Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
Some people argue that the introduction of multiple streaming platforms will end the era of theatres. Others believe that cinemas will stay relevant no matter what. In my opinion, the appeal of watching a movie in cinemas will never die. We will explore both ideas.
Firstly, there are many advantages of watching movies on streaming platforms. The perks include cost-effectiveness, availability and many others. The price at which you can buy a subscription for a platform is almost negligible if we compare it to cinema tickets and there you can enjoy different types of movies and series. Another factor is that you can watch anything at any time and you can even download your favorite movie. Also the customer service is really good if there is a problem with any of the thing you can contact the provider also some of the platforms have 30 days money back option.
On the other hand, people argue that cinemas and theatres will always stay important. The point they make is that no matter what home screening can never replicate the viewing experience. Modern theatres are equipped with 8k ultra projectors and also world class sound systems which help you indulge completely. Moreover, many blockbuster films are recorded especially for formats like IMAX, 3D, and 4D.
In conclusion, every type has its own perks and flaws. Streaming platforms are more appealing to busy people as they are more flexible and cost-effective while on the other hand, those who are really interested in getting the full experience of a movie prefer cinemas.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. While you mention cost-effectiveness and convenience for streaming, and technical quality for cinemas, these points could be extended with more specific examples or deeper analysis to reach a higher band. The conclusion is brief and summarizes the points well, but the overall depth of the discussion remains at a mid-level. To improve, ensure that each body paragraph provides a more thorough exploration of the implications of these trends rather than just listing features.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Another factor', 'On the other hand', and 'Moreover' are used to guide the reader. However, some transitions feel slightly mechanical, and the flow between sentences could be smoother. For instance, the transition from discussing streaming to the conclusion is abrupt. The referencing is generally clear, but the essay would benefit from a wider variety of cohesive devices to improve the overall flow and logical progression of ideas.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'cost-effectiveness', 'subscription', 'replicate', and 'blockbuster'. However, the range is somewhat restricted, and there are instances of slightly informal or imprecise phrasing, such as 'any of the thing' and 'really good'. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more precise, academic collocations and less common lexical items. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your meaning clearly, but it lacks the sophistication and flexibility required for higher band scores.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. While the meaning is generally clear, there are several grammatical inaccuracies, such as 'the price at which you can buy a subscription... is almost negligible if we compare it to cinema tickets and there you can enjoy' (run-on/comma splice) and 'any of the thing' (incorrect pronoun usage). Punctuation is generally functional, but there are minor errors throughout. To improve, focus on reducing these small errors and increasing the variety of complex structures, such as using more conditional or passive constructions to enhance the academic tone.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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