Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-06

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 5.0)

Nowadays, people have different opinions about the best way to learn. Some believe that studying in groups is more effective because it encourages discussion and teamwork, while others think that learning independently leads to better concentration. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe self-study is the better option.

On the one hand, group study offers several advantages. Students can exchange ideas, solve difficult problems together, and learn from one another’s knowledge and experiences. In addition, discussing different viewpoints helps develop critical thinking and communication skills. Working with classmates can also increase confidence, as learners have opportunities to ask questions and explain concepts without feeling isolated. Therefore, collaborative learning can make studying more interactive and enjoyable.

On the other hand, studying alone allows learners to focus without unnecessary distractions. They can learn at their own pace, spend more time on difficult topics, and choose a quiet environment that suits their preferences. This flexibility helps them manage their time effectively and improve their understanding of complex subjects. For example, whenever I need to prepare for an important examination, I prefer studying alone because it enables me to concentrate fully and remember information more efficiently.

In my opinion, although group study is useful for sharing ideas and improving communication skills, self-study is a more effective method of learning. It allows students to stay focused, learn independently, and achieve a deeper understanding of the subject.

To conclude, both group study and self-study have their own advantages. However, I believe that independent learning is the better choice because it provides greater concentration, flexibility, and a more productive learning environment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 1.0

The response is completely off-topic. The prompt asks for a discussion regarding the importance of theatres and cinemas in the digital age, but the essay discusses the merits of group study versus independent study. While the structure of the essay is logical and the arguments are well-developed, the content fails to address the task instructions entirely. Consequently, the response cannot be assessed for task achievement in relation to the prompt provided. According to the IELTS criteria, a response that is off-topic must be penalised significantly in this category.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is well-organised with clear paragraphing and logical progression. The writer uses cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', 'Therefore', and 'On the other hand' effectively to link ideas. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and the flow of information is smooth. Despite the content being irrelevant to the prompt, the internal structure and the use of linking words demonstrate a high level of control over coherence and cohesion, which would typically be associated with a much higher band score.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary used is precise, varied, and appropriate for an academic context. The writer demonstrates a good range of vocabulary, including terms such as 'collaborative learning', 'unnecessary distractions', 'complex subjects', and 'efficiently'. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. The language is natural and flows well, showing a good command of lexical items that allow for clear communication of the writer's intended meaning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied sentence patterns. The grammar is highly accurate, with very few errors. Examples such as 'Although group study is useful for sharing ideas and improving communication skills, self-study is a more effective method of learning' demonstrate the ability to use complex structures correctly. Punctuation is also used accurately throughout the text. The majority of sentences are error-free, reflecting a strong grasp of English grammar.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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