Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-15
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)
Nowadays, many people assume that digital age, theatres and cinemas are no longer important because all the entertainment shows are available in online platforms. while, others defend by saying theaters and cinemas are still part of cultural and economical. I will discus both views in coming paragraphs with example.
Due to wide range of growth in technological developments, everything is available in virtual platforms which makes life easier. Theatres and cinemas will cost you a money to go and watch a movie. Additionally, the food items are sold with higher price than normally outside. Online platform does require a payment to watch shows but it can be accessed anywhere and anytime for month or a year by just paying some money which will be equal to 2-3 tickets. For example: individuals who prefer watching movies alone, having to watch in particular language and would not like to spend more money will prefer online platforms then theatres.
On the other side, theaters and cinemas are places where friends and family can hangout and watch a movie together. It also provides employment for many people which helps them to earn for themselves to live. Moreover, it is place place where people tend to enjoy more watching show or a movie as its screened on large display with speakers which makes them feel it different from online. For instance: a movie is directed with lot of resources and many people are involved which means a lot money is also spend to make a movie which makes them to keep a price for ticket to watch that movie and earn.
In conclusion, Even though online platforms consists of all entertainments, it makes us feel isolated, addicted digital gadgets. Whereas, physical theatres and cinemas are for people who like hanging out most the time to enjoy with friends or family.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both the decline of cinemas due to online platforms and their continued economic and cultural importance. You clearly state your position in the conclusion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, the economic argument regarding employment is mentioned but not fully explored. To reach a higher band, ensure that each point is supported by more detailed explanation or specific examples. The introduction is a bit abrupt and could benefit from a more sophisticated paraphrase of the prompt. Overall, the response is relevant and meets the requirements of the task.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, each with a clear focus. You use some cohesive devices like 'Additionally,' 'Moreover,' and 'On the other side' to link ideas. However, the flow is occasionally hindered by awkward phrasing and mechanical transitions. For example, the transition 'while, others defend by saying' is grammatically incorrect and disrupts the flow. Referencing is sometimes unclear, such as in the final paragraph where 'it makes us feel isolated' lacks a clear antecedent. Improving the variety and precision of your linking words will help the essay progress more smoothly.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
You demonstrate an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, using terms like 'technological developments,' 'virtual platforms,' and 'isolated.' However, there are several instances of imprecise word choice and collocation errors, such as 'wide range of growth,' 'cost you a money,' and 'keep a price for ticket.' These errors do not impede communication, but they do limit the precision of your argument. To improve, focus on learning common collocations and using more academic phrasing rather than conversational structures like 'hangout.'
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
You attempt a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors throughout the text. Issues include missing articles ('in digital age'), incorrect verb forms ('is also spend'), and punctuation errors. Some sentences are clunky, such as 'Online platform does require a payment to watch shows but it can be accessed anywhere and anytime for month or a year.' While these errors rarely prevent the reader from understanding your meaning, they are frequent enough to keep the score in the 6.0 range. Focusing on subject-verb agreement and article usage will significantly improve your accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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