Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-24
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)
Some people think that in this modern age, theatres and cinemas are not good for future generations because they are just a waste of time, while other people think that theatres and cinemas are the only ways to get enjoyment in their stressful lives. This essay will discuss both views and explain why theatres and cinemas are no longer important, as people can watch all the entertainment they want online, as well as why theatres and cinemas are still important both economically and culturally.
On the one hand, people in the modern era think that there are many online platforms that are enough to provide entertainment. However, they prefer not to watch movies in theatres and cinemas because people nowadays tend to focus on their studies and careers to make their lives convenient and when they become parents they help their children develop skills and gain knowledge.
On the other hand, adults think theatres and cinemas are the only ways to get information about the economy and culture because there are many experienced directors who have various types of experience and they share their experience with the modern generation through their movies.
In conclusion, some people prefer not to watch movies in theatres and cinemas because people nowadays tend to focus on their studies and careers to improve their lives, and when they become parents, they help their children develop skills and gain knowledge. However, adults think that theatres and cinemas are the only ways to get information about the economy and culture. In my opinion, although online platforms provide convenient entertainment, theatres and cinemas are still important because they provide valuable cultural experiences and entertainment.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 5.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views regarding whether theatres and cinemas are obsolete or still important, and provides a clear personal opinion in the conclusion. However, the development of ideas in the body paragraphs is somewhat repetitive and lacks depth. For instance, the argument about why people prefer online platforms simply reiterates that they focus on careers and parenting without exploring why streaming specifically replaces physical venues. The counter-argument similarly relies on general statements about experienced directors sharing cultural perspectives without giving specific examples. While a clear position is maintained throughout, the ideas remain somewhat limited and under-developed, aligning best with Band 6.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.5
The essay presents a coherent overall arrangement with a clear introduction, separate body paragraphs for each view, and a conclusive summary containing the writer's stance. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion' are used to signpost the structure. However, referencing and paragraph transitions are sometimes mechanical and repetitive, particularly in the conclusion where sentences from the body paragraphs are duplicated almost verbatim. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints, but the overall logical progression within the body paragraphs is hindered by redundancy, placing this performance at Band 6.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student uses an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, touching on relevant themes such as 'digital age', 'stressful lives', and 'cultural experiences'. There are attempts to use less common expressions, but word choice and collocation are sometimes basic or imprecise, such as 'good for future generations' and 'the only ways to get enjoyment'. Furthermore, there is noticeable repetition of vocabulary across the essay, particularly phrases like 'focus on their studies and careers' and 'help their children develop skills and gain knowledge'. Spelling and word formation are generally accurate, meaning communication is never impeded. These characteristics reflect a Band 6 lexical level.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The essay demonstrates a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, featuring multi-clause sentences such as 'Some people think that in this modern age, theatres and cinemas are not good for future generations because they are just a waste of time...' There are some grammatical errors and awkward phrasings, such as missing articles and overly long, run-on sentences that lack punctuation control, but these errors rarely impede overall communication. The control over complex structures is variable, with some attempts resulting in slightly clunky syntax. As the writing exhibits a reasonable mix of structures alongside some recurring errors that do not block understanding, a Band 6 is appropriate.
See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.
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