Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-20

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)

As the technology keeps growing ever so sophisticated, its implications have been prominent on the reducing importance of theatres and cinemas. Despite this, I firmly believe that theatres and cinemas are still prevalent and continue to hold importance both economically and culturally.

The digital age has rendered online media and entertainment accessible to everyone. This accessibility has translated to reduced audience turnout in the theatres. People generally believe that one can access an online streaming platform like Netflix with monthly subscription that is cheaper than that of ticket costs of the theatres. Additionally, the movies that release in theatres ultimately land on streaming platforms. As a result, people prefer to wait than to spend that money in the theatres. Furthermore, one can stream media on online platforms in the comfort of their home without any consequent stress to purchase ticket, buy expensive food in the cinemas or commute. Many people also attribute the reason for the decline of theatres to the loss of essence in them. The plots and storyline are criticised to be generic and vague without any purposeful message or emotion. All the factors have cumulatively put a strain in on the popularity of theatres and cinemas.

Although these are true, it does not represent the entire picture. I am of the opinion that theatres and cinemas are still popular and vital both economically and culturally. Movies are culturally significant. It showcases different cultures, informs audiences, and knits the society together in subtle ways. For instance, people in India still prefer to go to theatres because movies have historically added to a cultural phenomenon. The movies are generally shot and directed in Mumbai, which is why much of India is aware of Marathi language and cultures, and have also imbibed some norms subconsciously. In addition to this, the box office not only determines the profit for the production house but also of people depending upon it like the spot-boy. The staffs employed in the theatres are also heavily depended on the success of cinemas.

In conclusion, I thoroughly believe that although the prevalance of theatres are diluting, it can near truly wear off. As long as the society keeps evolving and human emotions remain humane, theatres will remain prevalant. Digital age might have transformed the ways in which we consume media, but it has certainly not changed it in entirety.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

You address both views and make your own position clear: online access reduces cinema attendance, but theatres and cinemas retain economic and cultural value. The discussion is relevant, and the Indian film example helps illustrate cultural influence. This meets the task well overall, while some points are less fully developed than others. For example, the economic case is mainly asserted through box-office profits and theatre staff, without explaining the wider effects on jobs, businesses, or local economies. The opposing view could also be balanced more carefully: the criticism of generic plots is presented as a reason for declining attendance, but it is not clearly connected to the broader argument. Develop each main claim with a specific explanation or example to make the response more complete and persuasive.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The response has a clear overall structure: an introduction, a paragraph explaining the case for online entertainment, a paragraph supporting the continuing value of cinemas, and a conclusion. Linking phrases such as “Additionally,” “Furthermore,” and “In addition to this” help signal the sequence of points. The progression is generally easy to follow, though some connections feel mechanical, and the paragraph on cinemas moves quickly from cultural influence to employment. The reference in “All the factors” is broad, and “these” in “Although these are true” could identify the opposing arguments more precisely. Use fewer formulaic transitions and make links between claims explicit—for instance, explain how box-office success supports workers and related businesses.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

You use an adequate range of topic vocabulary, including “streaming platform,” “audience turnout,” “cultural phenomenon,” and “box office,” and the meaning is generally clear. There are also attempts at more formal phrasing, such as “cumulatively put a strain” and “culturally significant.” However, some choices are inaccurate or unnatural, which limits precision: “prevalence” is used where “popularity” or “continued presence” is intended, and “wear off” does not fit the idea that cinemas may eventually disappear. “The staffs employed” and “the plots and storyline” also show problems with word form or collocation. Aim for natural combinations and check spelling, including “prevalence” and “prevalent,” so that ambitious vocabulary remains accurate.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

You use a mix of simple and complex structures, including concessive clauses (“Although these are true”) and relative clauses (“people depending upon it”). Most sentences communicate the intended meaning, but some grammatical errors remain. In “theatres and cinemas are still prevalent,” the adjective does not fit the intended meaning; this is primarily a word-choice issue, but the sentence also needs a clearer subject and claim. There are agreement and article problems in “The staffs employed … are also heavily depended on,” while “the prevalence of theatres are diluting” has a singular subject with a plural verb. The final sentence, “it has certainly not changed it in entirety,” also has unclear pronoun reference. Review agreement, articles, and pronoun reference, and proofread longer sentences for accurate structure.

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