Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-08

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)

Nowadays, people can access all type of entertainment through internet with just one click and can watch all type of entertainment at home stress free.

Some people say that theatres and cinema are now no longer important beacuse we can watch all the entertainment at home on apps like Youtube, Netflix and Apple Tv. We do not have to travel to theatres and cinemas at specific time to watch movies or plays we can watch it anytime of the day comfortably.

For example, We often see some movie which is released in cinemas and it did not do well in terms of box office collection but the same movie then released in online streaming platforms and it becomes a massive hit becuase people like to explore new movies or plays and it can also accessable to people of all ages.

There are many people who argue that although cinemas and theatres are not very popular now but they are still very important economically and culturally as well.

This side of society believes that theatres and cinemas were important part of our culture in the past and their importance should not fade with time. In past, whenever people wanted to spend some quality time with their families or friends they usually go to the cinemas and theatres for entertainment and there was also the craze of much awaited movies or plays and they can also relate to movies and plays more.

One more thing cinemas and theatres also played an important role in country's economy as people buy tickets in order to watch a play or movie.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

You address both views: online viewing is presented as convenient and flexible, while cinemas and theatres are linked to cultural tradition and ticket revenue. The streaming example also gives some support to the first view. However, the discussion remains limited and several points are asserted rather than explained—for instance, the claim that audiences “can also relate to movies and plays more” is unclear, and the economic point is reduced to people buying tickets without explaining wider effects such as employment or local businesses. Most importantly, your own opinion is not stated clearly, even though the task asks you to give one. Make your position explicit in the introduction or conclusion, then develop each side with a specific reason and example.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a recognisable structure: it introduces online entertainment, discusses its advantages, and then turns to the case for cinemas and theatres. Paragraph breaks help distinguish the two views, and phrases such as “For example” and “One more thing” signal additions. However, the progression is not fully controlled: the final paragraph ends without a conclusion or a clear statement of your position, and some links between ideas are abrupt. The repeated use of “Some people say,” “There are many people who argue,” and “This side of society believes” makes the organisation feel formulaic. Use clearer topic sentences, connect examples directly to the point they support, and finish by summarising both views and your judgement.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

You use enough topic-related vocabulary to communicate the main ideas, including “online streaming platforms,” “box office collection,” “economically,” and “culturally.” These terms show some range beyond basic everyday language. However, wording is often repetitive, especially “entertainment,” “movies,” and “theatres and cinemas,” and several choices or forms are inaccurate, such as “all type of entertainment,” “stress free,” and “accessable.” Some expressions are also imprecise: “relate to movies and plays more” does not clearly convey the intended benefit. Aim for more precise collocations and vary repeated terms—for example, use “streaming services,” “film venues,” or “live performances” where appropriate. Proofread spelling and word forms so errors do not distract from your ideas.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.5

You attempt both simple and more complex sentences, including a contrast clause beginning “although cinemas and theatres are not very popular now” and a reason clause with “because.” The main meaning is generally understandable, but errors recur in sentence structure, agreement, articles, and punctuation. For example, “we can watch it anytime” shifts from plural “movies or plays” to singular “it,” while “they usually go” does not maintain the past-time framing of “In past.” The opening sentence also joins two independent ideas with “and” without clear punctuation, and “there was also the craze ... and they can also relate” mixes structures and tenses. Practise consistent tense and agreement, and divide long sentences into clearer units while retaining some complex forms.

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.