Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-14

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 6.5)

In recent years, digital platforms have become increasingly popular for watching programmes and movies. These platforms have become a major threat to traditional cinemas and theatres. Some people argue that cinemas and theatres are no longer important because people can access entertainment online, while others argue that they remain important because of their economic and cultural benefits. In my opinion, cinemas and theatres should continue to operate because of their economic and cultural benefits, while digital platforms should develop alongside them to entertain people in their free time.

On the one hand, digital platforms play an important role during long journeys. This is because people travelling by train or airplane spend several hours reaching their destinations, and online platforms can help passengers pass the time. For example, if a person is travelling by airplane, they may have to reach the airport a few hours before departure. During this time, passengers may have several hours of free time and can become bored. Watching movies and programmes on digital platforms can help them pass the time. In addition, online platforms make entertainment more affordable for people on lower incomes. If people cannot afford to buy cinema tickets, they can watch movies and shows online.

On the other hand, critics argue that cinemas and theatres contribute to the overall economy of a country. Traditional cinemas and theatres generate a significant amount of revenue. If cinemas were to disappear, this source of revenue could be lost, which might negatively affect the economy. Furthermore, cinemas and theatres can help preserve and promote national culture. Traditional plays, movies and documentaries can educate younger generations about their country's history and cultural traditions. For example, films and theatrical performances based on historical events or traditional stories can encourage young people to learn more about their cultural heritage.

In conclusion, both digital platforms and cinemas remain important. A balanced approach works best. Digital platforms can provide entertainment anytime and anywhere, while cinemas and theatres can benefit the country by contributing to the economy and preserving national culture.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion in the introduction. The ideas are relevant and generally well-developed. For instance, the economic and cultural arguments in the third paragraph are logically presented. However, the development of the 'digital platforms' argument in the second paragraph is slightly repetitive, focusing heavily on the context of travel rather than the broader societal impact of digital entertainment. To reach a higher band, ensure that each supporting point adds a new dimension to the argument rather than reiterating the same concept of 'passing time'. Overall, the position is consistent and the task is fully addressed.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two sides of the argument is handled effectively using cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints. While the flow is generally smooth, some of the cohesive links are slightly mechanical. For example, the repetition of 'digital platforms' and 'cinemas and theatres' at the start of sentences could be improved by using more varied referencing or synonyms to enhance the natural flow of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is sufficient to convey the intended meaning with reasonable precision. You have used some topic-specific terms such as 'revenue', 'cultural heritage', and 'digital platforms'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on simpler phrasing. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items related to the topic of media consumption and cultural preservation. For instance, instead of 'major threat', you could use 'formidable challenge' or 'disruptive force'. The spelling is accurate throughout, and the word choice is appropriate for an academic context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly to support clarity. You successfully use conditional structures ('If cinemas were to disappear...') and relative clauses to add complexity. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To move into the higher bands, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex structures, such as passive voice constructions or inverted sentences, to demonstrate greater flexibility in your writing style.

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