Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-16
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 7.0)
Entertainment has become a subject of considerable debate in recent years. It is often argued that cinemas and theatres are becoming unnecessary because films are widely available online, while others believe that these venues remain important economically and culturally. I strongly agree with the former view.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why cinemas and theatres are becoming less essential. The main reason is that online platforms allow people to watch a wide range of films from the comfort of their own homes. This is particularly convenient because viewers can choose what they want to watch at any time without having to travel to a cinema. In addition, watching films online can save both time and money, as people do not have to pay for transport or cinema tickets. For example, a student can stream a film on Netflix at home instead of travelling to a cinema and paying for a ticket. Therefore, online platforms have made entertainment more accessible and affordable.
On the other hand, cinemas and theatres still play an important role economically and culturally. They can promote cultural awareness by allowing films from different countries to reach international audiences. They also contribute to the economy by generating revenue and employment. For instance, a director can showcase aspects of their country's culture through a film and introduce these traditions to audiences abroad. Moreover, governments can collect taxes from cinemas and use this revenue to support public services. Thus, cinemas continue to provide significant cultural and economic benefits.
In conclusion, although cinemas and theatres have economic and cultural value, I believe that they are becoming less necessary because online streaming provides a more accessible, affordable and flexible way to watch films.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly discuss both sides of the argument and provide a consistent personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and supported with examples, such as the mention of Netflix and the economic impact of film production. To reach a higher band, you could further develop the 'economic and cultural' side of the argument, as it is currently slightly less detailed than the 'convenience' argument. However, the position is clear throughout, and the response is well-balanced.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the progression of ideas is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand,' 'In addition,' 'For instance,' and 'Thus.' The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow between sentences is natural, making the argument easy to follow. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'considerable debate,' 'cultural awareness,' and 'generating revenue' are used accurately. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your ideas with precision. While the range is good, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common academic vocabulary to move into the higher band range. Overall, the word choice is natural and there are no errors that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of conditional-like structures ('instead of travelling to...') and subordinate clauses ('although cinemas and theatres have economic and cultural value...'). The grammar is generally accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The control over complex structures is consistent, and there are no significant errors that cause confusion for the reader.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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