Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-31
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)
Over the past few decades, the world has witnessed remarkable technological revolutions, inventions, and conflicts. These developments have significantly transformed the way societies and individuals function. In this competitive era, while some argue that theatres and cinemas are no longer necessary, others contend that they remain essential for both cultural and economic reasons.
On the one hand, some individuals believe that in the modern era, people should not waste precious time visiting cinemas and theatres. Instead, this time could be invested in more productive activities, such as advancing one’s career or pursuing beneficial hobbies. Furthermore, for those who enjoy watching the latest movies and series, content is readily accessible online through smartphones and smart TVs. Consequently, proponents of this view argue that physical cinemas are becoming obsolete.
On the other hand, as the saying goes, "every coin has two sides," and opponents maintain that going out for entertainment is vital for social well-being. It is often argued that isolating oneself indoors can negatively impact mental health and lead to loneliness. Moreover, when a major film is released, audiences still experience great excitement from enjoying the superior visuals, graphics, and immersive storytelling on a large screen. Additionally, the film industry plays a crucial role in boosting both the local economy and cultural preservation.
In conclusion, despite various arguments against physical entertainment venues, cinemas and theatres remain crucial for our culture, traditions, and economy. They provide a space where individuals can spend quality time with family, relatives, and friends, ultimately creating long-lasting memories that digital screens simply cannot replicate.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
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 conclusion. The ideas are relevant and logically developed. For example, the argument regarding the social and economic benefits of physical venues is well-supported by the mention of 'local economy' and 'cultural preservation'. However, the development could be further enhanced by providing more specific examples or deeper analysis of the economic impact mentioned. The position is consistent throughout the essay, meeting the requirements for a Band 7 performance.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using phrases like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Consequently', and 'Moreover' are used effectively to link sentences. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the overall structure supports the reader's understanding. The flow is natural, and the use of referencing is clear, which is consistent with the criteria for a Band 7.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'technological revolutions', 'physical entertainment venues', 'immersive storytelling', and 'cultural preservation'. There is an attempt to use less common items, and the word choice is generally precise. While the vocabulary is effective, it does not consistently reach the level of 'sophisticated' or 'flexible' control required for higher bands. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay demonstrates a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of conditional-like structures and subordinate clauses ('while some argue that...', 'for those who enjoy...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly. There is a high level of control over grammatical structures, with only very minor slips. The sentence variety contributes to the readability of the text. The grammatical accuracy is strong, and the complexity of the structures used is sufficient for a Band 7.5 or 8.0, but I have awarded a 7.5 to reflect the overall consistency.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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