You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people think that public libraries are no longer important, while others disagree. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.

MODEL ANSWER>>>

There occurred changes in the way which people acquire knowledge, and hence the existence of public libraries has become a question mark for many. While some opine that they have almost lost their past glory completely, others feel that it can still serve as a major social establishment. Both the arguments are significant, and hence a detailed discussion is needed before framing a logical conclusion.

Those who argue that public libraries are still significant feel that the primary picture of these ‘reading hubs’ is still intact in the minds of the people. In the past, people used to gather in these places for various purposes. Some used to read books silently, whilst some were engaged in serious academic or scholarly debates. They admit that the influence of modern technology has diminished the significance of these places, but it has not resulted in the becoming these places deserted. People still visit libraries for seminars and debates. Though the physical appearance of a library is compromised, the way it serves the public has not changed much, many believe.

Those who oppose the aforementioned view think that the modern man can hardly manage his time, and hence such social institutions would eventually get neglected by people. They believe the advancements in information technology has made the world of knowledge less complex, and made it accessible to a wide range of people across the world. For example, high speed internet and the popularity of eBooks have made people less interested to visit or access the service of a library to procure information. When these services are at their own proximities, one would feel less interested in visiting a library.

After analysing both these views in detail, though some functions of libraries are still important, I feel it would lose its significance in near future, which may be a threat to their existence.