Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-05
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)
It is argued that the advancement of digital technology has reduced the importance of theatres and cinemas, as people can now access a wide range of entertainment online. However, others believe that these venues continue to play a vital role in supporting the economy and preserving cultural heritage. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I believe that theatres and cinemas remain important despite the increasing popularity of online entertainment.
On the one hand, many people believe that online platforms have made theatres and cinemas less necessary. Streaming services allow users to watch films, plays, and live performances anytime and anywhere using smartphones, tablets, or televisions. In addition, online entertainment is often more affordable than purchasing cinema or theatre tickets, making it an attractive option for families and young people. As a result, many traditional entertainment venues have experienced a decline in audience numbers.
On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to play an essential role in society. They create employment opportunities for actors, directors, technicians, and many other professionals, contributing significantly to the local economy. Furthermore, theatres are important for preserving cultural traditions by presenting historical dramas, classical performances, and local art forms that cannot be fully appreciated through a screen. Watching a performance in person also provides a unique atmosphere and emotional connection between performers and audiences, creating an experience that digital platforms cannot easily replicate.
In my opinion, although online entertainment has become increasingly popular because of its convenience and affordability, it should complement rather than replace theatres and cinemas. These venues offer cultural, social, and economic benefits that are difficult to reproduce in a virtual environment. Therefore, governments and communities should continue to support them so that future generations can enjoy authentic artistic experiences while also benefiting from technological advancements.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.0 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response fully addresses all parts of the task. You have clearly presented both sides of the argument and provided a distinct personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the economic and cultural arguments in the third paragraph. The response is balanced and maintains a consistent position throughout. To reach the highest band, you could further extend the examples, perhaps by mentioning a specific type of local theatre or a global trend to add more depth to your supporting arguments.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth. You have used a range of cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'As a result' effectively. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of the argument is easy to follow. The use of referencing is precise, ensuring that the reader is never confused about the subject matter. The structure is highly professional and supports the overall argument well.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You have demonstrated a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'preserving cultural heritage', 'employment opportunities', and 'replicate' show a solid command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately throughout the text. While the range is sufficient and precise, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the response further. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('although online entertainment has become... it should complement...') and participial phrases. The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance clarity. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. Because the writing is consistently accurate and uses a variety of structures, it meets the criteria for a high band score.
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