  6. Provides a realistic example of students carrying e-libraries.
    7. 
          
  7. Uses linking words (“on the one hand,” “on the other hand”) to guide the reader.
    8. 
          
  8. Body paragraph 2 explains attention and eye-strain issues in a simple, accurate way.
    9. 
          
  9. Includes a child-literacy example (picture books) to show context sensitivity.
    10. 
          
  10. Notes offline reliability and preservation through libraries.
    11. 
          
  11. Recognises the emotional value of physical books as objects.
    12. 
          
  12. Conclusion restates a clear position: digital dominance plus print specialisation.
    13. 
          
  13. Maintains paragraph unity with topic sentences and supporting details.
    14. 
          
  14. Uses mostly accurate grammar with some variety (complex sentences and modals).
    15. 
          
  15. Vocabulary is adequate and topic-related (focus, preservation, recommend).
    16. 
          
  16. Word count exceeds 250 and ideas are sufficiently developed.
    17. 
          
  17. Coherence is mostly smooth, with occasional repetition that remains acceptable.
    18. 
          
  18. Errors, if any, do not impede meaning, which is typical for Band 6.
    19. 
        

      

    


    
    

      
Band 7 Sample Answer (≈ 305 words)


      

        

          Whether printed books are approaching obsolescence is widely debated. While some forecast a fully digital future, others insist that physical copies will continue to serve distinctive purposes. This essay outlines both positions before contending that print will contract but not vanish.
        

        

          Advocates of a digital takeover stress advantages that are structural rather than superficial. Electronic texts are cheap to distribute, require no warehouse space, and can be delivered worldwide in seconds. Search, annotation, and integrated dictionaries accelerate study, and cloud synchronisation means a commuter can resume reading on any device. Academic journals demonstrate the logic most clearly: universities increasingly subscribe to online databases because articles are searchable, cross-linked, and instantly updated, making physical holdings less economical for everyday use.
        

        

          Yet supporters of print argue that format influences how people read and remember. Paper offers a stable, distraction-light environment and provides tactile cues—page thickness and spatial location—that aid orientation in long texts. In early literacy, the interactive act of turning pages and pointing to pictures is pedagogically valuable. Moreover, print remains accessible when electricity or connectivity is unreliable, and it preserves content in forms less vulnerable to file corruption or platform change. Finally, certain genres—art monographs, photo books, special editions—derive part of their value from material qualities that screens do not replicate.
        

        

          In my view, mass-market distribution will continue to migrate online because the economics are overwhelming. Nevertheless, print is likely to specialise in contexts where attention, pedagogy, or cultural value are paramount. Put differently, the market will not crown a single “winner”; it will segment, with digital dominating routine consumption and print occupying high-value niches.
        

      


      

        
        
      


      
      

        
Why this Band 7 sample works (Step-by-Step)

        
    
          
  1. Addresses all parts: both views are presented and an opinion is given.
    2. 
          
  2. Thesis previews a nuanced judgement (“contract but not vanish”).
    3. 
          
  3. Arguments in Body 1 are mechanism-based (distribution cost, warehousing, delivery speed).
    4. 
          
  4. Academic journals serve as a precise, credible example.
    5. 
          
  5. Logical progression within paragraphs: topic sentence → explanation → example → link.
    6. 
          
  6. Lexical range is stronger (obsolescence, structural, synchronisation, cross-linked).
    7. 
          
  7. Complex sentences and participle clauses add grammatical variety.
    8. 
          
  8. Body 2 shifts perspective cleanly with a contrastive opener.
    9. 
          
  9. Explains cognitive/attentional benefits using concrete cues (page thickness, spatial location).
    10. 
          
  10. Includes early-literacy pedagogy as a specialised context for print.
    11. 
          
  11. Mentions resilience issues (file corruption, platform change) to justify preservation value.
    12. 
          
  12. Genre-specific examples (art monographs, photo books) support the “material value” claim.
    13. 
          
  13. Conclusion synthesises rather than repeats, using “market segmentation” as a unifying idea.
    14. 
          
  14. Cohesion relies on reference chains and logical connectors more than stock linkers.
    15. 
          
  15. Tone is measured, avoiding exaggerated predictions.
    16. 
          
  16. Word count comfortably exceeds 250 with sufficient development.
    17. 
          
  17. Errors, if present, are minor and do not reduce clarity, fitting Band 7 descriptors.
    18. 
        

      

    


    
    

      
Band 8+ Sample Answer (≈ 315 words)


      

        

          Predictions of the printed book’s demise recur whenever a new technology promises lighter bags and lower costs. Yet the fact that digital reading scales efficiently does not, by itself, show that print will become redundant. This essay examines both positions and argues that the future is best understood as functional differentiation rather than replacement.
        

