Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-10

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 digital age has revolutionized content consumption, leading some to argue that traditional theatres and cinemas are completely obsolete. While online streaming services offer unprecedented convenience, I believe physical venues remain culturally and economically vital because they provide unique communal experiences and generate substantial local revenue.On the one hand, the shift toward online entertainment platforms is driven by convenience and cost-effectiveness. Streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+ grant users instant access to massive libraries of movies and documentaries from the comfort of their homes. This digital transition eliminates the need for expensive ticket purchases, commuting, and fixed scheduling. Consequently, for busy individuals or families on a budget, home streaming has naturally become the primary and most practical medium for daily entertainment.On the other hand, physical venues offer irreplaceable cultural and economic benefits. Culturally, watching a film or a live play in a dark room with a crowd creates a shared emotional connection and a sense of community that home viewing cannot replicate. This immersive experience is why major cultural festivals still rely heavily on physical attendance. Economically, cinemas and theatres are crucial anchors for local commercial districts. They stimulate urban economies by creating thousands of jobs in hospitality, maintenance, and customer service, while driving foot traffic to neighboring restaurants and shops.In conclusion, although digital streaming provides undeniable convenience for modern viewers, it does not render physical venues obsolete. Theatres and cinemas remain essential pillars of society, and a balanced modern landscape requires both digital access for daily convenience and physical spaces to preserve cultural heritage and support local economic vitality.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the convenience of digital streaming and the cultural/economic importance of physical venues—while maintaining a consistent and well-supported personal opinion throughout. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between the economic impact of local venues and the convenience of home viewing. The position is clear from the introduction and is sustained until the conclusion. The response is balanced and demonstrates a strong understanding of the task requirements, providing relevant examples and logical reasoning to support each argument.

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 two opposing views is handled smoothly using cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The use of linking words like 'Consequently', 'Although', and 'while' helps to connect sentences and ideas effectively. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the reader is guided through your argument without any confusion or mechanical repetition.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the topic. Phrases such as 'unprecedented convenience', 'irreplaceable cultural and economic benefits', and 'essential pillars of society' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are precise and contribute to the formal tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used naturally throughout the text. The range of vocabulary is sufficient to convey complex ideas with precision and clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over punctuation and grammar is excellent. For example, the use of participial phrases ('creating thousands of jobs...') and conditional-like structures ('if... then' implied logic) is handled accurately. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent, and the grammatical accuracy is consistent throughout the entire piece, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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