Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-14

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 the internet. While some people believe that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary because films and other forms of entertainment can be watched online, others argue that these places continue to have economic and cultural importance. I believe that although online entertainment is more convenient, theatres and cinemas remain valuable and should not be considered obsolete.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why people think theatres and cinemas are becoming less important. The main advantage of online entertainment is convenience. People can watch films, television programmes and live performances from the comfort of their homes at any time. In addition, streaming services usually provide a wide variety of content at a relatively low cost. This is particularly beneficial for people who live far from entertainment venues or have busy schedules. For example, a student can watch a newly released film on a streaming platform without travelling to a cinema or spending money on transportation and refreshments. Consequently, online entertainment can be more affordable and accessible than traditional venues.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to play an important role in both society and the economy. Firstly, they provide a unique social experience that cannot be completely replicated at home. Watching a film on a large screen with high-quality sound or experiencing a live theatrical performance with an audience can be much more engaging. Secondly, these venues support numerous jobs, including actors, directors, technicians, ticket staff and restaurant workers. They also contribute to the local economy by attracting visitors and encouraging spending in nearby businesses. From a cultural perspective, theatres are particularly important because they preserve traditional forms of storytelling, drama and performing arts. They can also provide a platform for local artists to present their work to the public.

In my opinion, both forms of entertainment can coexist. Although online platforms will probably continue to grow because of their convenience, they cannot fully replace the atmosphere, social interaction and cultural value offered by cinemas and theatres. For instance, watching a major film at a cinema with friends can be a memorable experience, while attending a live play allows audiences to appreciate the performers’ skills in a way that recorded content cannot entirely reproduce.

In conclusion, online entertainment has made watching films and other programmes easier, cheaper and more convenient. Nevertheless, theatres and cinemas remain economically and culturally significant. Therefore, rather than becoming completely unnecessary, traditional entertainment venues should adapt to the digital age while continuing to offer experiences that people cannot easily obtain online.

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 online entertainment versus the economic and cultural significance of physical venues—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. Each paragraph is well-developed with relevant examples, such as the student watching a film at home versus the social experience of a cinema. The ideas are extended logically, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments while maintaining your stance. The response is balanced and demonstrates a strong understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between the two opposing views is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Consequently'. The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow of the argument is natural, and the relationship between ideas is always clear, making the essay very easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the topic. You use precise terms such as 'obsolete', 'replicated', 'engaging', and 'coexist' with natural control. There is a good awareness of collocation, and the language is consistently appropriate for an academic context. While the vocabulary is strong and accurate, it occasionally leans towards standard academic phrasing rather than highly sophisticated or idiomatic expressions, which keeps it firmly in the Band 7.5 to 8.0 range. There are no errors in word choice that impede meaning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although online platforms will probably continue to grow...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense consistency is excellent. You use a variety of structures effectively to convey complex ideas without any noticeable slips. The accuracy is high, and the grammatical complexity is sufficient to support the sophisticated arguments presented in the essay. It is a very clean and well-constructed piece of writing.

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