Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-02
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)
Nowadays, online streaming platforms allow people to access films and shows from home. Because of this, some people feel that traditional theatres and cinemas are no longer necessary. However, others believe these venues remain essential for economic and cultural reasons. In my opinion, while online entertainment is convenient, physical venues still hold significant value.
On the one hand, many people prefer watching movies online because it offers great convenience and flexibility. Subscriptions to platforms like Netflix are often cheaper than buying cinema tickets, snacks, and paying for transport. Furthermore, streaming allows viewers to watch content whenever they want and pause it at any time. As a result, many individuals feel that visiting a traditional cinema is a waste of time and money when the same entertainment is available at home.
On the other hand, theatres and cinemas play a vital role in culture and the economy. Culturally, going to the cinema or theatre is a shared social activity that brings people together. Watching a play or a movie on a large screen with high-quality sound creates an immersive atmosphere that cannot be replicated at home. Economically, these venues generate jobs for actors, technicians, and service staff. They also support local economies by driving business to nearby restaurants and transport services.
In conclusion, although digital platforms offer unmatched convenience for everyday viewing, I believe cinemas and theatres are still important. They provide unique cultural experiences and contribute significantly to the economy, meaning they will not become obsolete.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The essay addresses both viewpoints and provides a clear personal opinion. However, the response is 246 words long, failing to meet the minimum 250-word requirement. This under-length impacts the development of ideas, which remain somewhat brief. While the arguments regarding convenience versus cultural value are relevant, they could have been expanded with more specific examples or deeper analysis to fully satisfy the requirements of a Band 7 or higher. The position is consistent, but the brevity limits the depth of the discussion.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between sentences is clear, demonstrating a good command of organizational structure.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The vocabulary is adequate and appropriate for the topic. The student uses terms like 'immersive atmosphere', 'obsolete', and 'unmatched convenience' effectively. While the range is sufficient to convey ideas clearly, it lacks the more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations that would push the score into the 8.0+ range. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling, and the language is natural throughout the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. For example, the use of conditional-like structures ('when the same entertainment is available at home') and complex noun phrases ('shared social activity that brings people together') shows good control. The grammar is largely accurate, with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly, and the sentence variety is sufficient to maintain a professional and academic tone throughout the piece.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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