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)
Technology has rapidly taken over our daily lives. Nowadays, people can entertain themselves on their mobile devices such as watching movies or playing games. This questions the importance of theatres and cinemas on our generation. This essay will go in depth in both views on the importance of such social spots and my personal opinion.
On one side, with the rapid increase in the use of technology in the recent years, certain people may feel less inclined to spend time and money in theatres or cinemas as they are able to watch this entertainment online. Nowadays, watching a movie on your device at home offers flexibility on what and when someone wants to watch a film. This flexibility cannot be found in cinemas as specific movies are set at a precise time. Furthermore, people are able to entertain themselves in the space of their own home without having to commute somewhere.
On the other hand, cinemas and theatres offer the possibility to go to a social environment and be surrounded with other people. In the digital age that we live in, social interactions with people is crucial and should become a priority. Theatres specifically permits to deepen our knowledge in specific historical and cultural themes. Moreover, cinemas allow people to watch movies before they are released online and create a special moment with friends or family. Both cinemas and theatres are economically crucial by allowing the enterainment sector to continu developping.
In my opinion, theatres and cinemas are essential, especially in the era that we live in nowadays. It allows for the creating of new social interactions as well as developping our cultural knowledge and supporting the entertainment sector.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—the digital alternative and the enduring cultural and economic importance of theatres and cinemas—while also providing a clear personal opinion. The introduction outlines the essay plan, and the body paragraphs examine relevant arguments such as convenience at home versus social interaction and early releases at cinemas. However, some ideas remain slightly under-developed; for example, the mention of historical and cultural themes in theatres could have been supported with a specific example. Overall, the response meets the criteria for Band 6.5 to 7.0, and given the positive marking policy, it earns a Band 7.0 for its clear position and coverage of all prompt requirements.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. The response is structured into an introduction, two distinct body paragraphs discussing opposing views, and a concluding paragraph. Cohesive devices are employed appropriately to guide the reader through the text, such as 'On one side', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'Moreover'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. While some transitions are a bit standard, the logical flow is maintained from start to finish, fulfilling the descriptors for Band 7.0.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.0
The student demonstrates an adequate to sufficient range of vocabulary suitable for the task. Phrases such as 'rapidly taken over', 'less inclined to spend time', and 'social environment' are used accurately. There are some attempts at less common items, such as 'flexibility' and 'entertainment sector', though minor slips occur, such as 'continude developping' (a typographical/spelling error in paragraph 3). The vocabulary allows the message to be communicated clearly and effectively. Because the range shows some flexibility and precision despite occasional errors, this merits a Band 6.5, which rounds to Band 6.0 based on standard whole or half-band increments.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The student displays a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, utilizing structures like 'Nowadays, people can entertain themselves on their mobile devices such as watching movies or playing games' and 'This flexibility cannot be found in cinemas as specific movies are set at a precise time.' There are some minor grammatical errors and awkward phrasing, such as 'Theatres specifically permits' (subject-verb agreement error) and 'the creating of new social interactions' (awkward gerund usage). Nevertheless, these errors rarely impede communication, and the majority of sentences are understandable. This performance aligns well with the Band 6.0 descriptors.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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