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, establishments of this nature 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. Such cultural venues 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 types of physical venues 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, although online entertainment offers convenience, I am convinced that theatres and cinemas remain irreplaceable due to their profound social, cultural, and economic contributions.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The introduction clearly outlines both views and presents a well-defined personal stance that theatres and cinemas remain indispensable. Each body paragraph explores a distinct aspect of the prompt, such as the social benefits, psychological relief, economic impact, and cultural preservation. For example, the writer contrasts the convenience of online streaming with the psychological drawbacks of isolation during lockdowns, and supports the economic argument by citing the Sydney Opera House as a landmark and tourist attraction. The ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, demonstrating a clear and comprehensive understanding of the prompt. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 7.0 descriptors, as all parts are addressed with a clear position throughout.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently structured, moving smoothly from the introduction to counterarguments, supporting arguments, and a concise conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a specific theme. Cohesive devices such as 'Admittedly', 'On the other hand', 'Moreover', and 'For instance' are employed effectively to guide the reader through the argument, although referencing is sometimes slightly mechanical. There is a logical flow from discussing individual benefits to examining broader economic and cultural impacts. This demonstrates the characteristics of Band 7 for coherence and cohesion.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision, suitable for an academic response. Less common lexical items such as 'obsolete', 'indispensable', 'recreational spaces', and 'cultural wellbeing' are used appropriately. There is also good collocation control, seen in phrases like 'high-pressure environment' and 'sense of community'. While there are a few minor lexical choices or slight repetitions—such as repeating 'such spaces' or 'establishments of this nature'—these do not impede communication. The vocabulary is generally accurate and demonstrates a solid command of language appropriate for a Band 7 score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The writer demonstrates a good control of grammar and punctuation, utilising a variety of complex structures alongside simple forms. Examples of complex sentences include conditional clauses and participial phrases, such as 'Even though they had full access to home entertainment via the internet, studies revealed that...'. There are frequent error-free sentences, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While minor errors occasionally persist—such as the missing article in 'Sydney Opera house'—they are infrequent and do not impede communication. The grammatical range and accuracy consistently meet the criteria for a Band 7 performance.

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