Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-29

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)

Cinema is a place to go for entertainment purpose with friends or family,while online streaming platforms offer unprecedented convenience, traditional theatres and cinemas remain essential for their economic contributions and cultural value.

Proponents of digital streaming argue that physical venues are obsolete. Online services provide instant access to vast libraries of movies and performances from home at a fraction of the cost. The flexibility to pause, rewind, and watch anytime suits modern busy lifestyles, making traditional cinema visits seem unnecessary for basic entertainment needs.

Conversely, traditional venues hold immense cultural and social value. Attending a movie or play provides a shared communal experience that streaming cannot replicate—reacting together with a live audience deepens emotional engagement. Furthermore, live theatre is an irreplaceable art form where performers interact dynamically with viewers. Culturally, local cinemas and playhouses serve as community hubs that foster local talent and preserve artistic heritage.

Economically, these venues are critical drivers of local commerce. A functioning cinema or theatre supports diverse job markets, including stage production, hospitality, security, and facility maintenance. Moreover, ticket sales generate substantial tax revenue, and patrons often patronize nearby restaurants and transportation services, boosting surrounding local businesses.

In conclusion, while digital streaming satisfies everyday convenience, physical theatres and cinemas remain indispensable. I firmly believe their cultural significance as shared spaces and their economic role in supporting local economies ensure they will continue to be vital in the modern era.

A new relaese often comes to the cinema first, which boosts the economy and is pretty helpful.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The student addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views on the importance of theatres and cinemas in the digital age, while also clearly stating a personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant arguments regarding cultural value and economic contributions, such as supporting local commerce and serving as community hubs. The main body paragraphs explore both sides logically. Although there is a stray sentence appended at the very end of the essay ('A new relaese often comes to the cinema first...'), it largely aligns with the discussion. The task is successfully covered, earning a solid band score for this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from introduction to the digital streaming perspective, the cultural value of traditional venues, economic impacts, and a summarizing conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively to guide the reader, such as 'Proponents of digital streaming argue', 'Conversely', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring that ideas are grouped logically. Referencing is generally clear, and the overall progression is well maintained, reflecting the descriptors for a band 7.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for the task, demonstrating some flexibility and precision with terms like 'unprecedented convenience', 'obsolete', 'communal experience', and 'irreplaceable art form'. There is an awareness of style and collocation, using uncommon lexical items effectively (e.g., 'foster local talent', 'critical drivers of local commerce'). There is a minor spelling slip towards the end ('relaese'), but overall, lexical control is good. The vocabulary adequately conveys complex ideas without impeding communication, fitting comfortably into the band 7 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional or participial clauses and compound-complex sentences (e.g., 'Attending a movie or play provides a shared communal experience that streaming cannot replicate—reacting together with a live audience deepens emotional engagement.'). The majority of sentences are grammatically accurate, showing good control over punctuation and syntax. While there is a minor spelling slip in the final appended sentence, grammar errors are very infrequent and do not impede communication. This demonstrates the strong command typical of a band 7 performance.

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.