Band 5.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-13

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 5.0)

During the technological age, many argue that cinemas and theatres are no longer important due to the availability of entertainment online while others believe that cinemas and theatres provide economical and cultural importance. I will be exploring both views and explain why I believe online entertainment outweighs cinemas and theatres.

On the one hand, cinemas and threatres have existed throughout history and represented an integral part of our culture. Experiencing live performances in threatres allowed us to engage with the characters, share emotions, and appreciate the different aspects of art, including the performance and music. Since then people mingled with arts which boosted our economy financially. Moreover, nowadays, people started to pay more for the best experience such as 3D screen cinemas or special sound effects.

On the other hand, the growing population posed a challenge cinema and theatre access. Every

venue are crowded all the time and requires reversing seats weeks beforehand and follow the venue's scheduling . Meanwhile, online platforms allows instant access to movies and tv shows where ever and whenever you are. For example, due to my long work schedule, the only time I have to watch a movie is late at night, which is convienent as no other venue can accomodate me at that time. Furthermore, online platforms for monthly subscription for many different variety of tv shows and movies at a much cheaper price than cinemas or theatres.

In conclusion,

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 4.5

You address both sides of the discussion and state a clear preference for online entertainment, supported by a personal example about watching films late at night. However, the response only partially fulfils the task: the cultural and economic importance of theatres is mentioned, but the economic point (“boosted our economy financially”) is unclear and not explained, while the opposing view receives little development. Your conclusion is left unfinished, so your opinion is not brought together or reinforced at the end. The response is also 14 words below the required minimum, which limits the space available to develop and support your ideas. Explain the economic and cultural benefits more precisely, develop the online-access argument, and complete the conclusion with a concise restatement of your position.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5.0

The response has a recognisable structure: an introduction, two body paragraphs presenting contrasting views, and an attempted conclusion. The signposts “On the one hand” and “On the other hand” help readers identify the discussion’s two sides, and the personal example is placed within the paragraph about online access. However, progression is uneven: the first body paragraph moves from live performance to cultural engagement and then to economic benefits without clearly connecting those points. Some links are awkward, such as “Since then people mingled with arts,” and the final paragraph contains only “In conclusion,” leaving the essay without a completed ending. Use clearer links between each claim and its explanation, and finish with a conclusion that summarises both the comparison and your view.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.0

You use some topic-relevant vocabulary, including “live performances,” “characters,” “special sound effects,” “instant access,” and “monthly subscription.” These choices make the subject clear, but the range is limited and several word choices or collocations are inaccurate or imprecise. For example, “economical and cultural importance” is less natural than describing economic and cultural value, while “boosted our economy financially” does not clearly express the intended idea. There are also spelling errors in “threatres,” “convienent,” and “accomodate,” and “different variety” is redundant. Aim for precise collocations and check spelling; this will make your arguments sound more natural and reduce moments when the reader has to infer your meaning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 5.0

You attempt both simple and more complex sentence forms, including a relative clause in “where no other venue can accommodate me at that time” and a contrast between venue-based and online viewing. However, errors occur frequently, and some sentences are difficult to follow. Examples include “Every venue are crowded” (subject–verb agreement), “online platforms allows” (agreement), and “requires reversing seats weeks beforehand and follow” (inconsistent verb forms and unclear construction). The opening also says “I will be exploring both views and explain,” where the verb forms do not match. Practise checking agreement, parallel verb structures, and complete sentence construction. Shortening or restructuring the less controlled sentences would help you communicate your ideas more clearly.

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