Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-01
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 7.0)
A number of people argue that with the introduction of online entertainment services, theatres and cinemas will no longer be relevant, while others believe that people will still visit the theatre for the overall experience. Although online services are more cost-effective, I firmly believe that watching a movie in a theatre is an irreplaceable and immersive experience.
Watching movies and series online is not only convenient but also budget-friendly. A single monthly subscription can grant viewers unlimited access to movies across different genres. Additionally, since there are no time constraints, viewers can watch anything at any time based on their leisure time. Furthermore, they can play and pause shows, allowing them to take multiple breaks in between. For instance, if an urgent task arises while watching a movie on Netflix, users can simply pause the film and save it to watch later. Despite these advantages, I believe home viewing often lacks the scale and atmosphere of a cinematic screening.
On the other hand, cinemas provide an atmospheric experience to the viewers. Modern theatres are equipped with high-resolution 8K projectors and Dolby Atmos sound systems that evoke powerful emotions. Additionally, some movies are shot in IMAX; in order to experience them properly, you need to watch them in an IMAX theatre. To add to this, theatres also provide various formats to watch a film, such as 4DX, 3D, and Infinity Vision. This technology elevates the entire viewing event.
In conclusion, while watching films online saves time and money, people miss out on the overall experience of the cinema.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response addresses both sides of the argument and provides a clear personal position in the introduction. However, the task requires a discussion of the economic and cultural importance of theatres, which is only partially addressed. While you mention the 'atmospheric experience' and technology, you do not explicitly discuss the economic impact (e.g., job creation, local business support) or the broader cultural significance beyond the individual viewer's enjoyment. The ideas are relevant but remain somewhat superficial. To reach a higher band, ensure that all parts of the prompt—specifically the economic and cultural aspects—are fully developed with specific examples or reasoning.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Additionally,' 'Furthermore,' and 'On the other hand' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The progression of ideas is clear, though the transition between the economic/cultural requirement of the prompt and your focus on technology could be smoother. Overall, the structure is coherent and easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with some precision. Phrases like 'irreplaceable and immersive experience,' 'cost-effective,' and 'high-resolution' show a good command of topic-specific language. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To improve, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items to demonstrate a wider range. For instance, instead of 'various formats,' you could use 'diverse cinematic formats' or 'technological advancements in projection.'
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'Although online services are more cost-effective, I firmly believe that watching a movie in a theatre is an irreplaceable and immersive experience.' Grammar is generally accurate, and punctuation is handled well. There are very few errors, and those present do not interfere with meaning. To aim for a higher band, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex structures, such as inversion or conditional sentences, to show greater grammatical flexibility.
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