Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-13

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 this digital age, people have access to a wide range of entertainment online, including films, television programmes and live performances. Some people, therefore, believe that theatres and cinemas are becoming unnecessary. However, others argue that these places continue to have economic and cultural importance. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe theatres and cinemas are still valuable.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why people think theatres and cinemas are no longer essential. Firstly, online platforms provide convenient and affordable access to entertainment. People can watch films and shows at home at any time without travelling or paying for expensive tickets. In addition, streaming services offer a huge variety of content from different countries, which means that viewers are no longer dependent on local cinemas or theatres. For example, platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime allow people to watch newly released and older films from the comfort of their homes. This convenience is particularly attractive to people with busy lifestyles.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to play an important role in society. From an economic perspective, they employ actors, directors, technicians, ticket staff and many other workers. Cinemas also generate income for businesses such as restaurants, cafés and shopping centres located nearby. More importantly, theatres and cinemas provide a shared cultural experience that cannot always be recreated at home. Watching a film on a large screen with an audience or attending a live theatrical performance can create a stronger emotional impact. Furthermore, theatres help preserve traditional forms of art, such as drama, dance and musical performances, which are an important part of a country's cultural heritage.

In my opinion, although online entertainment is more convenient and has changed people's viewing habits, theatres and cinemas are still important. They offer experiences that digital platforms cannot completely replace, while also supporting the economy and preserving culture. Therefore, rather than becoming obsolete, these places are likely to continue alongside online entertainment in the future.

In conclusion, digital platforms have made entertainment more accessible and convenient, which has reduced people's dependence on cinemas and theatres. Nevertheless, their economic contribution and cultural significance mean that they remain relevant in modern society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. You clearly presented both sides of the argument regarding the relevance of theatres and cinemas in the digital age and provided a well-supported personal opinion. Your ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of streaming platforms like Netflix and the economic impact on local businesses. The position is clear throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesises your arguments. To reach a higher band, you could further develop the 'cultural' aspect by discussing specific types of performances that are uniquely enhanced by a live audience, rather than just mentioning them in a list.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and you have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'Nevertheless'. The transition between paragraphs is smooth, and the referencing is clear throughout. The structure is standard and appropriate for an IELTS essay. To improve, ensure that the link between the economic argument and the cultural argument in the second body paragraph is even more seamless to avoid a slight feeling of listing points.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. You use topic-specific terminology such as 'streaming services', 'cultural heritage', 'obsolete', and 'viewing habits' correctly. The language is natural and appropriate for an academic context. While your vocabulary is accurate and clear, it is generally functional. To achieve a higher band, try to incorporate more sophisticated collocations or less common idiomatic expressions that demonstrate a deeper nuance, such as 'ubiquity of digital media' or 'the visceral experience of live performance'.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your writing displays a good command of complex sentence structures, such as the use of concessive clauses ('although online entertainment is...') and relative clauses. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is accurate. There is a consistent control of grammar throughout the response. To reach the highest band, you could aim for even greater variety in sentence length and complexity, perhaps by using more inverted structures or advanced conditional forms, though your current level of accuracy is already very strong.

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