        

          The case for disappearance rests on powerful economics and evolving reading habits. Once a title is digitised, marginal distribution costs approach zero, global delivery is instantaneous, and updates do not require reprinting. For students and researchers, search, cross-referencing, and citation tools compress tasks that once took hours. Cloud libraries allow frictionless switching between phone, tablet, and laptop, and recommendation systems surface relevant works that a physical shelf might hide. In such an environment, warehouses, shipping, and retail floor space become hard to justify at scale.
        

        

          However, print’s defenders note that medium shapes cognition. Paper offers a stable visual field and tactile landmarks, which support orientation in long, non-linear texts; marginalia can be made without modal interfaces; and the absence of notifications reduces cognitive fragmentation. Beyond cognition, access and culture matter: print is resilient where power and connectivity are unreliable, and it anchors shared institutions—libraries, classrooms, archives—whose mission includes preservation and equitable access. Certain categories, notably children’s picture books, design catalogues, and fine art, derive part of their value from colour fidelity, texture, and size, features that consumer screens reproduce imperfectly.
        

        

          Consequently, digital will dominate routine consumption and dynamic reference, while print will persist where materiality, attention quality, or institutional mandates are decisive. The market is therefore unlikely to converge on a single format; it will specialise. In my view, the healthiest reading ecosystem is plural: bytes for reach and speed, books for depth, durability, and cultural memory.
        

      


      

        
        
      


      
      

        
Why this Band 8+ sample works (Step-by-Step)

        
    
          
  1. Addresses the task fully: discusses both perspectives and gives a clear, insightful opinion.
    2. 
          
  2. Establishes a precise thesis (“functional differentiation”) that guides the argument.
    3. 
          
  3. Body 1 develops economic and technical mechanisms, not just outcomes.
    4. 
          
  4. Uses discipline-appropriate examples (search, citation tools, recommendation systems).
    5. 
          
  5. Demonstrates cause-and-effect links between digitisation and reduced physical infrastructure.
    6. 
          
  6. Body 2 shifts to cognition, explaining how medium affects attention and orientation.
    7. 
          
  7. Incorporates specific features (tactile landmarks, marginalia, notifications) to ground claims.
    8. 
          
  8. Extends analysis to equity and institutions (libraries, archives, classrooms).
    9. 
          
  9. Supplies genre-level exceptions (children’s, design, fine art) where print’s materiality is integral.
    10. 
          
  10. Paragraphs show strong internal cohesion and progression.
    11. 
          
  11. Lexical resource is wide and precise (cognitive fragmentation, plural ecosystem, materiality).
    12. 
          
  12. Grammar includes flexible clause structures and accurate referencing.
    13. 
          
  13. Hedging and modality are used to avoid over-generalisation.
    14. 
          
  14. Conclusion synthesises the debate and reframes it, rather than repeating earlier lines.
    15. 
          
  15. Coherent stance is maintained throughout; topic sentences map to the thesis.
    16. 
          
  16. Task tone is academic yet accessible, appropriate for IELTS band 8+.
    17. 
          
  17. Word count comfortably exceeds the requirement with tightly edited sentences.
    18. 
          
  18. Overall, meets Band 8 descriptors for Task Response, Coherence & Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammar.
    19. 
        

      

    


    
    

  





          
          


  🔷 Part 4 — Vocabulary (10 Key Words)
  


    
    

      
Key Vocabulary from the Task

      
Each item includes BrE/AmE IPA, part(s) of speech, common patterns, a clear definition, an example + gloss, synonyms, and top learner mistakes.

    


    
    

      
obsolescence (BrE /ˌɒbsəˈlɛs(ə)ns/ · AmE /ˌɑːbsəˈlɛs(ə)ns/) — noun, uncountable

      
Patterns: the obsolescence of + noun; fall into obsolescence; planned obsolescence.

      
Definition: the state or process of becoming outdated and no longer used because something newer is available.

      
Example: “Some argue that printed books are headed for obsolescence as e-readers become cheaper.”

         Gloss: People think paper books will become outdated because e-readers are affordable.

