Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-17
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)
In the digital age, people have access to a wide range of entertainment through the internet, which has led some to believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer necessary. However, others argue that these places continue to play an important economic and cultural role. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe theatres and cinemas are still valuable.
On the one hand, online entertainment has made traditional forms of entertainment less essential. People can now watch films, television programmes and other content from the comfort of their homes. Streaming platforms are also convenient because viewers can choose what they want to watch at any time without travelling to a cinema. In addition, online services can be relatively affordable, particularly for people who watch entertainment regularly. For example, a person can subscribe to a streaming service and access hundreds of films without having to purchase individual cinema tickets.
On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to provide significant social, economic and cultural benefits. Going to a cinema or theatre is a shared experience that allows people to spend time with friends and family. Moreover, these industries create employment for actors, directors, technicians, cleaners and many other workers. Theatres can also help preserve cultural traditions by presenting local plays, music and performances. For instance, traditional theatrical performances can introduce younger generations to the history and culture of their communities.
In my opinion, although online entertainment is more convenient and has reduced the frequency with which some people visit cinemas, theatres and cinemas remain important. They offer experiences that cannot be completely replicated at home, while also supporting employment and cultural activities.
In conclusion, digital entertainment has made watching films and other programmes easier and more convenient, but theatres and cinemas continue to have important social, economic and cultural functions. Therefore, I believe they will remain relevant despite the growth of online entertainment.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.0 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
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 value of physical venues—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the points regarding employment and cultural preservation in the third paragraph. To reach a higher band, you could further extend your arguments by providing more specific, real-world examples, such as mentioning the impact of cinema closures on local businesses or the unique sensory experience of a live theatre performance compared to a screen.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two opposing views is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and reinforces your position. The use of referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is sufficient. To improve, you could experiment with a wider variety of cohesive devices to link sentences more fluidly, as some transitions are currently quite standard.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases such as 'replicated at home', 'preserve cultural traditions', and 'significant social, economic and cultural benefits' are used accurately. The vocabulary is natural and appropriate for an academic context. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more sophisticated or less common collocations and idiomatic expressions, such as 'diminishing the allure of' or 'the cultural fabric of society', to show a greater degree of lexical flexibility.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay displays a good variety of complex structures, such as the use of conditional-like structures ('although online entertainment is more convenient... theatres and cinemas remain important') and relative clauses. The grammar is generally accurate, with very few errors. The sentence construction is varied, and punctuation is used correctly throughout. The writing is clear and easy to follow, with no errors that impede communication. To move toward a band 8 or 9, ensure that you consistently use a wider range of complex structures with total accuracy.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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