Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
People hold contrasting opinions regarding the digital age. Some people believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer important as people can watch all the entertainment they want online, while others argue that theatres and cinemas are still important both economically and culturally. This essay will examine both perspectives before explaining why I believe that theatres and cinemas will not be exciting any longer.
Those who support the first viewpoint often argue that using online platforms for entertainment is more convenient. People can watch films and shows at home whenever they want. By doing this, they can save time and watch movies or shows in their free time. They do not need to leave their homes or wait for the weekend. Their argument is largely based on the belief that online streaming can be cheaper than cinema tickets, transportation and food. Moreover, online platforms offer thousands of films, series and documentaries in one place. For this reason, many people consider this approach to be highly effective.
Nevertheless, opponents contend that cinemas and theatres contribute a lot to the economy because they create jobs and generate revenue for businesses. Furthermore, theatres preserve live performances, traditions and artistic forms. While this perspective is convincing to some extent, I believe that theatres are important for social experiences because watching a film with others provides a shared experience that home entertainment cannot fully reproduce.
In conclusion, both viewpoints have their own strengths. However, I believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer exciting because they are much more expensive for people compared to online platforms. This remains a more practical and sustainable approach.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.0 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.0
The student addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on the importance of theatres and cinemas in the digital age. In the introduction, the writer outlines the two perspectives and takes a clear position, stating 'I believe that theatres and cinemas will not be exciting any longer.' However, in the conclusion, the writer shifts this opinion slightly by arguing that they 'are no longer exciting because they are much more expensive.' While the ideas are relevant, the development of the opposing economic and cultural arguments in the body paragraphs is somewhat brief and leans towards generalisations, preventing the essay from reaching a higher band. Nevertheless, the main requirements of the prompt are successfully met.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay displays a clear overall progression and logical organisation. Information and ideas are divided into coherent paragraphs, each with a discernible focus. The introduction sets out the essay structure, followed by body paragraphs examining the two viewpoints and the writer's opinion. Cohesive devices are used reasonably well, such as 'Nevertheless', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. However, referencing and transitional phrases can occasionally feel a bit mechanical or repetitive, such as the frequent reliance on 'People can...' and 'They do not need...'. Paragraphing is used appropriately throughout the response, ensuring the reader can easily follow the progression of arguments.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary and appropriate subject-specific terminology, such as 'online streaming', 'entertainment', 'generation revenue', and 'social experiences'. However, there are some minor inaccuracies in word choice or phrasing, such as 'theatres and cinemas will not be exciting any longer', where 'viable' or 'relevant' might be more precise than 'exciting'. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, and vocabulary errors do not impede communication, placing the response solidly in the competent band.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.0
The writer uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, including conditional and subordinate clauses like 'While this perspective is convincing to some extent, I believe that...' and 'Some people believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer important as people can watch...'. There is good control of basic grammar and punctuation. While there are a few minor awkwardness issues in phrasing, the majority of sentences are grammatically correct and the occasional errors do not impede communication. The control over complex sentence forms warrants a solid band 6.5.
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