Band 4.5 IELTS Writing Task 1 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 4.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-24
IELTS Writing Task 1 question
The plans below show a college cafe before it was redesigned and how it looks now.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
The plans below show a college cafe before it was redesigned and how it looks now.
Student answer (Band 4.5)
Some people say that in the digital age, theatres and cinemas are no longer important as people can watch all the entertainment they want online. Others argue that theatres and cinemas are still important both economically and culturally. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
In the digital age, people can access an enormous variety of films and other forms of entertainment through online platforms. As a result, some argue that cinemas and theatres have become unnecessary, while others believe that these venues continue to have significant cultural and economic value. In my view, although online entertainment is more convenient, cinemas and theatres remain important because they provide shared cultural experiences and contribute to local economies.
On the one hand, online entertainment has made it considerably easier for people to access films without visiting a cinema. Streaming platforms allow users to watch a wide range of content from the comfort of their homes and at a time that suits them. This is particularly beneficial for people with busy schedules or those who live far from cinemas. In addition, watching films online can be less expensive than purchasing cinema tickets and paying for transportation. For example, a university student can watch a newly released film at home after completing their studies rather than spending time travelling to a cinema. Therefore, the convenience and affordability of online entertainment have reduced people's dependence on traditional cinemas.
On the other hand, cinemas and theatres continue to serve important cultural and economic functions. Watching a film or theatrical performance in a cinema provides a shared experience that cannot be completely replicated by watching content alone at home. Furthermore, locally produced films and theatrical performances can preserve traditions, languages, and stories that might otherwise receive little attention. These venues also create employment and generate income for local businesses. For instance, when a film is produced in a smaller community, production companies may employ local workers and spend money on accommodation, transportation, and other services. If the area subsequently attracts tourists because of its cultural exposure, local businesses can benefit further.
In conclusion, although online platforms have made entertainment more accessible, convenient, and affordable, cinemas and theatres continue to provide valuable cultural and economic benefits. I therefore believe that these traditional forms of entertainment remain relevant despite the rapid growth of digital alternatives.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 1.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 4.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 1.0
The student has completely misunderstood the task prompt. The task required a report on a visual diagram showing the redesign of a college cafe, but the student instead wrote an essay addressing a completely different prompt about whether theatres and cinemas are important in the digital age. As a result, the response fails to address the visual data, make comparisons, or report main features of the architectural plans provided. Because the writing is entirely off-topic for Academic Task 1, it receives the lowest band score for this criterion.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0
Although the response completely misses the Task 1 prompt, the internal organisation of the essay is actually well-structured and logical. The text features a clear introduction with a well-defined thesis statement, two distinct body paragraphs presenting balanced arguments, and a clear concluding paragraph. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the paragraphs. However, because the text is written in the wrong format (an essay instead of a data report), the overall structure cannot be fully credited for Task 1 requirements.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates a good command of vocabulary suitable for an argumentative essay. Words and phrases such as 'enormous variety', 'considerably easier', 'preserve traditions', and 'generate income' are used appropriately and demonstrate lexical flexibility. There are no notable spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. While the vocabulary is well-suited for a Task 2 essay, it does not contain the specific language of comparison, trend description, or spatial reporting required for an Academic Task 1 report.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5
The student shows a strong control of grammar and syntax. There is a wide variety of complex sentence structures used accurately, such as conditional and subordinate clauses ('Streaming platforms allow users to watch a wide range of content from the comfort of their homes and at a time that suits them'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is managed very well throughout the text. The grammatical range is sophisticated and fluent, reflecting a high level of overall English language proficiency.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.