Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-20

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 wide range of entertainment through the internet, including films, television programmes and live performances. As a result, some people believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer necessary. However, others argue that these places continue to have economic and cultural importance. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe theatres and cinemas are still valuable.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why people think theatres and cinemas have become less important. Firstly, online platforms allow people to watch entertainment whenever and wherever they want. For example, streaming services provide thousands of films and television programmes that can be accessed from home using a mobile phone, computer or smart television. This is often more convenient and less expensive than travelling to a cinema or theatre. Secondly, people can avoid additional costs such as transportation, food and entrance fees. Therefore, the availability of online entertainment has significantly changed people's viewing habits.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to play an important role in society. From an economic perspective, they provide employment for many people, including actors, technicians, managers and other workers. They also support businesses such as restaurants, transport services and shops located nearby. From a cultural perspective, theatres provide an opportunity for people to experience live performances and traditional forms of art. Similarly, cinemas offer a shared experience that is very different from watching a film alone at home. Going to the cinema can also be an important social activity for families and friends.

In my opinion, although online entertainment is convenient and has reduced people's dependence on cinemas and theatres, these places are still important. Digital platforms are useful for individual entertainment, whereas theatres and cinemas provide social experiences and support the cultural and creative industries. Therefore, rather than becoming completely unnecessary, they are likely to continue alongside online entertainment.

In conclusion, the internet has made entertainment more convenient and accessible, which has reduced the need for some people to visit theatres and cinemas. Nevertheless, these places continue to provide economic benefits, cultural value and valuable social experiences. For these reasons, I believe they remain important in the digital age.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—the decline of theatres and cinemas due to online entertainment and their ongoing economic and cultural importance—while also presenting a clear and well-developed personal opinion throughout the essay. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the convenience of streaming services and the specific economic contributions of theatres and cinemas to local businesses and employment. The position is consistently maintained from the introduction through the body paragraphs to the conclusion. The response meets all requirements for Band 7, showing strong overall development and clear focus.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction, followed by balanced body paragraphs addressing each side of the argument and the writer's opinion, and ending with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Firstly', 'Secondly', and 'Therefore' are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the structure supports the overall progression of ideas.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully incorporating less common lexical items such as 'economic perspective', 'cultural value', 'viewing habits', and 'independent entertainment'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate and natural, contributing to smooth communication. While there are a few slightly repetitive phrases like 'online entertainment' and 'theatres and cinemas', the vocabulary is adequate to convey precise meanings and demonstrate a good level of control, fitting comfortably within the Band 7 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The response exhibits a good variety of complex structures, such as concessive clauses ('although online entertainment is convenient...') and relative clauses ('that can be accessed from home...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation. Complex structures are attempted with good accuracy, and occasional minor flaws do not impede communication or cause confusion for the reader. This performance aligns well with the criteria for Band 7.

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.