Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-18
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)
Some people say that in the digital age, theatres and cinemas are no longer important because people can watch all entertainment online. Others argue that they are still important both economically and culturally. This essay will discuss both these views and give my own opinion.
On the one hand, online platforms have made cinemas and theatres less necessary. Today, people can watch movies, dramas, and shows on Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime at home at a low cost. They do not need to buy expensive tickets, travel to the city, or follow a fixed timetable. Online entertainment is available 24 hours and offers much more choice from all over the world. For example, during COVID-19 in Pakistan, most people stopped going to cinemas and started watching films online, and many have continued this habit. For students and busy workers, watching at home is more comfortable and convenient. Therefore, some people feel that traditional cinemas are no longer needed.
On the other hand, theatres and cinemas still have great economic and cultural value. Economically, they create many jobs for actors, technicians, managers, cleaners, and food sellers. They also support local businesses, shopping malls, and tourism. Culturally, they provide a shared experience that cannot be felt at home. Watching a film on a big screen with a large audience or seeing a live theatre performance is more exciting and emotional. For instance, on Eid, cinemas in Lahore and Karachi are still full because families want to enjoy together. Moreover, theatres help to preserve local stories, history, and traditional drama.
In my opinion, although online streaming is very useful, theatres and cinemas cannot be replaced. They are important for social life, culture, and the economy and should be supported by the government.
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 the view that theatres and cinemas are no longer important due to online entertainment and the counter-argument regarding their economic and cultural value. The writer clearly states their position in the introduction and maintains it throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of online streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, the impact of COVID-19 in Pakistan, and local celebrations like Eid in Lahore and Karachi. The arguments are extended logically, fulfilling all requirements of the task. The response meets the minimum word count requirement and covers the prompt thoroughly, which aligns well with the descriptors for a high band score.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the first view, the second view, and finally the writer's conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'For example', and 'Moreover'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate different facets of the argument. Referencing is clear and unambiguous, ensuring the reader can effortlessly follow the flow of ideas from one sentence to the next. The overall structure is coherent and easy to navigate.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision, suitable for an academic writing task. Less common lexical items are employed appropriately, such as 'online streaming platforms', 'fixed timetable', 'economic and cultural value', and 'preserve local stories'. Word choices and collocations are generally natural, with only occasional minor imperfections. Spelling and word formation are accurate throughout the essay. The language successfully conveys precise shades of meaning, enabling clear communication of complex socio-economic ideas.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The response displays a good variety of complex sentence structures alongside simpler forms. The writer successfully employs conditional and subordinate clauses, such as 'Today, people can watch movies... at home at a low cost' and 'Watching a film on a big screen with a large audience or seeing a live theatre performance is more exciting and emotional.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and control of grammar and punctuation is strong. There are no systemic errors or issues that impede communication, demonstrating a solid command of English grammar appropriate for a band 7 level.
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.