Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-22

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)

There are different opinions regarding going to cinemas and theatres and watching entertainment online. Some people enjoy going out, socialising, and spending time with others, so they prefer visiting cinemas, while others, who may be socially anxious, busy, or unwilling to spend money, prefer watching movies on online platforms.

Nowadays, as life has become increasingly digital and fast-paced, many people prefer going out to watch movies whenever they have spare time. This allows them to take a break from their hectic routines and enjoy some quality time, which can refresh them and prepare them for future commitments. Watching movies on a big screen also provides a social and immersive experience. Many people have limited opportunities during the week to spend quality time with family and friends, and a two- to three-hour movie at the cinema can provide exactly this opportunity. Similarly, many people enjoy experiencing art in person and in real time, which is why they prefer theatres for entertainment. Theatre performances can also provide cultural awareness and allow audiences to appreciate the finest details of a performance. Furthermore, cinemas and theatres not only provide entertainment but also create opportunities for artists and generate employment for the public. Therefore, they can contribute to the country's economy and cultural development.

On the other hand, some people who are less social, dislike crowds and noise, or simply enjoy their own company prefer online streaming. This gives them a wider choice of content, a flexible viewing schedule, multiple replay options, and a comfortable environment. A long and hectic week can drain people's energy, so at weekends they may prefer staying in bed, watching their favourite shows, and enjoying their favourite food. This option also saves them the cost of travelling and buying cinema tickets, as well as their time and energy.

I firmly believe that both cinemas and online streaming are equally important because they meet different preferences and circumstances. While cinemas and theatres provide valuable social and cultural experiences, online platforms offer greater convenience and flexibility. Therefore, maintaining a balance between these forms of entertainment is important for both consumers and the wider entertainment industry.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both the decline of physical venues and their continued economic and cultural importance, while providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the contrast between the social benefits of cinemas and the convenience of streaming. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific examples—for instance, mentioning a specific type of cultural event or a concrete economic impact—rather than relying on general statements about 'artists' and 'employment'. Overall, the task is fully addressed with a logical flow of arguments.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs for each viewpoint, and a concluding summary. Cohesive devices such as 'Similarly', 'Furthermore', and 'On the other hand' are used effectively to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a central theme. The progression of ideas is smooth, and referencing is clear throughout. The transition between the two opposing views is handled well, ensuring the reader understands the shift in perspective. The structure is coherent and supports the overall argument effectively.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'immersive experience', 'cultural awareness', 'online streaming', and 'hectic routines'. While the vocabulary is accurate and conveys meaning clearly, it lacks a high degree of sophistication or 'less common' lexical items that would elevate it to a band 8 or 9. The word choices are natural and fit the context well, with no significant errors in collocation or spelling that impede communication. It is a solid performance that demonstrates a good command of language.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a good command of a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While cinemas and theatres provide valuable social and cultural experiences, online platforms offer greater convenience'). Grammar is generally accurate, with only rare, minor slips. Punctuation is used correctly to manage the flow of ideas. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent. The range of structures is sufficient to express complex ideas clearly and effectively, meeting the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

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