Hustlers IELTS | Cambridge IELTS 13 (General Training Test 3) | Discuss Both Views + Opinion (Band 7–9)
This is a high-scoring “Discuss both views” question because it’s real life, familiar, and easy to personalise. But don’t get comfortable — this task still demands discipline.
To score Band 7+, you must:
- develop both views properly (not two weak sentences each)
- give a clear opinion (not “both are good” and stop)
- avoid listing too many ideas without explanation
The Task (Cambridge IELTS 13, GT Test 3)
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.
The Smart Position (What Makes This Essay Strong)
A mature answer here is not extreme. It’s realistic:
- Phones/tablets are convenient and offer huge choice.
- Cinemas offer immersion and early access to new releases.
- Your opinion can be conditional: it depends on the film genre and the social experience.
That’s not fence-sitting. That’s intelligent evaluation.
Band 7–9 Model Essay
Now that mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets have become more powerful and affordable, there is some debate as to whether there is a need any longer to go to the cinema to watch movies.
It’s certainly true that going to the cinema is not essential. The versatility and portability of these devices mean you can easily watch films while lying on your bed at home, sitting in a cafe or commuting to work or college. Moreover, online services such as Netflix provide low-cost and rapid access to a vast catalogue of movies, whereas cinemas only screen a handful of films at any one time.
However, there are strong arguments in favour of going to the cinema, foremost of which is that modern cinemas, such as IMAX, offer surround sound systems and huge screens, meaning that moviegoers are immersed in a movie, an experience that cannot be replicated by mobile devices. In addition, new movie releases tend to be exclusive to cinema chains, so if you want to watch the latest Bond or Batman movie on your tablet, you may have a long wait.
Personally, I think that while there are clear arguments for both views, someone’s preferences are likely to be influenced by the kind of movie they want to watch. Sci-fi and action movies, for example, are far more enjoyable in a cinema because of the special effects they include, whereas gentle romantic comedies or biopics can easily be enjoyed on a tablet or phone. It also depends on whether you want to watch movies with friends: it’s simply much easier to watch them together in a cinema rather than huddled over a small screen with a tiny speaker.
(282 words)
Why This Essay Scores High
1) It gives balanced development
- View 1: convenience + access + range
- View 2: immersive tech + latest releases
No wasted sentences. No vague claims.
2) The opinion is clear and nuanced
The writer doesn’t pretend one option fits all. They evaluate by:
- genre (action vs rom-com)
- social setting (friends vs alone)
That’s exactly the kind of reasoning examiners reward.
3) Vocabulary is natural and topic-accurate
No forced synonyms. No memorised phrases. Just precise language.
Strong Vocabulary & Collocations to Reuse
- mobile devices
- more powerful and affordable
- there is some debate as to whether
- not essential
- versatility and portability
- commuting to work or college
- low-cost and rapid access
- a vast catalogue
- screen a handful of films
- strong arguments in favour of
- foremost of which
- surround sound systems
- moviegoers are immersed
- cannot be replicated
- new movie releases
- exclusive to cinema chains
- preferences are likely to be influenced by
- special effects
- biopics
- huddled over a small screen
Hustlers IELTS Final Word
This question is perfect for Band 7–9 — if you stay controlled:
- two clear body paragraphs for both views
- one opinion paragraph that evaluates (not repeats)
- specific, realistic examples