Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-09

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 7.5)

The debate over the relevance of traditional cinemas and theatres in the digital era is intensifying. While some argue that the ubiquity of online streaming renders physical venues obsolete, others contend that these institutions remain vital for both economic stability and cultural preservation. This essay will examine both perspectives before arguing that the unique value of live performance and communal viewing ensures their continued importance.

Proponents of digital entertainment emphasize its accessibility and affordability. Online platforms offer a vast library of content at a fraction of the cost of cinema tickets, making entertainment inclusive for lower-income groups. Furthermore, the convenience of watching films on personal devices allows individuals to curate their own schedules, free from the constraints of fixed showtimes. For many, the ability to pause, rewind, and choose from global content libraries makes digital consumption a superior alternative to traditional outings.

However, dismissing cinemas and theatres overlooks their profound economic and cultural roles. Economically, these venues support a wide ecosystem of jobs, from actors and technicians to hospitality staff in surrounding areas. Culturally, they serve as communal hubs where shared experiences foster social cohesion. Unlike solitary screen time, attending a play or film premiere offers an immersive, collective emotional experience that cannot be replicated at home. Moreover, local theatres often preserve national heritage through indigenous plays and historical narratives, playing a crucial role in maintaining cultural identity.

In conclusion, while online entertainment provides undeniable convenience and cost-effectiveness, it cannot replace the economic contributions and cultural significance of cinemas and theatres. These venues offer irreplaceable social and artistic value. Therefore, rather than becoming obsolete, traditional entertainment spaces should be viewed as essential components of a diverse cultural landscape.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both sides of the argument—the convenience of digital platforms versus the economic and cultural value of physical venues—and provided a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, with specific examples such as the mention of 'hospitality staff' and 'indigenous plays' to support your points. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the arguments are logically extended, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the opposing views and your own opinion is smooth. You make effective use of cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore,' 'However,' and 'In conclusion,' which guide the reader through your argument without being repetitive or mechanical. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary, using terms like 'ubiquity,' 'renders,' 'profound,' and 'communal hubs' accurately and naturally. The language is precise and appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary used effectively conveys your ideas with nuance and clarity. This level of lexical control is consistent with a high band score.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types. The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability. You demonstrate excellent control over tense and subject-verb agreement. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the writing flows with a high degree of grammatical sophistication.

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