Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-25

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)

Some individuals contend that theatres and cinemas are becoming obsolete as people can access diverse leisure activities online. Others believe that theatres and cinemas are still essential both financially and culturally. This essay will discuss both views and argue that theatres and cinemas remain indispensable in the modern era. Because individuals face daily challenges, visiting these recreational spaces allows them to unwind and recharge. Moreover, these types of venues play a vital role in the local economy and cultural wellbeing.

Admittedly, those who emphasize that in today’s life every person has access to leisure amenities over the internet are justified in their argument. Those who prefer to stay indoors can comfortably enjoy entertainment at home, as they have immediate access to a wide range of digital content. Consequently, they can save time and money.

On the other hand, I strongly align with the view that physical venues remain essential. In today’s high-pressure environment, whether one is a student or a corporate professional, finding time for loved ones is difficult. These kinds of hubs bring people together and allow them to spend quality time which they miss every day. By going to such establishments people feel more energetic and recharged. For instance, during the lockdowns, people were unable to visit public recreational spaces. Even though they had full access to home entertainment via the internet, studies revealed that isolation significantly increased stress levels.

Secondly, these kinds of buildings boost the economy and culture. On one hand, they generate revenue from tickets and at the same time they provide jobs to local workers. Moreover, by creating such spaces they offer an authentic platform to artists and preserve their artwork. This creates a sense of community and cultural identity. For example, the Sydney Opera house, plays a crucial role in the economy as well as becoming a landmark and a tourist spot.

In conclusion, both the perspectives which talk about the need of traditional theatres and the opposite one are acceptable but in my opinion having such buildings is a necessity for our good relationships and mental health. Moreover, our culture becomes rich and the economy boosts as well.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that theatres and cinemas are obsolete due to online entertainment, and that they remain essential economically and culturally. The writer also clearly states their own opinion in the introduction and reiterates it in the conclusion. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as referencing the isolation during lockdowns and mentioning the Sydney Opera House. The response demonstrates a clear position throughout, aligning well with the Band 7 descriptors.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response is logically organised with a clear overall progression. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from the introduction to the opposing view, the writer's perspective, and the economic/cultural arguments. Cohesive devices such as 'Admittedly', 'On the other hand', 'For instance', and 'Secondly' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and effectively, fulfilling the requirements for a Band 7 score.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary that allows for flexibility and precision, employing appropriate terms such as 'obsolete', 'indispensable', 'leisure amenities', and 'cultural wellbeing'. There are attempts to use less common items with general awareness of style and collocation, although minor stylistic infelicities appear, such as 'for our good relationships' instead of 'for our personal relationships'. Spelling and word choice errors are rare and do not impede communication, placing the text solidly in the Band 7 category.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer employs a variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional and relative clauses, such as 'In today’s high-pressure environment, whether one is a student or a corporate professional, finding time for loved ones is difficult.' There is a high frequency of error-free sentences, and good control of grammar and punctuation is maintained throughout. Minor errors are sparse and non-systematic, which justifies a strong Band 7 score.

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