Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-15

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)

While it is often argued that theatres and cinemas are no longer important in the digital era because people can easily binge-watch films and series on online platforms, I believe that they are still valuable because of their contribution to the entertainment industry's profitability and the unique experience they provide.

On the one hand, in the modern age, people have easy access to the internet and, consequently, to numerous films and series at relatively low prices through platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video and Disney+. Online platforms offer the convenience of watching entertainment at home while spending time with family, so many people now prefer this option to spending money on individual tickets and travelling to cinemas. Moreover, these platforms provide a wide range of entertainment options beyond films and series, making them even more appealing to viewers. For example, many films are now released directly on streaming platforms, while companies such as Netflix also produce their own original content in response to changing viewing preferences.

On the other hand, cinemas and theatres remain important alongside these streaming platforms because they generate substantial revenue for producers, actors and other people working in the entertainment industry, which contributes to the wider economy. Furthermore, the cinema experience can outweigh the convenience offered by online platforms. For many people, going to the cinema with friends or family has become a cultural form of entertainment and a way of spending their weekends. People often visit cinemas not simply for the film itself but also for the atmosphere and shared experience, which can create lasting memories with their loved ones. For example, highly anticipated films such as *Avengers* and *Spider-Man* often attract large audiences because fans enjoy watching major releases on a big screen and experiencing them together with others.

In conclusion, although theatres and cinemas have become less dominant as online entertainment has spread worldwide due to its affordability and convenience, I believe that they remain important. They continue to generate income for the entertainment industry while providing a unique social and cultural experience that cannot be fully replicated at home.

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 streaming versus the economic and cultural 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 economic impact and the 'shared experience' of cinema-going. The examples provided, such as the mention of Netflix and specific film titles like 'Avengers', are relevant and effectively support your arguments. The position is consistent throughout the essay, meeting the criteria 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', 'Moreover', and 'In conclusion'. The use of referencing is accurate, and the paragraphing is logical and sufficient. The flow of the argument is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear, which ensures the reader can follow your line of reasoning without any difficulty.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'digital era', 'substantial revenue', 'changing viewing preferences', and 'cannot be fully replicated' show a level of sophistication. The word choice is generally precise and natural. While the vocabulary is effective, it could be slightly more varied to reach the highest band; however, it is more than sufficient for a high-level response. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While it is often argued that...', '...because they generate substantial revenue...'). The control over grammar and punctuation is excellent, with the majority of sentences being error-free. The use of tenses and modal verbs is accurate throughout. There are no noticeable grammatical errors, and the sentence construction is varied and fluent, reflecting a high level of control.

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