Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

While some believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer essential as individuals can access all the entertainment online, I would argue that they are still crucial economically and culturally.

First and foremost, it is understandable that some places related to arts are receiving less attention from the general public on the grounds of the advancement of technology. This enables citizens to enjoy pieces of art without going out and spending too much money. For instance, people who want to watch the latest movie can use a variety of social media platforms, namely YouTube. In addition to that, individuals can even access movies that were released years ago, as compared to cinemas that usually only provide the latest ones. For these benefits, an increasing number of people are in favour of the internet over movie theatres.

Nevertheless, it must be considered that theatres and cinemas can generate a considerable amount of revenue for governments and give the general public a sense of identity. For example, citizens tend to visit cinemas when a movie is advertised heavily on the internet. This phenomenon usually happens when a movie related to a country's history is going to be released to the public. After watching it together, the general public can relate to the story, generating a strong sense of belonging. Additionally, while cinemas are making money by selling tickets, they can contribute to their local government. This amount of money can be invested in infrastructure, such as education, healthcare, and transportation, increasing the level of people's well-being.

In conclusion, although visiting theatres is not as popular as before because of the internet, which provides people with a wide range of options, we still need to remember the merits carried by physical cinemas, such as generating revenue for governments and unifying the general public.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both the decline of traditional venues due to online alternatives and the economic and cultural importance of physical cinemas. The position is clear throughout the essay. Ideas are generally well-developed, such as the link between historical films and national identity, and the economic contribution to local infrastructure. However, the development could be slightly more nuanced; for instance, the argument regarding 'YouTube' as a primary competitor to cinemas is a bit simplistic, as cinemas often offer a unique social experience that streaming cannot fully replicate. Overall, the response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is easy to follow. Cohesive devices such as 'First and foremost', 'In addition to that', 'Nevertheless', and 'In conclusion' are used effectively to link ideas. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the two opposing views. The flow of information is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout the text. The essay demonstrates a good command of organizational features, ensuring the reader can navigate the argument without difficulty.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms like 'advancement of technology', 'generate a considerable amount of revenue', and 'sense of belonging'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, and the word choice is generally precise. While the range is adequate, it does not consistently reach the level of 'wide and flexible' required for a higher band, as some phrasing is slightly repetitive or standard. However, there are no significant errors in word choice or collocation that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There is a high level of accuracy, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Complex structures, such as the use of 'although' clauses and relative clauses, are handled well. Punctuation is generally accurate, and the control of grammar is consistent throughout the piece. While the range of structures is good, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more varied subordinate clauses or advanced grammatical forms to reach the highest band. Nevertheless, the current level of control is strong and supports clear communication.

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