Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · 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 7.0)

the rapid growth of digital entertainment has transformed the way people consume films, music and other forms of entertainment. While some people believe that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary because almost everything can now be accessed online, others argue that these venues continue to play an important economic and cultural role. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I believe cinemas and theatres remain valuable despite the rise of digital platforms.

On the one hand, there are strong reasons to believe that theatres and cinemas are becoming less important. The main advantage of online entertainment is convenience. People can watch films, television programmes and live performances from the comfort of their homes, often at a relatively low cost. Streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime allow users to access a vast range of content whenever they want, eliminating the need to travel and purchase expensive cinema tickets. Furthermore, technological developments have made home entertainment increasingly sophisticated. Large televisions, high-quality sound systems and affordable internet connections can provide an experience that is sufficiently immersive for many viewers. As a result, particularly among younger generations, going to the cinema is no longer the only or even the preferred way to enjoy entertainment.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to have significant economic and cultural importance. From an economic perspective, these venues create employment for actors, directors, technicians, ticket sellers, cleaners and many other workers. Cinemas also support surrounding businesses, including restaurants, cafés and transport services, especially in busy commercial areas. Culturally, theatres and cinemas provide a shared experience that online entertainment cannot fully replicate. Watching a highly anticipated film with hundreds of other people, for example, creates excitement and emotional engagement that is difficult to reproduce at home. Similarly, theatres preserve traditional forms of artistic expression such as drama, musical performances and dance, allowing communities to maintain and develop their cultural heritage.

In conclusion, although online entertainment has made it easier and cheaper to enjoy films and performances at home, theatres and cinemas still contribute substantially to the economy and to cultural life. Therefore, I believe they will remain important, although their role may continue to evolve in response to changing technology and consumer preferences.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses the task by discussing both views regarding the relevance of theatres and cinemas in the digital age, followed by a clear opinion from the writer. The structure is logical, as it presents arguments for both sides before concluding with a personal view. However, the inclusion of more personal examples or experiences could strengthen the argument further and enhance Task Achievement. Overall, this response demonstrates a good understanding of the task requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is well-structured, with clear paragraphs that separate different viewpoints. Each paragraph flows logically into the next, contributing to overall coherence. Transition phrases, such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand,' effectively guide the reader through the discussion. The conclusion neatly summarizes the main arguments and includes the writer's opinion. However, varying the use of linking words might improve cohesion further by making the text more engaging.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary used is generally appropriate and demonstrates a good range, such as "transform," "sophisticated," and "emotional engagement." Yet, there are some instances where more precise or advanced vocabulary could improve clarity or depth, such as replacing "making it easier and cheaper" with "facilitating a more cost-effective experience." Overall, the lexical resource is strong, but more varied and precise word choices would elevate it further to a higher band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

Grammatical range and accuracy are generally strong, with complex sentence structures and a mix of simple and compound sentences. For instance, phrases like "While some people believe that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary" show good grammatical control. However, a few minor issues, such as repeated structures, could be addressed. More grammatical variety, along with careful editing for any minor errors, could enhance the overall quality of the response.

Overall feedback

This essay demonstrates a solid understanding of the task and presents a balanced discussion of the topic. The structure is effective, allowing for clarity and flow throughout the response. To improve further, consider integrating more personal anecdotes or examples that reflect your experiences or observations, which could add depth to your argument. Additionally, expanding your vocabulary range and employing more varied sentence structures could enhance both the lexical richness and grammatical complexity of your writing.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.