Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-20

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)

The Importance of Theatres and Cinemas in the Digital Age

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed the way people consume entertainment. While some believe that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary because films, shows and other forms of entertainment are readily available online, others argue that these venues remain economically and culturally significant. In my opinion, although online entertainment is more convenient, theatres and cinemas continue to play an important role in modern society.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why people consider theatres and cinemas less important than they were in the past. First, the internet provides almost unlimited entertainment that can be accessed from home. Streaming platforms allow people to watch films, television programms and live performances whenever they want, often at a relatively low cost. This is particularly attractive to busy people because they do not need to travel or follow a fixed schedule. In addition, online entertainment gives viewers greater choice. For example, a person can watch a foreign film or an independent production that may not be shown in local cinemas. As a result, many people, especially younger generations, prefer the convenience of digital platforms.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas offer experiences that cannot be completely replaced by online services. Cinemas, for instance, provide high-quality screens and sound systems that create a more immersive experience than watching a film on a phone or television. Similarly, theatres allow audiences to experience live performances and interact with actors in a way that recorded entertainment cannot reproduce. These venues also have an important social function, as going to the cinema or attending a play is often an activity that friends and families enjoy together.

Furthermore, theatres and cinemas contribute significantly to the economy and culture of communities. They provide employment for actors, directors, technicians, cleaners and many other workers. They also support surrounding businesses such as restaurants, cafés and shops. Culturally, theatres and cinemas can preserve local traditions and provide opportunities for artists to present stories that reflect the history and values of their communities. For example, locally produced plays and films can introduce audiences to regional languages, customs and social issues that may receive little attention on international streaming platforms.

In conclusion, although digital entertainment has made watching films and other programmes more convenient and accessible, it has not made theatres and cinemas obsolete. Their unique social experience, economic contribution and cultural importance mean that they will continue to have a valuable place in society. I believe the future is likely to involve both forms of entertainment, with people choosing between online convenience and the shared experience offered by cinemas and theatres.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the convenience of digital entertainment versus the economic and cultural value of physical venues—and provided a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between the immersive experience of cinemas and the broader community impact of theatres. Each paragraph is supported by relevant examples, such as the mention of local traditions and regional languages, which demonstrates a thoughtful engagement with the topic. The position is consistent throughout the essay.

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, using effective signposting phrases like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices are used naturally and accurately, such as 'In addition', 'Similarly', and 'Furthermore'. The paragraphing is logical and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. There is a consistent flow of information, making the essay easy to follow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'immersive experience', 'readily available', 'obsolete', and 'economic contribution' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The word choice is generally precise and natural. While the vocabulary is effective and communicates your ideas clearly, there is room to incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations to reach the highest band. Overall, the lexical range is sufficient to convey complex ideas with precision.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional and concessive clauses (e.g., 'Although digital entertainment has made... it has not made...'), with very few errors. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication or distract the reader. The control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent, reflecting a high level of proficiency.

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