      
Synonyms: outmoding, supersession, redundancy.

      
Common mistakes: (1) ❌ “an obsolescence” (usually uncountable). (2) ❌ “obsolescence of” used for people; use it for things/technologies. (3) ❌ Confusing with “obsolete” (adj.).

    


    
    

      
tactile (BrE/AmE /ˈtæktaɪl/) — adjective

      
Patterns: tactile experience/feedback/learning; tactile cues; tactile + noun.

      
Definition: relating to touch or the physical feel of something.

      
Example: “Fans say the tactile feel of paper helps them focus for long reads.”

         Gloss: The physical touch of paper supports concentration.

      
Synonyms: physical, tangible, haptic.

      
Common mistakes: (1) ❌ Spelling “tactical.” (2) ❌ Using it for “practical”; it means “touch-based.” (3) ❌ “more tactile than” people—use with experiences/objects.

    


    
    

      
searchability (BrE /ˌsɜːtʃəˈbɪləti/ · AmE /ˌsɝːtʃəˈbɪləti/) — noun, uncountable

      
Patterns: improve/boost searchability; high/low searchability; searchability of + content.

      
Definition: how easy it is to find information by searching.

      
Example: “E-books win on searchability, letting students find terms in seconds.”

         Gloss: Digital books make it easy to search quickly.

      
Synonyms: findability, retrievability, discoverability (near-synonym).

      
Common mistakes: (1) ❌ “a searchability” (normally uncountable). (2) ❌ Using it for people (“the searchability of him”). (3) ❌ Confusing with “SEO” (broader marketing term).

    


    
    

      
annotation (BrE/AmE /ˌænəˈteɪʃ(ə)n/) — noun, countable/uncountable

      
Patterns: make/add annotations to/on; annotation of + text; marginal annotation.

      
Definition: a note or comment added to a text to explain or remark on it.

      
Example: “Tablet apps allow quick annotations that sync across devices.”

         Gloss: You can add notes that appear on all your gadgets.

      
Synonyms: note, comment, gloss, remark.

      
Common mistakes: (1) ❌ Verb form “to annotation” (use “to annotate”). (2) ❌ Wrong preposition: use “to/on,” not “in” (context-dependent). (3) ❌ Confusing with “announcement.”

    


    
    

      
distribution (BrE/AmE /ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃ(ə)n/) — noun, uncountable

      
Patterns: digital/print distribution; distribution costs; distribution to/through (customers/platforms).

      
Definition: the process of delivering products to users or markets.

      
Example: “Digital distribution cuts shipping and storage costs for publishers.”

         Gloss: Sending books online is cheaper than moving boxes.

      
Synonyms: delivery, dissemination, circulation.

      
Common mistakes: (1) ❌ “distribute to” vs “distribute for” (use “to”). (2) ❌ Countable use (“a distribution” rarely used outside statistics/logistics). (3) ❌ Mixing with “contribution.”

    


    
    

      
archival (BrE /ɑːˈkaɪv(ə)l/ · AmE /ɑːrˈkaɪvəl/) — adjective

      
Patterns: archival materials/records/copies; archival value; archival storage.

      
Definition: relating to the long-term preservation of documents or records.

      
Example: “Libraries keep archival copies to guarantee access for future generations.”

         Gloss: They store special versions so people in the future can read them.

      
Synonyms: preservational, repository-grade (contextual), permanent.

      
Common mistakes: (1) ❌ Pronouncing like “arch-rival.” (2) ❌ Using it for ‘old’—it means ‘for preservation’. (3) ❌ Noun form confusion: “archive” (n/v), not “an archival.”

    


    
    

      
screen fatigue (BrE/AmE /skriːn fəˈtiːɡ/) — noun, uncountable

      
Patterns: suffer from screen fatigue; reduce/avoid screen fatigue; screen-fatigue symptoms.

      
Definition: tiredness or discomfort from long periods of looking at screens.

      
Example: “Readers switch to paper to prevent screen fatigue during exam revision.”

         Gloss: They use books to avoid getting tired eyes when studying.

      
Synonyms: eye strain, digital eye strain (near-synonym), screen weariness.

      
Common mistakes: (1) ❌ Treating it as countable (“a screen fatigue”). (2) ❌ Using only for physical pain—can include mental tiredness. (3) ❌ Writing “screen tired.”

