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 logically extended, particularly the distinction between the 'convenience' of home viewing and the 'communal experience' of cinemas. The conclusion effectively synthesizes these points, reinforcing your position that both mediums serve distinct purposes. The development is balanced, and the response demonstrates a clear understanding of the task requirements.

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'. Referencing is precise, and the use of linking words like 'Consequently' and 'although' ensures that the flow of the argument is natural and easy to follow. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different stages of the discussion, contributing to a coherent and well-structured response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the academic tone of the task. Phrases such as 'unprecedented convenience', 'irreplaceable cultural and economic benefits', and 'essential pillars of society' show a high level of lexical control. The use of topic-specific vocabulary, such as 'commercial districts' and 'foot traffic', is accurate and enhances the precision of your argument. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the language used is both natural and sophisticated.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use complex sentences, such as the conditional-like structure in the conclusion ('although digital streaming provides... it does not render...') and various subordinate clauses. Punctuation is used correctly throughout, and the majority of your sentences are error-free. The control over verb tenses and subject-verb agreement is consistent, and the overall grammatical quality is very high, reflecting a strong command of English syntax.

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