Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

A number of people argue that with the introduction of online entertainment services, cinemas and theatres will no longer be relevant, while others believe that audiences will still visit theatres for the overall experience. Although streaming platforms are undoubtedly more cost-effective, I firmly believe that watching a movie in a cinema offers an irreplaceable, immersive experience. On the one hand, streaming films and series online offers undeniable convenience and financial benefits. A single monthly subscription grants viewers unlimited access to vast libraries across various genres, eliminating the need to purchase individual tickets. Furthermore, streaming removes scheduling constraints, allowing individuals to pause, play, or take breaks according to their convenience. For example, if an urgent task arises while watching a movie on Netflix, users can simply pause the film and save it to watch later. Despite these advantages, home viewing often lacks the scale and atmosphere of a cinematic screening. On the other hand, visiting a cinema provides a complete sensory experience that home setups cannot replicate. Modern theatres are equipped with high-definition 8K projectors and Dolby Atmos surround sound systems that evoke powerful emotional responses. Moreover, many modern blockbusters are filmed specifically for specialized formats like IMAX, 3D, and 4DX, which require advanced cinema infrastructure to be fully appreciated. These technological features elevate moviegoing from simple viewing into a grand visual event. In conclusion, while watching films online saves both time and money, it fails to recreate the atmospheric depth and sensory quality of the cinema. Therefore, theatres will remain relevant for those seeking a truly captivating experience.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both the decline of cinemas due to online services and their ongoing economic and cultural importance. You clearly state your position in the introduction and maintain it throughout. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the contrast between the convenience of streaming and the immersive sensory experience of the cinema. To reach a higher band, you could have explicitly mentioned the 'economic' aspect of the prompt, as your focus remained primarily on the 'cultural' or 'experiential' side. However, the arguments provided are relevant and logically supported with clear examples, such as the mention of IMAX and Dolby Atmos.

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. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand,' 'Furthermore,' 'Despite these advantages,' and 'In conclusion.' The paragraphing is appropriate, and the flow of information is natural. There is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive use of linking words, and the referencing is clear throughout the text, making the argument easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using precise terms such as 'irreplaceable,' 'immersive,' 'sensory experience,' and 'infrastructure.' The language is natural and appropriate for an academic essay. There are no significant errors in word choice or collocation. While the vocabulary is accurate and fits the context well, incorporating a few more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations could elevate the response further. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey your ideas with precision and clarity.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although streaming platforms are undoubtedly more cost-effective, I firmly believe...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense is excellent. There are no noticeable grammatical slips that impede communication. The use of varied sentence lengths and structures contributes to a fluent and professional tone throughout the piece.

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