Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-03
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)
The issue of the importance of theatres and cinemas has become a widely debated topic in recent years. While some people argue that theatres and cinemas are no longer important because people can watch entertainment online, others believe that they are still important economically and culturally. Although both views have their own merits, this essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I believe that theatres and cinemas are still important.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why people support the view that theatres and cinemas are no longer important. The main reason is that online entertainment offers greater convenience. People can access a wide range of films and programmes from home without travelling or spending money on tickets. Furthermore, online platforms allow viewers to watch content whenever they want, which can save both time and money. For example, people can watch their favourite films at home without visiting a cinema. Therefore, it is understandable why many people consider this perspective beneficial.
On the other hand, there are also convincing arguments in favour of theatres and cinemas. One important reason is that they provide a unique social and cultural experience. In addition, they contribute to the economy by creating jobs and generating income for businesses. For instance, cinemas allow people to enjoy films together on large screens with high-quality sound, creating a more memorable experience. Consequently, there are reasonable grounds for supporting this perspective as well. However, I believe that theatres and cinemas are still important because of their wider benefits.
In conclusion, both online entertainment and theatres and cinemas have valid arguments. Nevertheless, I believe that theatres and cinemas remain important because their overall impact is more beneficial for individuals and society.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. However, the development of ideas is somewhat superficial. For instance, while you mention that cinemas contribute to the economy, you do not elaborate on how this occurs (e.g., through tourism, local employment, or infrastructure). Similarly, the argument regarding the 'social experience' could be strengthened with more specific examples of why this is culturally significant beyond just 'high-quality sound.' To reach a higher band, ensure that each point is fully extended with concrete reasoning or illustrative examples rather than just stating the point.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Consequently' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the relationship between the two viewpoints is clearly established. The structure is sound and supports the overall argument well, making the text easy to follow throughout.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is adequate and generally appropriate for the task. You use some good collocations like 'widely debated topic' and 'convincing arguments.' However, the range of vocabulary is somewhat limited and repetitive. For example, the word 'important' is used frequently throughout the text. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated synonyms or topic-specific terminology related to the film industry or digital media. The current range is sufficient to convey meaning clearly, but it lacks the precision and variety required for a higher band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The essay demonstrates a good level of grammatical control. You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, such as 'Although both views have their own merits, this essay will discuss...' and 'People can access a wide range of films and programmes from home without travelling...'. The sentences are generally error-free, and punctuation is used correctly. While the range of structures is solid, incorporating more varied complex sentence patterns or advanced grammatical forms (such as passive voice or conditional clauses) would further enhance the quality of the writing.
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.