Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-10

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 6.0)

Nowadays, technology is developing fast, and many people watch movies and shows on the internet. Because of this, some people believe that traditional theatres and cinemas are not important anymore. However, others think they are still valuable for economy and culture. In my opinion, both views have good arguments, but cinemas and theatres are still important.

On the one hand, online streaming platforms like Netflix allow people to watch movies anytime at home. It is very convenient and cheaper than buying tickets. People do not need to travel or wait in line, which saves a lot of time. Therefore, many young people prefer watching movies on their smartphones or laptops instead of going to cinemas.

On the other hand, traditional cinemas and theatres provide unique experiences that online platforms cannot offer. Going to a cinema with friends or family is a social activity. Watching movies on a big screen with high quality sound gives better emotions. Furthermore, cinemas create many jobs for local people and bring money to local businesses, which supports the economy. Also, live theatre plays are part of traditional culture, and they help preserve local arts.

In conclusion, although watching media online is convenient and popular today, I believe that cinemas and theatres still play an essential role in society. They are important for cultural heritage and offer social experiences that the internet cannot replace.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5

The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the essay is under the 250-word minimum requirement, which limits the depth of development. While the ideas are relevant, they are somewhat brief. For instance, the economic argument regarding job creation is mentioned but not fully explored with specific examples or deeper analysis. To reach a higher band, you should expand on your points with more detailed explanations or illustrative examples to ensure the response is fully developed. Because the essay is under-length, it cannot be awarded a score higher than 6.0 for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two opposing views. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. The progression of ideas is clear and easy to follow. To improve, you could incorporate a wider variety of cohesive devices to link sentences more fluidly, as some transitions are quite standard.

Lexical Resource — Band 5.5

You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'streaming platforms', 'cultural heritage', and 'social activity'. The language is generally natural and conveys your meaning clearly. However, the vocabulary is somewhat repetitive and lacks the sophistication required for higher bands. There is limited use of less common lexical items or idiomatic collocations. To improve, try to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary related to the topic, such as 'ubiquity', 'diminishing', or 'communal experience', to show greater flexibility and precision in your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and errors are rare and do not impede communication. For example, your use of conditional-like structures and relative clauses is generally correct. However, the range of complex structures is somewhat limited. To achieve a higher band, you should aim to use a wider variety of complex grammatical forms, such as passive voice constructions or more sophisticated subordinating conjunctions, while maintaining the high level of accuracy you have already demonstrated.

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

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