    


    
    

      
marginalia (BrE /ˌmɑːdʒɪˈneɪliə/ · AmE /ˌmɑːrdʒəˈneɪliə/) — noun, plural (also treated as uncountable)

      
Patterns: write/leave marginalia; marginalia in the margins of + book; student marginalia.

      
Definition: notes or marks made in the margins of a book.

      
Example: “Researchers study readers’ marginalia to understand how texts were used.”

         Gloss: They look at notes in books to learn about readers’ habits.

      
Synonyms: margin notes, annotations, side notes.

      
Common mistakes: (1) ❌ Singular “a marginalia” (use “a piece of marginalia”/“a margin note”). (2) ❌ Spelling “marginalia” as “marginaliaa.” (3) ❌ Confusing with “marginality.”

    


    
    

      
discoverability (BrE/AmE /dɪˌskʌvərəˈbɪləti/) — noun, uncountable

      
Patterns: improve/enhance discoverability; discoverability of + resources; low discoverability.

      
Definition: how easy it is for users to find new or relevant items.

      
Example: “Recommendation engines increase the discoverability of niche titles online.”

         Gloss: Algorithms help people find less famous books.

      
Synonyms: visibility, findability, exposure.

      
Common mistakes: (1) ❌ Using only for people; it’s mainly for content/items. (2) ❌ Hyphenating oddly (“discover-ability”). (3) ❌ Confusing with “discovery” (a different noun).

    


    
    

      
digital divide (BrE/AmE /ˈdɪdʒɪtl dɪˈvaɪd/) — noun, usually singular

      
Patterns: bridge/narrow/widen the digital divide; the digital divide between A and B.

      
Definition: the gap between people who have reliable access to digital technology and those who do not.

      
Example: “Print stays vital in areas with a wide digital divide and unstable internet.”

         Gloss: Where many people lack devices or internet, paper books are still important.

      
Synonyms: access gap, connectivity gap (contextual), technological inequality.

      
Common mistakes: (1) ❌ Saying “digital gap divide” (redundant). (2) ❌ Treating it as a verb (“to digital-divide”). (3) ❌ Using it for skill differences only; it’s mainly about access.

    


  





          
          


  🔶 Part 5 — Phrases / Expressions (10 Items)
  


    
    

      
Key Phrases & Expressions for This Task

      
Each entry shows BrE/AmE IPA, part(s) of speech, patterns, a clear definition, an example with a short gloss, useful synonyms, and top learner mistakes. All items are boxed with a dark-blue outline and stacked vertically for full responsiveness.

    


    
    

      
have a place (BrE /hæv ə ˈpleɪs/ · AmE /hæv ə ˈpleɪs/) — verb phrase

      
Patterns: X has a place in/within …; continue to have a place; no longer have a place.

      
Definition: to remain relevant or useful in a system or context.

      
Example: “Despite e-books, printed texts still have a place in early literacy.”
Gloss: Paper books are still useful for teaching young children.

      
Synonyms: remain relevant; retain a role; still matter.

      
Common mistakes: ❌ “has place” (missing article); ❌ wrong preposition (“place at” → use “place in/within”); ❌ using for people instead of things/ideas.

    


    
    

      
on balance (BrE /ɒn ˈbæləns/ · AmE /ɑːn ˈbæləns/) — discourse marker

      
Patterns: On balance, + clause; mid-position: …, on balance, …

      
Definition: considering all the main factors before giving a judgement.

      
Example: “On balance, digital formats will dominate, though print will persist in niches.”
Gloss: After weighing points, digital wins but print remains.

      
Synonyms: overall; all things considered; in sum.

      
Common mistakes: ❌ “in balance” (use on); ❌ missing comma after sentence-initial use; ❌ attaching a noun (“on balance of”)—use with a clause.

    


    
    

      
by contrast (BrE/AmE /baɪ ˈkɒntrɑːst/) — discourse marker

      
Patterns: By contrast, + clause; compare with in contrast to + noun.

      
Definition: used to introduce an opposite or very different idea.

      
Example: “By contrast, advocates of print emphasise attention and tactile cues.”
Gloss: In the opposite view, print helps focus and touch-based learning.

      
Synonyms: conversely; however; in comparison.

      
Common mistakes: ❌ “by contrast to + noun” (prefer in contrast to); ❌ overusing with every sentence; ❌ using without a clear opposing idea.

    


    
    

      
at scale (BrE/AmE /æt skeɪl/) — adverbial phrase

      
Patterns: operate/run/work at scale; grow at scale; deliver X at scale.

