Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-24

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 recent years, with the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube, some people believe that traditional venues such as theatres and cinemas have lost their relevance. Others, however, argue that they still hold significant economic and cultural value. This essay will discuss both views before concluding that cinemas and theatres remain indispensable.

On the one hand, it is understandable why some consider theatres and cinemas obsolete. The primary reason is convenience and cost. Online entertainment is available 24/7, at a low cost, and can be accessed from home. A monthly subscription to an OTT platform costs less than two cinema tickets, and viewers can pause, rewind, and watch any genre they want. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, people became accustomed to watching new film releases directly online, which has accelerated the decline in cinema attendance. For theatre, many classic plays are now available on YouTube for free, reducing the motivation to buy an expensive ticket.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to be important for both economic and cultural reasons. Economically, they are a major industry that creates thousands of jobs - from actors and technicians to ticket sellers and food vendors - and contributes to local economies through tourism. Culturally, the experience they offer cannot be replicated online. Watching a film on a big screen with surround sound, or experiencing a live play with a live audience, creates a sense of community and shared emotion. For example, in India, watching a new Bollywood movie in a cinema on the first day is a social celebration. Similarly, theatres preserve art, literature, and heritage, and support live artistic talent that would otherwise disappear.

In my opinion, while online platforms are a convenient alternative, they cannot fully replace the collective experience of cinemas and theatres. Rather than competing, both can coexist. People may watch daily content online but still go to the cinema for a special experience.

In conclusion, although digital entertainment is more convenient, theatres and cinemas retain their importance as economic drivers and cultural institutions that bring people together.

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 online entertainment versus the economic and cultural value of physical venues—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between the economic impact of the industry and the unique social experience of attending a cinema or theatre. The inclusion of the Bollywood example adds depth and relevance to your argument, demonstrating a strong ability to support your position with specific, real-world knowledge. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your points, ensuring the task is fully satisfied.

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 appropriate linking phrases such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices are used effectively to connect sentences and ideas without being repetitive or mechanical. The paragraphing is logical, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, a personal opinion section, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow throughout the entire piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is well-suited to the topic. Phrases like 'indispensable', 'replicated', 'accelerated the decline', and 'economic drivers' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are precise and contribute to the formal tone of the essay. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary is used naturally to convey complex ideas. You have successfully moved beyond basic vocabulary to include more academic and topic-specific terminology.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You effectively use complex sentences, such as 'Rather than competing, both can coexist' and 'While online platforms are a convenient alternative, they cannot fully replace the collective experience'. Punctuation is used correctly to manage sentence flow, and there are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and subject-verb agreement is consistent throughout the text.

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