Some people think that public libraries are no longer necessary because of the digital age.

 Some people think that public libraries are no longer necessary because of the digital age.

 To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Introduction: In recent years, there has been an ongoing debate about whether public libraries have become redundant in the digital era. This essay will argue that public libraries are still essential, despite the rise of digital technology.

Body Paragraph 1: One primary reason why public libraries remain important is that they provide free access to information for all members of society. To elaborate, not everyone can afford digital devices or internet subscriptions, particularly in developing countries. For instance, a study conducted by the World Bank in 2020 found that nearly 40% of people in low-income regions do not have access to reliable internet services. Therefore, public libraries play a vital role in bridging the digital divide.

Body Paragraph 2: Another significant factor that supports the necessity of public libraries is the community services they offer. Libraries often host educational programs, workshops, and cultural events that foster community engagement and lifelong learning. For example, the New York Public Library hosts over 93,000 educational programs annually, attracting more than 2 million attendees. Thus, it is clear that libraries provide invaluable services beyond just books and should not be rendered obsolete.

Body Paragraph 3: Some people argue that the convenience of digital resources makes physical libraries unnecessary. However, this view is flawed because digital resources cannot replicate the tangible experience of books or the quiet, focused environment libraries provide for studying. Moreover, public libraries serve as safe community spaces for children, the elderly, and those seeking solitude for reading or research.

Conclusion: In conclusion, while there are arguments suggesting that public libraries are no longer needed, I strongly believe they remain crucial in today's society. This is because they provide equitable access to information and serve as community hubs for learning and engagement. Ultimately, libraries should be preserved and modernized to continue serving future generations.

Advanced Vocabulary for IELTS Opinion Essays

1. Redundant - No longer needed or useful; superfluous.

2. Equitable - Fair and impartial.

3. Tangible - Perceptible by touch; clear and definite

4. Foster - To encourage the development of something

5. Obsolete - No longer produced or used; out of date

6. Invaluable - Extremely useful; indispensable

7. Engagement - Participation or involvement

8. Bridging the digital divide - Reducing the gap between those who have access to digital technology and those who do not

9. Flawed - Having weaknesses or imperfections; incorrect

10. Preserved - Maintain something in its original or existing state

11. Proliferation - Rapid increase in numbers

12. Lifelong learning - The ongoing, voluntary pursuit of knowledge for personal or professional development

13. Hub - A center of activity or interest; a focal point

14. Impartial - Treating all rivals or disputants equally; fair and just

15. Facilitate - Make an action or process easier

16. Marginalized - Treated as insignificant or peripheral

17. Exemplifies - Be a typical example of something

18. Inequities - Lack of fairness or justice

19. Acknowledge - Accept or admit the existence or truth of something

20. Mitigate - Make less severe, serious, or painful.