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)
The Importance of Theatres and Cinemas in the Digital Age
Nowadays, people can watch almost any type of entertainment online because of the development of digital technology. Some people believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer important, while others think that they still have economic and cultural value. This essay will discuss both views and explain why I believe these places are still important.
On the one hand, many people prefer online entertainment because it is convenient and inexpensive. People can watch films, television programmes and other shows at home using their phones, computers or smart TVs. They do not need to travel to a cinema or spend money on tickets and transport. In addition, online platforms offer a wide range of entertainment, so people can choose what they want to watch at any time. For example, a family can watch a newly released film at home without leaving their house.
On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to play an important role in society. Firstly, they provide employment for many people, including actors, directors, technicians, cleaners and other staff. Therefore, they contribute to the economy. Secondly, theatres and cinemas are important cultural places where people can enjoy performances and films together. Watching a movie on a large screen with friends or family can be a more enjoyable experience than watching it alone at home. Moreover, theatres help to preserve traditional forms of art such as drama, music and dance.
In my opinion, although online entertainment is becoming increasingly popular, theatres and cinemas will remain important. Digital platforms are convenient, but they cannot completely replace the social and cultural experience of visiting these places.
In conclusion, online entertainment has made watching films and other programmes easier, but theatres and cinemas still provide economic benefits and valuable cultural and social experiences. Therefore, I believe they will continue to have an important place in modern society.
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
You have addressed all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. Your position is consistent throughout the essay. The ideas are relevant and logically developed, such as the economic benefits of employment and the social value of shared experiences. To reach a higher band, you could further extend your arguments by providing more specific examples or deeper analysis. For instance, when discussing the economic impact, you could mention the role of cinemas in supporting local businesses or the tourism industry. Overall, the response is well-structured and directly answers the question asked.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is logical. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'In addition', 'Firstly', and 'Moreover', which help guide the reader through your arguments. The paragraphing is appropriate, and referencing is clear throughout. The flow is smooth, and the relationship between sentences is easy to follow, meeting the requirements for a high band in this criterion.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'digital technology', 'newly released film', and 'traditional forms of art' are used accurately. While the vocabulary is appropriate and natural, it is mostly functional. To achieve a higher score, you could incorporate more sophisticated or less common lexical items, such as 'ubiquitous', 'immersive', or 'cultural cornerstone'. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors, and your language is consistently clear and easy to understand throughout the response.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0
Your grammar is generally accurate, and you use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures effectively. For example, the use of conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'although online entertainment is becoming increasingly popular...') shows good control. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and punctuation is used correctly. While your control is strong, you could aim for a wider variety of complex structures to demonstrate greater flexibility. However, the current level of accuracy is high, and your writing is consistently error-free enough to ensure clear communication.
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