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)

It is argued by some people that theatres and cinemas are economically and culturally significant. However, others prefer watching movies and plays at home on a screen. I strongly agree with the former perspective; the benefits of live theatres and cinemas outweigh the digital experience.

On the one hand, cinemas and theatres are a great way to grow the national economy and show the culture of the country. A showcase of the culture through classical plays can facilitate defining the national identity of the state. These establishments can generate revenue through tourism. Higher foot traffic in these places can increase the overall profit earned, which results in a better economy for the country. In addition, it creates job opportunities for individuals, which further adds to the financial state of the nation. Moreover, the live experience can hardly be overshadowed by a virtual one. For instance, the feelings that one experiences in a live cinema, watching a very anticipated movie, cannot be the same as watching at home.

On the other hand, the convenience of watching plays and movies on the internet from the comfort of home is appreciated by many people. Individuals prefer to stay home and control the timing of movies and shows that they can watch in one go. They are not bound to any specific timings, which are provided by the organisations. Furthermore, watching online is significantly cheaper, and a greater number of movies can be watched in one go without worrying about the cost of each watch. However, I believe this convenience cannot outweigh the real-life experience.

In conclusion, while some of the population prefers watching shows and movies on online platforms, other people like the physical experience of the cinema. I agree with the population that likes the real experience, because this approach not only boosts the economy and shows off a nation's culture and is also more enjoyable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

You have addressed all parts of the prompt by discussing both perspectives and clearly stating your own opinion in the introduction and conclusion. Your arguments regarding the economic and cultural value of theatres are relevant and well-supported. However, the development of the 'convenience' argument is slightly repetitive, focusing heavily on the ability to watch movies 'in one go' and 'at home'. To reach a higher band, you could expand on the cultural impact of digital platforms, such as the democratisation of access to global cinema, to provide a more balanced and nuanced discussion before reinforcing your own position.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and you use cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore' to link your points effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the transition between the two opposing views is smooth. To improve, ensure that your referencing is always precise; for example, in the final paragraph, 'the population that likes the real experience' is slightly wordy and could be replaced with a more concise reference to 'those who value the traditional experience'.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with some precision, using terms like 'national identity', 'foot traffic', and 'virtual'. There is an awareness of style, and your word choices are generally appropriate for an academic essay. However, some phrases are slightly repetitive, such as 'watching movies' and 'in one go'. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or topic-specific terminology related to the film and theatre industry, such as 'cinematic experience', 'cultural heritage', or 'on-demand streaming services'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, and your control of grammar is generally good. Most sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate. There are minor instances where phrasing could be more natural, such as 'the financial state of the nation' or 'shows off a nation's culture', which are slightly informal. To improve, aim for more varied complex structures, such as using conditional clauses or passive voice constructions more strategically to enhance the academic tone of your writing. Overall, your grammar does not impede communication.

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