Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-04
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, some people believe that in the digital age, theatres and cinemas are no longer important as people can watch all the entertainment they want online, while others oppose that theatres and cinemas are still important both economically and culturally. This essay will discuss both views and give my own opinion.
On one hand, technology is getting advanced and the society has undergone complete digital transformation. Every individual has access to smartphones and all of them are aware of different digital platforms. So, they tend to believe that when they can watch all the entertainment they want online, theatres and cinemas are losing their appeal and cultural relevance. And, I agree with this to some extent. It will be convenient for everyone as they can watch whatever they want, whenever they want, without adhering to a strict theatre schedule. For instance, it can also save your time and transportation costs or parking fees.
On the other hand, theatres and cinemas also contribute to the wider economy of a nation. Many of them are culturally rooted and preserve our shared history and community identity. Most importantly, it will protect our artistic legacy for future generations. Since people are increasingly keen on working overtime and spending less time with their families, a full day out at the theater can be a powerful way to strengthen family bonds.
In my opinion, while the digitalization of the world has made entertainment universally accessible through smartphones, it does not mean the death of traditional theaters. Hence, both mediums can coexist, with digital tech fueling our daily routines and cinemas safeguarding our meaningful real-world experiences.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| 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 perspectives and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant, such as the convenience of digital platforms versus the cultural and economic value of physical venues. However, the development is somewhat limited; for instance, the economic argument is mentioned but not fully explained with specific examples. The position is consistent throughout, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the two views. To reach a higher band, the student should expand on the 'economic' aspect mentioned in the prompt, perhaps by discussing job creation or tourism, rather than focusing primarily on the social benefits of family bonding.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two opposing views. Cohesive devices such as 'On one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Hence' are used to guide the reader through the argument. However, the transition between the second and third paragraphs is slightly abrupt, and some cohesive links are a bit mechanical. The progression of ideas is generally clear, but the flow could be improved by using more sophisticated referencing or linking phrases to connect the digital convenience argument more fluidly to the cultural importance argument.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The vocabulary is adequate for the task and allows for clear communication. The student uses some topic-specific terms like 'digital transformation', 'cultural relevance', and 'artistic legacy'. However, the range is somewhat limited, and there is a reliance on simpler phrasing (e.g., 'getting advanced', 'watch whatever they want'). There are no significant errors in word choice that impede meaning, but the essay lacks the more precise, academic collocations or idiomatic expressions that would characterize a higher band score. Expanding the range of vocabulary to include more nuanced synonyms would enhance the overall quality.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are grammatically accurate, and errors are rare and do not impede communication. For example, the use of conditional structures and complex sentences in the final paragraph shows a good grasp of grammar. However, the range of structures is somewhat restricted; the essay relies heavily on standard subject-verb-object patterns. To improve, the student should incorporate a wider variety of complex grammatical forms, such as passive voice constructions or inverted structures, to demonstrate greater flexibility and control over more sophisticated sentence patterns.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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