      
Definition: in large quantities or at a size that reaches many users efficiently.

      
Example: “E-libraries deliver journals at scale without storage costs.”
Gloss: They reach many readers efficiently and cheaply.

      
Synonyms: on a large scale; widely; at volume.

      
Common mistakes: ❌ “in scale” (use at); ❌ using for size comparison (“bigger at scale”)—it describes operation size; ❌ hyphenating unnecessarily.

    


    
    

      
high-stakes (BrE/AmE /ˌhaɪ ˈsteɪks/) — adjective

      
Patterns: high-stakes + noun (e.g., exams/contexts/decisions); in high-stakes settings.

      
Definition: involving serious risk or important consequences.

      
Example: “Print may be preferred in high-stakes legal or archival reading.”
Gloss: In important cases, paper is safer/more reliable.

      
Synonyms: critical; consequential; high-impact.

      
Common mistakes: ❌ missing hyphen (“high stakes exam” as adj. → “high-stakes exam”); ❌ using as a noun by itself; ❌ overusing for trivial situations.

    


    
    

      
mass-market (BrE/AmE /ˌmæs ˈmɑːkɪt/) — adjective

      
Patterns: mass-market distribution/titles/platforms; target the mass market.

      
Definition: intended for a very large number of ordinary consumers.

      
Example: “Digital suits mass-market distribution because delivery is instant.”
Gloss: For many buyers, online delivery works best.

      
Synonyms: mainstream; popular; wide-audience.

      
Common mistakes: ❌ forgetting the hyphen; ❌ using as a verb; ❌ confusing with “massive market” (different meaning).

    


    
    

      
occupy a niche (BrE /ˈɒkjʊpaɪ ə niːʃ/ · AmE /ˈɑːkjəˌpaɪ ə nɪtʃ/) — verb phrase

      
Patterns: occupy/fill/carve out a niche in/for; a niche for + noun/gerund.

      
Definition: to serve a small, specialised segment with specific needs.

      
Example: “Art books will occupy a niche where colour and texture matter.”
Gloss: They will serve a small group who need high-quality printing.

      
Synonyms: serve a niche; specialise; cater to a segment.

      
Common mistakes: ❌ article error (“occupy niche” → “occupy a niche”); ❌ wrong prep (“niche at” → “niche in/for”); ❌ using for people’s jobs in this context.

    


    
    

      
offline access (BrE/AmE /ˌɒfˈlaɪn ˈæksɛs/ · /ˌɔːfˈlaɪn ˈækˌsɛs/) — noun phrase, uncountable

      
Patterns: provide/ensure offline access; rely on offline access.

      
Definition: the ability to use content without an internet connection.

      
Example: “Printed copies guarantee offline access during power cuts.”
Gloss: Paper books work even when there is no electricity.

      
Synonyms: connectivity-free availability; local access.

      
Common mistakes: ❌ treating as countable (“an offline access”); ❌ confusing with “downloaded but locked” content; ❌ hyphenating randomly.

    


    
    

      
colour fidelity (BrE /ˈkʌlə fɪˈdɛləti/ · AmE /ˈkʌlər fɪˈdɛləti/) — noun phrase, uncountable

      
Patterns: high/accurate colour fidelity; preserve/require colour fidelity.

      
Definition: the accuracy with which colours are reproduced.

      
Example: “Photography books demand strong colour fidelity that many screens lack.”
Gloss: They need colours to appear exactly right, which screens may not show.

      
Synonyms: colour accuracy; faithful colour reproduction.

      
Common mistakes: ❌ spelling “color” vs “colour” inconsistently (match dialect); ❌ treating as countable; ❌ using for black-and-white content.

    


    
    

      
long-form reading (BrE/AmE /ˈlɔːŋ fɔːm ˈriːdɪŋ/ · /ˈlɔːŋ fɔːrm ˈriːdɪŋ/) — noun phrase, uncountable

      
Patterns: support/aid long-form reading; prefer long-form reading in print.

      
Definition: reading long, complex texts that require sustained attention.

      
Example: “Many students choose paper for long-form reading to minimise distractions.”
Gloss: They read long texts on paper to focus better.

      
Synonyms: extended reading; sustained reading.

      
Common mistakes: ❌ hyphen omission before noun (“long form reading” is acceptable but less standard in compound adj.); ❌ using for short articles; ❌ pluralising unnecessarily.