Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · 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 6.5)

With the rapid advancement in science and technology, online media platforms are growing in popularity, leaving theatres and cinemas behind. While some people believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer significant, others argue that they remain vital in both economic and cultural terms. Theatres have been relevant for a long time and are very important because they bring a society closer together and provide employment opportunities to the public. Meanwhile, digital platforms are popular because they are easily accessible, cheaper, and provide a wide range of media.

On the one hand, theatres have existed in society for a very long time and have been significant both economically and culturally. They bring societies together and enhance the feeling of togetherness among the public. Moreover, the experience of viewing a particular show in a cinema cannot be replicated. Additionally, these institutions have played a huge role in providing employment opportunities to the people. For instance, cinema chains like QFX provide jobs to thousands of people through their various outlets.

On the other hand, digital platforms are slowly replacing traditional institutions as entertainment media outlets. In this digital age, viewers want to watch entertainment online because of the easy accessibility. Digital platforms only require an internet connection for viewers to access entertainment, making it very convenient. Additionally, these platforms are cheaper as it runs on a subscription model. Moreover, the wide range of movies and shows that these platforms offer also accounts for their growing popularity. To illustrate, digital platforms like NETFLIX, AMAZON PRIME, and HULU provide a wide range of entertainment for a lower price than a single movie ticket.

To conclude, I believe that theatres are significant because of their contribution to society by providing jobs and enhancing the feeling of togetherness, while digital platforms are more popular because of their convenience, lower cost, and vast range. Ultimately, I think that cinemas should adopt new policies to compete with digital media.

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. The ideas are relevant and supported with examples, such as the mention of QFX cinemas and streaming platforms like Netflix. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the development of ideas could be more nuanced; for instance, the economic impact of cinemas could be explored with more depth beyond just employment, perhaps touching on local business ecosystems or cultural preservation. Overall, the response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively to link ideas, such as 'Moreover', 'Additionally', and 'On the one hand/On the other hand'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two opposing viewpoints. The progression of ideas is smooth and easy to follow. To improve, the writer could vary the cohesive devices slightly more to avoid a somewhat mechanical feel in the transition between sentences, but the current usage is clear and functional throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

The vocabulary is adequate and allows for clear communication of ideas. The student uses topic-specific terms like 'digital platforms', 'subscription model', and 'entertainment media outlets'. While the range is sufficient, it lacks the sophisticated or less common lexical items that would characterize a higher band. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede meaning. To achieve a higher score, the student should aim to incorporate more precise academic vocabulary and idiomatic expressions to demonstrate a wider and more flexible range of language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the grammar is generally accurate. There are minor slips, such as 'as it runs on a subscription model' (should be 'as they run' to agree with 'platforms'). Punctuation is generally correct. The control over complex structures is evident, though the range could be expanded further to include more varied subordinate clauses or advanced grammatical forms. The current level of accuracy is high, and errors do not interfere with the reader's understanding of the arguments.

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