Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-11-08

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

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.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 5.5)

It is irrefutable that the theatres and cinemas played a crucial role in the history of human civilization and entertained people for a long time, while with technological development, people can entertain themselves by watching online movies. Some commoners say that theatres and cinema halls are not needed because people can watch them online. There are also some arguments that theaters and cinemas are still important for money and traditions. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my own opinion on this matter.

Generally speaking, some people believe that cinemas and theaters are not losing their appeal over time because they have cultural as well as monetary values. There are many reasons for this view; firstly, the cultural value of theatres and cinemas should not be ignored in the near future because there are some cultural events that reflect our past and present; however, young people know less about our culture. If we encourage them to watch the cinemas and theatres that reflect our culture, it will help them to know it well. Secondly, money matters related to it, because there are so many people involved in these industries; many employers depend on it. So it is important to our economy. For instance, many cinemas earn money not only from their own country but also from overseas.

On the other hand, many individuals think that nowadays the cinema and theatre are not interesting for people because of online platforms. There are a plethora of reasons, as online platforms are more convenient and less time-consuming. In favour of online platforms, people think that watching movies online is less time-consuming, as we can sit down and watch the explanation of the movie in just 10 minutes. I personally agree with the former view that cinemas and theatres are important.

In conclusion, I reiterate that the theatre and cinemas were popular and important; also in near future it will also create a reavolutionary thing.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address both views and state a clear preference for the continuing importance of theatres and cinemas: “I personally agree with the former view.” The cultural and economic points are relevant, and the example of cinemas earning money overseas helps illustrate the economic argument. However, the discussion is uneven and several ideas remain under-developed. The online-view paragraph mainly says that platforms are convenient and that a film’s “explanation” can be watched in ten minutes; it does not explain clearly how this replaces theatres or cinemas. The conclusion also introduces an unclear prediction rather than reinforcing your reasons. Develop each side with a specific explanation or example, and make your position more consistently explicit throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5

The response has a recognisable essay structure, with an introduction, separate paragraphs for the two views, and a conclusion. Signposting such as “On the other hand” helps readers follow the shift in perspective, while “firstly” and “Secondly” organise the supporting points. However, progression within paragraphs is sometimes unclear: the cultural paragraph moves from cultural events to young people’s knowledge without fully explaining the connection, and the online paragraph repeats the idea of convenience and saving time. Some linking phrases, including “Generally speaking” and “In favour of online platforms,” feel mechanical or do not clearly express the relationship between ideas. Use clearer topic sentences and connect each claim to its explanation and example; ensure the conclusion follows from the discussion.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use a range of topic-related vocabulary, including “technological development,” “cultural value,” “monetary values,” and “online platforms.” These choices show an attempt to discuss the issue beyond basic terms. However, some word choices and collocations are inaccurate or awkward, which makes parts of the argument less clear. For example, “commoners” is not a natural term for people who hold this view, and “watch the explanation of the movie” does not convey clearly what viewers watch online. “Create a revolutionary thing” is also vague and does not suit the conclusion. There is a noticeable spelling error in “reavolutionary.” Aim for precise, natural collocations and check spelling, especially when using less familiar vocabulary.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and complex sentence forms, including clauses introduced by “because” and “while,” and most of the main ideas remain understandable. However, errors recur in sentence construction and grammatical forms. For example, “the theatres and cinemas played” shifts awkwardly from a general historical claim into the present, while “the theatre and cinemas were popular … it will also create” has inconsistent number and tense. The sentence beginning “There are a plethora of reasons, as online platforms…” does not connect its clauses clearly, and “in near future” is missing an article. Review subject–verb agreement, articles, and consistent tense, and break up long sentences when the relationship between clauses is unclear. More accurate control of these patterns would make your ideas easier to follow.

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