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)
In the modern digital age, the way people consume entertainment has changed dramatically. While some believe that online streaming platforms make physical venues like theatres and cinemas obsolete, others argue that these places still play a vital role in our economy and culture. This essay will discuss both perspectives and explain why I believe traditional venues remain important.
On the one hand, watching movies and shows online offers incredible convenience. With high-speed internet, people can stream thousands of films and series from the comfort of their homes without spending money on expensive tickets, parking, or snacks. Platforms like Netflix and YouTube provide endless choices at any time of day, which appeals greatly to busy individuals. Furthermore, technological advancements in home entertainment systems, such as large smart screens and surround sound, mean that people can replicate a cinematic experience in their living rooms, reducing the need to visit physical cinemas.
On the other hand, traditional theatres and cinemas offer unique social and cultural benefits that online streaming cannot match. Economically, they generate thousands of jobs, support local businesses like restaurants near cinema complexes, and contribute heavily to the entertainment industry's revenue. Culturally, going to a theatre or cinema is a shared community experience. Watching a movie on a massive screen with a crowd creates an atmosphere of collective emotion that cannot be experienced alone in front of a laptop or television. Additionally, live theatrical performances rely entirely on the physical presence of actors and audiences, preserving traditional arts that would otherwise fade away.
In conclusion, although online entertainment provides undeniable convenience and accessibility, I believe that theatres and cinemas are far from losing their value. Their economic contributions and the irreplaceable social experience they offer ensure that they will always have an important place in society.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
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 online streaming and the economic/cultural importance of physical venues—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between the 'shared community experience' of cinemas and the solitary nature of home viewing. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position. To reach a higher band, you could provide a more specific example, such as mentioning a particular type of local business or a specific cultural event, to further strengthen the support for your arguments.
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 smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The use of linking words such as 'Furthermore', 'Additionally', and 'In conclusion' helps guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is skillful and contributes to the overall clarity of the response. The logical flow is consistent, and referencing is clear throughout the text.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases like 'consume entertainment', 'obsolete', 'replicate a cinematic experience', and 'irreplaceable social experience' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately. While the range is sufficient and precise, incorporating a few more sophisticated, less common collocations or idiomatic expressions related to the arts or economics could elevate the score further. Overall, the lexical control is strong and supports your arguments effectively without any noticeable errors.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses ('While some believe that...', 'Although online entertainment provides...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to enhance readability. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. To achieve a higher band, you could experiment with a wider variety of advanced structures, such as inversion or more complex conditional sentences, to demonstrate even greater flexibility in your writing.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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