Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-29

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)

There is an ongoing debate regarding the need for theatres and cinemas in this digital era, especially when whatever entertainment people wish to watch can be accessed so easily online. This essay will discuss both perspectives before giving my overall opinions.

It is true that while cinemas and theatres have been around for a long time, they are not really needed anymore as in this economy movie tickets and movie snacks prices have skyrocketed. Due to this reason, people usually prefer to watch the movie or show that they wish to see in the comfort of their own homes where they can access it very easily through the thousands of free online streaming services and save their money. In addition to this, they don't have to take long trips back and forth from the theatre or cinema to their house.

On the other hand, others believe that cinemas hold too much cultural heritage to simply be eliminated and also play a huge role in this economy. Moreover, a wide range of people prefer going to cinemas to enjoy movies on the release date on a huge screen rather than watching it in their home on a small television screen and believe that the whole atmosphere of a cinema simply cannot be created elsewhere.

In my opionion, both views have their own merits but I belive that cinemas and theatres are still very important even to this day, for those people who think otherwise can simply watch their desired show or movie online.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.5

You address both views and state your position: online viewing is cheaper and more convenient, while cinemas offer cultural value and a distinctive atmosphere; you conclude that cinemas and theatres remain important. However, the discussion is uneven. The case for online entertainment is supported with several practical reasons, whereas the cultural and economic importance of venues is asserted rather than explained. The economic point is not developed with an example of jobs, revenue, or local businesses, and the cultural claim could be illustrated with a specific role theatres play in a community. Your final opinion is also qualified by saying people who disagree can watch online, which does not fully explain why venues remain important. Develop and support both sides more evenly.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.0

The response has a clear overall structure: an introduction, a paragraph for each view, and a concluding opinion. The progression is easy to follow, and signposts such as “On the other hand” and “In my opinion” help readers recognise shifts in argument. Within paragraphs, ideas are generally linked logically—for example, high ticket prices lead to the preference for home viewing. To make the organisation more effective, ensure the conclusion is a distinct, fully developed ending rather than adding a new qualification about people who disagree. Some links, such as “Due to this reason” and “In addition to this,” are somewhat formulaic; clearer links showing cause, contrast, or consequence would make cohesion more flexible.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.0

You use an adequate range of topic vocabulary, including “digital era,” “cultural heritage,” “streaming services,” and “atmosphere,” and the meaning remains clear. There are also attempts at more specific phrasing, such as “on the release date.” However, some choices are imprecise or repetitive: “this economy” does not clearly express the economic importance of venues, and “movie or show” and “watch” recur frequently. Spelling slips in “opionion” and “belive” also reduce accuracy. Aim for more precise collocations and a broader set of terms for venues, audiences, and economic effects, while checking spelling carefully. This would add flexibility and precision to the vocabulary already present.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex structures, including a concession in “while cinemas and theatres have been around for a long time” and a relative clause in “the movie or show that they wish to see.” Most sentences communicate their meaning clearly, and the longer sentences are generally controlled. Some grammatical and punctuation issues remain. In “movie tickets and movie snacks prices,” the plural possessive structure is not formed correctly; “movie ticket and snack prices” would be clearer. The final sentence joins two complete ideas with a comma, creating a comma splice. The opening sentence also has a somewhat awkward “especially when” construction. More consistent control of sentence boundaries and noun phrases would strengthen accuracy while preserving your range.

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