Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-22

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)

The question of whether higher education should be universally funded by the state or privately financed by students remains a subject of intense debate. While critics of free tertiary education argue that it places an unsustainable burden on public finances, I firmly believe that making universities tuition-free yields far-reaching socio-economic benefits that ultimately justify the public expenditure.

Opponents of state-funded higher education contend that tertiary training is primarily an individual investment rather than a public good. Graduates generally secure higher-paying jobs and enjoy greater career mobility; therefore, it is argued that individuals should bear the financial cost of their qualifications rather than shifting the burden onto general taxpayers, many of whom may not hold a degree themselves. Furthermore, charging tuition fees ensures that universities remain financially autonomous and competitive, allowing them to allocate resources effectively toward research, campus infrastructure, and faculty recruitment without relying solely on fluctuating government budgets.

Conversely, advocates of free university education emphasize its role as a powerful engine for social mobility and economic growth. High tuition fees create formidable financial barriers, effectively disenfranchising talented students from underprivileged backgrounds and perpetuating systemic inequality. When tertiary education is fully subsidized, admission becomes strictly merit-based, allowing societies to fully harness their human capital. Economically, a highly educated workforce accelerates technological innovation, attracts foreign investment, and raises national productivity. The resultant tax revenues generated by high-earning graduates often offset the initial state outlay required to fund their studies.

In conclusion, although requiring students to pay tuition lightens the fiscal strain on governments and encourages institutional efficiency, I maintain that university education should be free. Removing financial obstacles to higher learning ensures equal opportunity, fosters social cohesion, and yields substantial long-term returns for the broader economy.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 1.0

The response is completely off-topic. The prompt asks for a discussion on the importance of theatres and cinemas in the digital age, yet the essay discusses the funding of higher education. While the essay is well-structured and presents a clear position, it fails to address any part of the actual task instructions. According to the IELTS criteria, a response that is unrelated to the prompt cannot receive a passing score for Task Achievement, as it does not address the requirements of the task at all. Consequently, this must be treated as a task-irrelevant submission.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a high level of coherence and cohesion. The logical progression of ideas is clear, with each paragraph serving a distinct purpose. The use of cohesive devices such as 'Conversely', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' is natural and effective. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the opposing viewpoints and the writer's own opinion. Despite the content being off-topic, the structural integrity of the writing is excellent, showing a strong ability to organize arguments and link ideas in a sophisticated manner.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The vocabulary is sophisticated and precise. The writer uses a wide range of academic collocations and topic-specific terminology, such as 'socio-economic benefits', 'financial autonomy', 'systemic inequality', and 'human capital'. The language is used with natural control, and there are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation. The lexical range is clearly at an advanced level, demonstrating the ability to use less common items with precision and stylistic awareness.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The grammatical range is impressive, featuring a variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional clauses and participial phrases. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and syntax is highly accurate. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The writer displays a high level of flexibility and accuracy, consistent with the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

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