Band 6.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 6.0 · 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 6.0)
Some people argue that the primary purpose of universities should be to prepare students for employment, whereas others believe that higher education should provide students with a broader range of knowledge and skills. Although career preparation is an important function of universities, I believe that higher education should also develop students intellectually and socially.
On the one hand, universities should equip students with the skills required to enter the workforce successfully. The transition from education to employment can be difficult, particularly for graduates who have little practical experience. Therefore, universities can improve students' career prospects by providing industry-relevant knowledge, practical training, and opportunities to apply theoretical concepts in real-world situations. For example, computer science students who work on software projects or complete internships can develop technical and communication skills that are directly relevant to their future careers. As a result, they may be better prepared to meet employers' expectations when they graduate.
On the other hand, universities should not be viewed simply as institutions for producing workers. A broad education can develop critical thinking, creativity, communication skills, and the ability to understand different perspectives. These abilities remain valuable even when graduates change careers or encounter new challenges in the workplace. For instance, a student who studies subjects outside their main specialization may develop a wider understanding of social and economic issues, enabling them to evaluate problems from different perspectives. Consequently, a broader university education can prepare people not only for their first job but also for lifelong learning and participation in society.
In conclusion, while universities should provide students with practical skills and knowledge that improve their employment prospects, their role should extend beyond career preparation. In my view, the most effective university education combines career-oriented training with broader intellectual and personal development.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 3.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 6.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 3.0
The student has written a well-structured essay, but there is a noticeable issue regarding task relevance. The prompt asks about the role of theatres and cinemas in the digital age compared to online entertainment, but the student's text discusses the purpose of universities versus higher education. This means the response is completely off-topic for the actual prompt provided, focusing on an entirely different common IELTS writing task. While the ideas within the student's chosen topic are well-developed and supported with relevant examples like computer science students completing internships, the failure to address the prompt's actual theme of cinemas and theatres severely limits the task achievement score.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5
Despite being off-topic regarding the prompt, the essay itself demonstrates a high level of internal cohesion and logical organisation. The text features a clear introduction with a stated position, followed by two well-developed body paragraphs exploring opposing views ("On the one hand", "On the other hand"), and a logical conclusion. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively to guide the reader through the arguments, such as "Therefore", "For example", and "As a result". Paragraphing is handled appropriately, with each main idea receiving its own dedicated paragraph. The overall structural flow is clear and demonstrates strong organisational control.
Lexical Resource: Band 6.5
The student displays a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suitable for academic discourse. Less common lexical items are used with good awareness of style and collocation, such as "equip students with the skills", "industry-relevant knowledge", "theoretical concepts", and "lifelong learning". Word choices are generally precise and natural throughout the text. Spelling and word formation are accurate. While the vocabulary is topic-specific to higher education rather than entertainment venues, the linguistic resource demonstrated within the writing itself is robust and accomplished.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5
The essay exhibits a wide range of complex grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly. The student successfully employs subordinate clauses, conditional elements, and participial phrases, such as "particularly for graduates who have little practical experience" and "enabling them to evaluate problems from different perspectives." The majority of sentences are error-free, showing excellent control over punctuation, verb tenses, and agreement. The grammatical control is strong and supports the smooth delivery of the writer's arguments without any noticeable strain for the reader.
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