Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-26
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)
In recent years, some individuals hold a view that theatres and cinemas are not more significant because they can easily watch through the internet whatever they like. While others believe that theatres and cinemas are still play important role both economically and culturally. This essay will discuss both the viewpoints before explaining why I believe that there are no longer important.
On the one hand, people prefers online entertainment because it convenient and cost effective. In this digital era, people are moving towards digital platforms because it becomes more easy and affordable. For example, people who are living in rural area and those who are busy in their life can watch at home whatever they like to see. Moreover, people choose to watch movies on internet as it is more cheaper than cinemas tickets. Due to this reason, people prefer to save their money and get entertainment staying at home without extra charges.
On the other hand, some people also think that theatres and cinemas provide benefits, in terms of economically and culturally, and a physical entertainment. In some extent they play a important role to increase our economics and enhance our culture socially. Whereas, people also get a entertainment in term of outing when they go for a movie in theatre. It provides a lot of interaction with others public but some times looks more boring.
In my opinion, I think it is better to watch movie on internet rather than going to theatres and cinemas. There is a lot of benefits such as convenient and less cost effective. In future, theatre and cinemas might be removed with another things because of there certain drawbacks.
In conclusion, both the views have certain advantages. People are choosing to entertain themselves through the internet but some also like to go theaters and cinemas.
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 both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited. For instance, the argument regarding the economic and cultural importance of cinemas is underdeveloped, relying on vague phrases like 'increase our economics' rather than specific examples. The conclusion is also quite brief and does not fully synthesize the points discussed. While the task is addressed, the depth of analysis is more characteristic of a Band 5.5 or 6.0 response, as the arguments lack the necessary extension and supporting detail required for higher bands.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay is organized into logical paragraphs, each with a clear focus. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Moreover', and 'In conclusion' are used to guide the reader. However, the use of these devices is sometimes mechanical, and the flow between sentences is occasionally interrupted by grammatical errors. Referencing is generally clear, but the progression of ideas within paragraphs could be smoother. The structure is sufficient for a Band 6, as the overall arrangement is coherent despite some minor lapses in cohesion.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate for the task but lacks variety and precision. There is frequent repetition of basic words like 'people', 'watch', and 'entertainment'. Some collocations are unnatural, such as 'increase our economics' (should be 'boost the economy') and 'more cheaper' (a double comparative error). While the student attempts to use some topic-specific vocabulary, the range is limited, and the errors in word choice occasionally draw attention. To reach a higher band, the student needs to use a wider range of synonyms and more sophisticated collocations.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The essay contains a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, but there are frequent grammatical errors that persist throughout the text. Examples include subject-verb agreement issues ('theatres and cinemas are still play'), incorrect comparative forms ('more easy', 'more cheaper'), and awkward phrasing ('there certain drawbacks'). Punctuation is generally functional, but the frequency of errors in basic grammar prevents the writing from reaching a higher band. The errors do not usually impede communication, but they are noticeable and consistent.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.