Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-11

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 that people can access entertainment online; therefore, cinemas and theatres are no longer as important as they once were. However, others argue that theatres and cinemas are still significant both economically and culturally. I believe that in this modern era, digital devices provide a convenient alternative to theatres and cinemas.

One school of thought thinks that nowadays theatres and cinemas are less important because people can access entertainment online using modern technology and portable gadgets such as mobile phones and laptops. These devices can be used anywhere during people's leisure time. For instance, a significant number of people prefer to watch movies on their smartphones via the internet rather than travelling to cinemas and theatres, particularly when these venues are far from their homes. Additionally, saving time is another reason why people prefer to stay at home and watch dramas or movies online instead of going to theatres.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas are still important for several reasons. One crucial factor is that people prefer to go to cinemas because of their large screens and better viewing experience. Moreover, they can enjoy shows and movies on large 3D screens, an experience that smartphones and laptops cannot fully provide. Furthermore, groups of friends and families can gather at cinemas and theatres and enjoy watching shows together, which can be an important cultural and social activity. In addition, cinemas and theatres contribute to the economy by creating jobs and generating revenue. For example, in countries such as Pakistan, some people still prefer to watch movies and shows in cinemas as a social activity.

In conclusion, although theatres and cinemas continue to have economic and cultural importance, online entertainment has become a convenient alternative in the digital age. From my perspective, people can now access most forms of entertainment online using smartphones and other portable devices, so traditional cinemas and theatres are less essential than they were in the past.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and supported by examples, such as the mention of large 3D screens and the economic impact in Pakistan. However, the development of the 'economic' argument is somewhat brief. To reach a higher band, you could expand on how cinemas specifically drive local economies beyond just job creation. Your position is consistent throughout the essay, which is a strength. Overall, the response is well-focused and meets the requirements of the task effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. You use a range of cohesive devices such as 'On the other hand', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore' to link your points. While the structure is sound, some transitions feel slightly mechanical. To improve, try to vary your linking phrases to create a more natural flow between sentences. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'modern era', 'portable gadgets', and 'cultural and social activity' are used appropriately. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, though some word choices could be more sophisticated. For instance, 'significant number of people' is accurate but could be replaced with more varied collocations. There are no spelling errors, and the vocabulary used is consistently relevant to the topic, which ensures that your meaning is always clear to the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use subordinating conjunctions like 'although' and 'because' effectively to connect ideas. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors that impede communication. Most sentences are error-free, showing good control over basic and intermediate structures. To aim for a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated grammatical forms, such as conditional sentences or passive voice constructions, to demonstrate greater flexibility in your writing. Punctuation is used correctly throughout the text.

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