Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-08-12

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 8.0)

People have different views about whether films should be watched on personal devices or in cinemas. While some believe that smartphones and tablets have made cinemas unnecessary, others think that watching a film in a cinema provides a better experience. In my opinion, although personal devices offer greater convenience, films are more enjoyable when watched in a cinema.

On the one hand, many people prefer watching films on their phones or tablets because it is more convenient and affordable. Viewers can watch their favourite movies at any time and from any location without having to travel to a cinema. For example, people can enjoy a film at home after work and pause it whenever they need to complete other responsibilities. As a result, they can save both time and money. Furthermore, online streaming services provide easy access to a wide variety of films, allowing viewers to choose what they want to watch according to their personal preferences.

On the other hand, some people argue that films can be fully enjoyed only in a cinema because it provides a more immersive experience. Large screens, high-quality sound systems, and a suitable atmosphere allow viewers to become more involved in the story. For instance, action or science-fiction films with impressive visual effects are generally more entertaining on a large cinema screen than on a small mobile device. Moreover, there are usually fewer distractions in a cinema, which allows people to concentrate fully on the film. In my opinion, these factors make cinemas a better choice for people who want to experience a film at its best.

In conclusion, while watching films on phones and tablets is convenient and affordable, cinemas provide a more immersive and enjoyable experience. I believe that cinemas remain valuable because they allow audiences to appreciate films more fully.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the convenience of personal devices and the immersive quality of the cinema—while maintaining a consistent personal position throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, with relevant examples such as the ability to pause films at home versus the impact of high-quality sound systems in a theatre. The structure is logical, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments presented. To reach a higher band, you could further extend the discussion by briefly considering the social aspect of cinema-going, which would add even more depth to your analysis.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is well-organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different arguments. The flow of information is logical and easy to follow, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'immersive experience', 'impressive visual effects', and 'personal preferences' are used accurately. The language is natural and precise, allowing for clear communication of your ideas. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical control is strong, and there are no significant errors in word choice or spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The response displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of 'While' clauses and conditional-like structures ('if...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to support the clarity of your arguments. There is a consistent level of control throughout the text, and the minor slips are rare and do not impede communication in any way. This demonstrates a solid grasp of English grammar.

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