Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · 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 5.5)
Debate between the imporatane of movie theater and fim cinema as most of the people watch entertaining shows online in the current advance period; however, some oppose this and say they are still important for the financial stability and cultural purposes. In my opinion, even-though people prefer online watching. But it still hold a great importance for one's country wealth and historical architecture.
On the one hand, some of residents firmly believe that these buildings for the entertainment purpose is no longer valuable because in this modernized world locals enjoy all the fun online through mobile phones, laptops. Moreover, if these stages remain available then children will force their parents to bring them there for watching movies. Furthermore, if we watch the recreational things online it will save a lot time and in the cases of having not enough time to enjoy the movie in any film centre we still have fun in homes. For example, one of my friends planned a movie trip for the whole group; however the busy schedule of everyone made tough to enjoy it in a cinema. In that case the online availability of the entertainment provided a great help.
On the other hand, some of the citizens argue that even-though, people use online platforms they still are essential for the better economic and culture of the nation. If these enjoying places are present then, it will attract the attention of the tourists who will get mesmerized. In addition, if these picture houses are present then, it will provide occupation for numerous civilians and give them financial help. For instance, owing to the busy routine of my family we had limited time to sit together but, the theaters and cinema provided a facility to had a family time during weekends where we enjoy together.
In conclusion, even-though people prefer watching amusement showm online we can't neglect the merits of these structures.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.0 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 5.5
The response addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that online entertainment has made physical theatres obsolete, and that cinemas remain economically and culturally vital. The student also provides a personal opinion, stating that theatres hold great importance for national wealth and architecture. However, the development of ideas is somewhat limited and repetitive. For instance, the arguments regarding economic benefits and saving time lack deep extension and rely heavily on generalisations or overly personal anecdotes, such as the mention of a friend's busy schedule or family weekend routines. This positions the task achievement firmly at Band 6.0, as all parts are addressed with relevant ideas, but some points remain under-developed.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 5.5
The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear attempt at paragraphing, separating the introduction, two body paragraphs representing opposing views, and a brief conclusion. Cohesive devices are used to signal transitions, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. However, referencing and cohesion are sometimes faulty or mechanical. For example, the opening sentences contain fragmented clauses ('Debate between the imporatane... But it still hold...'), which disrupts the logical flow. Additionally, paragraph transitions lack subtle progression, leading to a somewhat choppy structure. Overall, the organizational framework is adequate for a Band 6.0 score.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, allowing the student to communicate their main ideas about online entertainment and physical cinemas. There are noticeable spelling and word-choice errors, such as 'imporatane' instead of importance, 'fim cinema' instead of film cinema, 'advance period' instead of advanced era, and 'occupation' instead of employment. While the student attempts less common vocabulary ('mesmerized', 'financial stability'), inaccuracies in collocation and word form are frequent. These errors do not seriously impede communication, but they prevent the response from achieving a higher band, placing it squarely at Band 5.5.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.0
The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, though attempts at complex structures are frequently marred by grammatical errors. For instance, sentence fragments and incorrect verb agreements are common, as seen in 'even-though people prefer online watching. But it still hold a great importance' and 'if these enjoying places are present then, it will attract'. Punctuation is also problematic, with unnecessary commas separating dependent and independent clauses. While the meaning remains mostly clear despite the errors, the frequency of structural slips restricts the grammatical score to Band 5.0.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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