Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-11
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)
In the digital age, people have access to an enormous amount of entertainment through online platforms, leading some to argue that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary. Others, however, believe that these places continue to play an important economic and cultural role. Although online entertainment is more convenient, I believe that theatres and cinemas remain valuable and should not be replaced entirely by digital services.
On the one hand, online entertainment has made it much easier for people to access films, plays and other forms of entertainment. Streaming platforms allow users to watch a wide variety of programmes at any time and from the comfort of their homes. This is particularly beneficial for people who live far from cultural centres or who have busy schedules. In addition, online services are often cheaper than visiting a cinema or theatre regularly. As a result, many people may prefer digital entertainment because it offers greater convenience and flexibility.
On the other hand, theatres and cinemas provide experiences that cannot be fully replicated online. Going to a cinema, for example, allows people to enjoy films on a large screen with high-quality sound and share the experience with friends or family. Similarly, watching a live performance in a theatre creates a direct connection between actors and audiences, which is an important part of the cultural experience. Furthermore, cinemas and theatres contribute to the economy by providing employment and generating income for actors, technicians, directors, venue staff and many other workers. They also help preserve traditional forms of performing arts and provide opportunities for local artists.
In my view, although online entertainment will continue to grow because of its accessibility and convenience, theatres and cinemas will remain important. Digital platforms are useful for everyday entertainment, whereas cinemas and theatres offer social, cultural and immersive experiences that cannot be completely reproduced at home.
In conclusion, online entertainment has undoubtedly reduced the need for people to visit cinemas and theatres frequently. Nevertheless, these venues continue to have significant economic and cultural value, and I believe they will remain an important part of modern society.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
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 online entertainment versus the cultural and economic importance of physical venues—and provided a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between the 'convenience' of digital platforms and the 'immersive experience' of cinemas. The arguments are logical and supported by relevant examples, such as the social aspect of viewing films and the economic impact on industry workers. The position is consistent throughout the essay, 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 two viewpoints is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' and 'Nevertheless.' Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different arguments. The referencing is clear, and the flow of information is natural. The use of linking words is neither mechanical nor excessive, contributing to a coherent and easy-to-follow argument throughout the response.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'cultural centres,' 'immersive experiences,' and 'replicated online' show a good command of topic-specific language. While the vocabulary is accurate and conveys your meaning effectively, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band. For instance, instead of 'cheaper,' you could use 'cost-effective' or 'economical.' The word choice is precise, and there are no noticeable errors in spelling or collocation that would impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of concessive clauses ('Although online entertainment is more convenient...') and relative clauses. The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of complex ideas. There are no significant grammatical slips, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence suitable for this level.
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