Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-21
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)
Nowadays, due to the digital age, people increasingly prefer to watch movies and web series on OTT platforms. Many people believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer crucial because individuals can access a wide range of entertainment online. However, others argue that cinemas and theatres are still important because they contribute to economic growth and cultural exchange. I completely agree with the latter view.
In the present day, most movies are available on applications such as Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and Amazon Prime Video. These platforms are particularly popular among youngsters because they are relatively cost-effective, save time, and provide greater flexibility. For example, an individual can purchase a monthly Netflix subscription for around 499 rupees, which can be similar to the price of a single cinema ticket. Moreover, this subscription provides access to a wide range of entertainment programmes throughout the month. In addition, people can watch movies and shows in their preferred language with subtitles, making online entertainment accessible to a broader audience.
On the other hand, although cinemas can be relatively expensive, they provide a unique atmosphere and experience that cannot easily be replicated at home. Furthermore, there is still a large group of people who enjoy watching movies in theatres. According to them, cinemas offer a thrilling experience, create an exciting atmosphere, and provide an ideal place for entertainment. Going to the cinema is also a popular weekend activity. For instance, blockbuster films such as KGF and Spider-Man: No Way Home attracted millions of viewers and contributed significantly to the film industry and the wider economy. Moreover, cinemas generate employment for a large number of people working in areas such as production, distribution, hospitality, and management.
In addition, cinemas play an important role in cultural exchange. For example, several Korean and Japanese films and television shows have become increasingly popular among young people. Through such content, viewers can learn about different traditions, lifestyles, and languages, which can promote greater cultural understanding.
In conclusion, although online entertainment platforms may be more convenient and cost-effective, they cannot fully provide the atmosphere and experience that people can enjoy in theatres. Therefore, cinemas remain important because they contribute to economic growth, create employment opportunities, and promote cultural exchange.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.0 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. The arguments are well-developed, particularly the economic and cultural benefits of cinemas. The student provides relevant examples, such as the mention of specific films like 'KGF' and 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' to illustrate economic impact, and the reference to Korean and Japanese media for cultural exchange. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the student could further deepen the analysis of why the 'unique atmosphere' of a cinema is specifically beneficial, rather than just stating it exists.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the progression of ideas is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'In the present day', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In addition' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The referencing is clear, and the paragraphing is appropriate. The flow of the argument is natural, making the essay easy to follow from start to finish.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'OTT platforms', 'cost-effective', 'cultural exchange', and 'distribution'. The language is precise and natural, with very few errors. While the vocabulary is accurate, it could be slightly more sophisticated to reach the highest band; for instance, using more varied collocations or nuanced academic phrasing would elevate the tone further. However, the current range is more than adequate for a high score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay demonstrates a good command of grammatical structures. There is a mix of simple and complex sentences, and the majority of the text is error-free. Punctuation is used correctly, and the sentence construction is generally sophisticated. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The control over complex structures, such as the use of conditional-like logic and subordinate clauses, is consistent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of grammatical accuracy.
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