Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-17
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 huge variety of entertainment through the internet. While some believe that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary because films and other forms of entertainment can be enjoyed online, others argue that these places continue to have economic and cultural value. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that theatres and cinemas are still important despite the growth of digital entertainment.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why people believe that theatres and cinemas are becoming less important. The main reason is the convenience of online platforms. People can now watch films, series, concerts and other programmes from their home at any time. Streaming services provide a wide range of content at relatively affordable prices, meaning that people do not need to travel or purchase expensive cinema tickets. In addition, watching entertainment online can be more comfortable because viewers can pause, replay or stop a programme whenever they wish. For example, a person who has a busy schedule can watch a film at home late at night rather than travelling to a conema at a fixed time.
On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to provide experiences that cannot be completely replaced by online entertainment. Cinemas, for instance, offer a large screen, high-quality sound and a shared atmosphere, which can make watching a film more enjoyable. Similarly, theatres provide audiences with the opportunity to experience live performances and see actors performing directly in front of them. These venues are also economically significant because thet provide employment for actors, directors, technicians, cinema staff and many other workers. Furthermore, theatres play an important cultural role by preserving traditional forms of performing arts and giving local artists opportunities to present their work. For instance, live plays and traditional performances can bring communities together and help younger generations understand their cultural heritage.
In my opinion, the growth of digital entertainment has changed the way people consume entertainment, but it has not made theatres and cinemas irrelevant. Online platforms are more convenient for everyday entertainment, whereas physical venues offer social, cultural and emotional experiences that are difficult to reproduce at home. Therefore, both forms of entertainment can coexist, with people choosing between them according to their preferences and circumstances.
In conclusion, although online entertainment in convenient, affordable and widely accessible, theaters and cinemas remain valuable because they provide unique experiences, support employment and contribute to cultural life. For these reasons, I believe they will continue to have an important place in society even as digital entertainment expands.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views on whether theatres and cinemas are still important in the digital age, while clearly presenting the student's own opinion throughout the essay. The introduction establishes a clear position, and each viewpoint is extended and supported with relevant examples, such as mentioning streaming service convenience and the cultural role of live performances. Ideas are well developed and maintained across the entire essay, meeting the criteria for a Band 7.5 or Band 8 response. Minor improvements could involve even deeper exploration of economic factors, but overall the task is handled thoroughly.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the arguments in favour of online entertainment, the counter-arguments supporting physical venues, a nuanced personal opinion, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore' are used effectively to guide the reader. Paragraphing is used appropriately. There are minor typos in cohesive referencing ('thet' instead of 'they' in paragraph 3, and 'in' instead of 'is' in paragraph 5), but these do not disrupt the overall readability, firmly securing a Band 7.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, suitable for discussing a contemporary socio-cultural topic. Expressions such as 'digital age', 'affordable prices', 'preserving traditional forms', and 'emotional experiences' indicate an ability to use less common items with an awareness of style and collocation. There are a few isolated typographical or word-choice slips, such as 'conema' instead of 'cinema' in paragraph 2 and 'theaters' (US spelling) contrasting with 'theatres' (UK spelling) in the conclusion. However, these errors do not impede communication, matching the Band 7.0 descriptors well.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The writer employs a good variety of complex structures alongside simple forms, displaying good overall control of grammar and punctuation. Sentences such as 'While some believe that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary because films and other forms of entertainment can be enjoyed online...' demonstrate strong control over subordinate clauses. The majority of sentences are grammatically sound, though occasional errors persist, such as typing 'thent' or minor typographical slips. Punctuation is generally accurate, aiding the clarity of complex thoughts. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 7.0 criteria.
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