Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-30
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)
In recent years, there has been a growing debate about whether theatres and cinemas are still relevant in contemporary world. Some believe that these venues are no longer necessary because of online platforms, while others argue that such places are still important. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I maintain that these physical entertainment places are essential for economic and cultural perspectives.
On the one hand, people are now relying on digital devices for entertainment because of convenience. Mobile phones, televisions and laptops are providing the same programs and movies with more comfort. In busy schedule, individuals are not require to buy expensive tickets and spend time and money to visit cinemas. The fixed salaried persons may not afford to book tickets. Moreover, online platforms provide facility to watch their favourite shows by doing some other tasks. Likewise they are not bound to watch full movie in one sitting. Therefore, a large number of individuals have shifted towards online sources for entertainment purposes.
On the other hand, cinemas and theatres still important for many reasons. One of the major reasons is that it is responsible for economic benefits. Such entertainment places provide employment opportunities to staff, technicians and actors. For example, in India, cinemas and theatres are the source of job for large group of the youth.
In addition, physical venues often promotes the local music, arts and cultural performances which plays a significant role in preserving country's heritage. Furthermore the experience of big-screens and high-quality voice can not be enjoyed in homes. Similarly, the live performances and direct interaction with performers on theatres can not be experienced by online sources.
In conclusion, although online platforms are more convenient and affordable compared to theatres and cinemas, I believe that these venues are essential for both economic and cultural values. This is because these places are still relevant for entertainment purposes in digital age.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 5.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 5.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 5.5 |
| Overall | 5.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5
The student addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on the relevance of theatres and cinemas in the digital age and clearly presenting a personal opinion. The position is maintained throughout the essay. The ideas are generally relevant and extended, such as mentioning economic benefits through employment and cultural preservation through local performances. However, some arguments remain slightly under-developed, for instance, the reference to India lacks a more elaborate explanation. Overall, the response meets the criteria for Band 6.5 or a solid Band 6, successfully presenting a well-structured argument with sufficient support.
Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0
The essay displays a coherent overall arrangement with a clear introduction, body paragraphs addressing each side of the argument, and a conclusion. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. Cohesive devices are employed to guide the reader, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In conclusion'. However, referencing and transitions are at times mechanical or slightly faulty, as seen in phrases like 'Furthermore the experience of big-screens' lacking punctuation and occasional awkward transitions between sentences. Nevertheless, the logical progression is clear throughout the text, warranting a Band 6.5.
Lexical Resource: Band 5.5
The student demonstrates an adequate vocabulary range for the task, successfully attempting less common items such as 'contemporary world', 'heritage', and 'interaction'. However, there are noticeable inaccuracies in word choice, collocation, and word forms, such as 'fixed salaried persons may not afford', 'venues often promotes' (subject-verb agreement error affecting vocabulary precision), and 'voice' used instead of 'sound'. While these errors do not impede communication, they reflect the characteristics of Band 6 where vocabulary control lacks the flexibility and precision of higher bands.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5
The writing exhibits a mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating attempts at subordination and relative clauses. There are, however, several grammatical errors throughout the text, including article omissions ('in digital age'), preposition errors ('from economic and cultural perspectives' instead of 'from economic and cultural perspectives' or 'for economic and cultural reasons'), and verb tense/form issues ('individuals are not require'). Punctuation is also occasionally neglected, such as missing commas after introductory phrases. These errors do not impede overall communication, placing the response comfortably within the Band 6 descriptor.
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.