Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-06
IELTS Writing Task 2 question
Some people say that now we can see films on our phones or tablets there is no need to go to the cinema. Others say that to be fully enjoyed, films need to be seen in a cinema.
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)
People differ widely in their opinions regarding how films should be watched. Some argue that modern technology allows films to be enjoyed on mobile phones and tablets, others believe that the cinema remains the best place to fully appreciate a movie. both approaches have their own merits, and the essay will examine each perspective before presenting my own opinion.
On the one hand, those who prefer watching movies on personal devices often do so because of the convenience and flexibility they offer. With smartphones and tablets, individuals can enjoy movies anytime and anywhere, without the need to travel or adhere to cinema schedules. The option is particularly appealing to busy individuals, as it allows them to pause, rewind, or watch films at them own pace. In addition, streaming services provide a wide range of content at a relatively low cost, making home viewing a more affordable alternative to cinema tickets.
On the hand, many people believe that films are best enjoyed in a cinema environment. The large screen, high-quality sound system, and darkened setting create an immersive atmosphere that cannot be replicated on smaller devices. Watching a film in cinema also allows audiences to focus entirely on the movie without distractions, enhancing emotional engagement and overall enjoyment. Furthermore, the shared experience of watching a film with others can make the experience even more memorable.
In my view, while watching movies on personal devices is undoubtedly convenient and economical, the cinema still plays an important role in delivering a complete cinematic experience. A balance approach allows viewers to choose mobile viewing for casual entertainment and the cinema for films rely heavily on visual and sound effects.
In conclusion, watching films on mobile devices provide convenience and flexibility, whereas cinema offer a more immersive and engaging experience. Ultimately, the combination of both allows people to enjoy films in ways that suit different situations and preferences.
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 response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both perspectives and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and well-supported, such as the mention of 'convenience and flexibility' for mobile viewing and 'immersive atmosphere' for cinemas. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the student could further extend the examples, perhaps by contrasting specific film genres that benefit from different viewing environments, which would add more depth to the analysis.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore', which help guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas. The progression of ideas is smooth, and the referencing is generally clear. The structure is coherent, though some transitions could be slightly more sophisticated to achieve a higher level of flow.
Lexical Resource — Band 5.5
The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses relevant terms like 'immersive atmosphere', 'cinematic experience', and 'casual entertainment'. There are some minor inaccuracies, such as 'A balance approach' (should be 'balanced') and 'films rely heavily' (should be 'films that rely heavily'). While the range is adequate, the use of less common lexical items is somewhat limited. Expanding the range of collocations and idiomatic expressions would enhance the lexical quality.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 5.5
The student demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some grammatical slips, such as 'at them own pace' (should be 'at their own pace'), 'On the hand' (missing 'other'), and 'watching films on mobile devices provide' (subject-verb agreement error: 'provides'). Despite these occasional errors, the meaning is never obscured, and the punctuation is generally accurate. The control of grammar is solid, but more consistent accuracy in subject-verb agreement and preposition usage would be beneficial.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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