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 the digital age, the popularity of online entertainment has led some people to believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer necessary. Others, however, argue that these venues continue to play an important role in both the economy and culture. While I agree that online entertainment is more convenient and affordable, I believe that cinemas and theatres remain important because of their economic contribution and cultural significance.

On the one hand, online entertainment has become increasingly popular because it offers people greater convenience and flexibility. There are numerous streaming platforms that provide a wide range of films, television programmes and other forms of entertainment at any time of the day. For example, platforms such as Netflix offer thousands of international movies and shows, allowing people to enjoy different types of content from the comfort of their homes. In addition, watching entertainment online is generally cheaper than going to a cinema because people do not have to pay for tickets, transportation or food. Modern televisions and smartphones can also provide high-quality pictures and sound, making home entertainment more enjoyable. Therefore, online platforms are particularly suitable for busy people who prefer to relax at home rather than travel to a cinema.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to make a significant contribution to the economy and play an important cultural role. First of all, these venues create employment opportunities for a wide range of people, including technicians, cleaners, security staff and ticket employees. They also support nearby businesses such as restaurants, shopping centres and transport services, which can benefit from the large number of people visiting entertainment venues. Furthermore, cinemas and theatres can help preserve and promote local cultures, languages and traditions. For instance, Punjabi films can showcase the region's language, lifestyle and cultural identity, allowing younger generations to learn more about their heritage. Watching such films in a cinema can also provide a shared social experience that cannot be completely replaced by watching a movie alone at home.

In conclusion, although online entertainment is more convenient, affordable and accessible, I believe that cinemas and theatres are still important in modern society. They not only generate employment and support local businesses but also contribute to the preservation of cultural identity. For these reasons, I do not think that online entertainment will completely replace traditional cinemas and theatres.

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 and the economic/cultural value of physical venues—and maintained a consistent personal position throughout. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the economic arguments regarding employment and the cultural significance of local films. The introduction and conclusion effectively frame the discussion, ensuring the reader understands your stance from the outset. The supporting examples, such as the mention of Netflix and Punjabi films, are relevant and help to extend the arguments logically. The response is balanced and meets all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic sentence, and the transition between the two main body paragraphs is smooth, using 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand' effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'In addition', 'Furthermore', and 'For instance' are used naturally to link ideas within paragraphs. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with a clear introduction, two distinct body paragraphs, and a summary conclusion. The flow of information is easy to follow, and the relationship between ideas is consistently clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'economic contribution', 'cultural significance', 'employment opportunities', and 'cultural identity' are used accurately and in the correct context. While the vocabulary is precise and sufficient, it could be elevated further to reach the highest band by incorporating more sophisticated, less common collocations or idiomatic academic expressions. However, the current range is flexible enough to convey your meaning with precision, and there are no significant errors in word choice or spelling that impede communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good command of grammatical structures. You have successfully used a mix of simple and complex sentences, such as the conditional-like structure in '...if people do not have to pay for tickets...' and the use of relative clauses in '...businesses such as restaurants... which can benefit from...'. The punctuation is accurate, and the sentence construction is generally error-free. The majority of your sentences are clear and grammatically sound. To achieve a higher band, you could experiment with a wider variety of complex structures, such as inversion or more advanced passive constructions, though your current control is already very strong.

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