Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · Cambridge IELTS 13 · 2026-09-25

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 8.5)

There is no doubt that technology has changed how we watch films. While some people argue that streaming on phones and tablets has made cinemas unnecessary, others believe the cinema experience cannot be replaced. This essay will discuss both views before giving my own opinion.

On the one hand, watching films on personal devices has clear advantages. The most obvious is convenience and cost. A subscription to a streaming service costs less than a single family trip to the cinema, and it allows people to watch any film at any time, at home, on the bus, or during a lunch break. There is also choice. Platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime offer thousands of films from different countries and time periods that would never be shown in a local cinema. For people living in small towns like Jamnagar, where cinemas may not show independent or foreign films, this is a huge benefit. Furthermore, phones and tablets give the viewer control - they can pause, rewind, or add subtitles.

On the other hand, supporters of the cinema argue that films are designed to be seen on the big screen. Cinema offers an immersive experience that a small screen cannot match. The large screen, dark room, and powerful surround sound make action films, science fiction, and epics far more exciting. For example, watching a film like _Dune_ or _Avatar_ on a phone loses most of its visual impact. Secondly, cinema is a social activity. Going to the cinema with friends or family, queuing for popcorn, and laughing or crying together with a full audience creates a shared emotion. This collective experience makes the film more memorable. At home, we are easily distracted by messages or household chores.

In my opinion, while mobile viewing is practical for everyday entertainment, it will not and should not replace the cinema. Films are a form of art, and like art, they are best appreciated in the environment they were created for.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—the advantages of streaming on phones and tablets versus the irreplaceable nature of the cinema experience—and clearly states a personal opinion throughout. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as comparing the cost and convenience of streaming services with the immersive big-screen experience of films like Dune or Avatar. The local example of Jamnagar adds a realistic touch to the discussion on access to foreign films. The position is maintained logically from the introduction through to the conclusion, meeting all requirements of the prompt effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear overall progression. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from an introduction to the two opposing views and finally the writer's conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Furthermore' are used appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments without feeling mechanical. Paragraphing is skilfully handled, and referencing is clear throughout the text, ensuring seamless transitions between ideas.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary range suited to the task, incorporating appropriate terms such as 'convenience,' 'independent or foreign films,' 'immersive experience,' and 'collective experience.' Less common lexical items are used effectively with good awareness of collocation, such as 'visual impact' and 'shared emotion.' Word choice and spelling are precise throughout, with only natural and fluent phrasing employed, which easily satisfies the criteria for a higher band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.5

The text displays a wide variety of complex sentence structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are completely error-free, and the writer demonstrates strong control over punctuation, subordinate clauses, and relative clauses (e.g., 'films from different countries and time periods that would never be shown in a local cinema'). Minor slips are virtually non-existent, and grammar never impedes communication, reflecting a high level of grammatical command.

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