Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-19
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 today's digital age, people can easily access films, television programmes, and even live performances online. Consequently, some people believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer necessary. Others, however, argue that these venues continue to play an important economic and cultural role. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe they will remain valuable.
On the one hand, many people think theatres and cinemas are becoming less important because online entertainment is more convenient. Streaming platforms allow users to watch films and television programmes whenever they choose without travelling or following fixed schedules. In addition, monthly subscriptions are often cheaper than regularly buying cinema or theatre tickets, making them a more affordable option for many households. As technology improves, people can also enjoy high-quality entertainment from the comfort of their homes. Therefore, it is understandable why online platforms have become increasingly popular.
On the other hand, theatres and cinemas offer experiences that cannot be fully replaced. Watching a film on a large screen with excellent sound creates a more immersive experience than watching it at home. Similarly, live theatre allows audiences to enjoy performances that are unique because every show is slightly different. These venues also contribute to the economy by creating employment for performers, directors, technicians, and other workers while attracting customers to nearby restaurants and cafés. Furthermore, theatres preserve traditional performing arts and inspire younger generations to appreciate them.
Final Verdict, although online entertainment will continue to grow, it is unlikely to replace theatres and cinemas completely because each offers different benefits. Therefore, these venues will continue to play an important role in society.
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 addresses all parts of the prompt effectively. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the convenience of online entertainment versus the cultural and economic value of physical venues—and provided a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the economic argument regarding employment and local business support. To reach a higher band, you could provide a more specific example, such as mentioning a particular type of local theatre or a specific economic impact, to further strengthen the depth of your argument.
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 opposing views is handled smoothly using cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of information is easy to follow. The use of referencing is clear, and the conclusion effectively synthesizes the main points without introducing new information. The structure is sound and supports the overall argument well.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'immersive experience', 'fixed schedules', and 'traditional performing arts' are used accurately. The language is natural and precise throughout. While the vocabulary is sufficient and effective, it lacks a few more sophisticated or 'less common' lexical items that would push the score into the 8.0+ range. The word choices are consistently accurate, and there are no spelling or collocation errors that impede communication.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
The essay displays a good variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Streaming platforms allow users to watch... without travelling or following fixed schedules'). The grammar is highly accurate, with no significant errors that distract the reader. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate a wider variety of more complex grammatical structures, such as inversion or more advanced conditional forms, to demonstrate greater flexibility.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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