Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-13

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)

In the digital age, people have access to a wide range of entertainment through the internet. While some believe that this has made theatres and cinemas unnecessary, others argue that these places remain important for economic and cultural reasons. I believe that cinemas and theatres are still valuable despite the growth of online entertainment.

On the one hand, online platforms are more convenient and accessible than traditional entertainment venues. People can watch films, series and other programmes from their homes at any time. They also have access to a much larger variety of content, including international and independent productions. In addition, online entertainment can be cheaper because people do not have to pay for tickets or transportation. For these reasons, many people, particularly those with busy lifestyles, may prefer streaming services to visiting a cinema or theatre.

On the other hand, cinemas and theatres provide experiences that online platforms cannot fully reproduce. Watching a film on a large screen with high-quality sound can make the experience more immersive. Similarly, theatre performances allow audiences to experience actors performing live, which creates a unique atmosphere. These venues are also economically significant because they provide employment for performers, directors, technicians and other workers. Furthermore, cinemas and theatres play an important cultural role by promoting local films, plays and artistic traditions. Without physical venues, many forms of cultural expression could receive less public attention.

In my opinion, digital entertainment should not replace cinemas and theatres completely. Instead, both can exist together because they serve different purposes. Online platforms offer convenience and variety, while traditional venues provide social, cultural and immersive experiences.

In conclusion, although online entertainment has made accessing films and other content easier, cinemas and theatres remain important economically and culturally. Therefore, they are unlikely to become completely irrelevant in the digital age.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The student has successfully addressed all parts of the task prompt. The introduction clearly acknowledges both views regarding the importance of theatres and cinemas in the digital age and establishes a distinct personal position. Body paragraph one logically presents the view supporting online platforms, citing convenience, variety, and cost-effectiveness. Body paragraph two explores the counter-argument, highlighting sensory immersion, live acting experiences, economic contributions, and cultural preservation. The conclusion succinctly restates the main arguments and reinforces the student's stance. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations, meeting the requirements for Band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear overall progression and logical organisation. Paragraphing is used effectively and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct theme. Cohesive devices are employed reasonably well, as seen through transitional phrases like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore'. However, some cohesive links feel slightly formulaic, keeping the response at a Band 7.0 level. Referencing is generally clear, and the flow of ideas from one paragraph to the next allows the reader to follow the argument effortlessly.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student exhibits an adequate to good lexical range suited for this academic task. Words and phrases such as 'immersive', 'independent productions', 'cultural expression', and 'economically significant' demonstrate a good awareness of topic-specific vocabulary. There are occasional attempts at less common items, although some expressions border on standard phrasing. Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout, and communication is never impeded. The vocabulary meets the criteria for Band 7.0 as it provides sufficient flexibility and precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a solid command of grammar and punctuation. There is a healthy mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional or subordinate clauses such as 'While some believe that this has made theatres and cinemas unnecessary...' and 'People can watch films, series and other programmes from their homes at any time.' The majority of sentences are error-free, with good control over tense consistency and subject-verb agreement. The occasional minor slips do not impede communication, placing this securely at a Band 7.0.

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