Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-26

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)

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed the way people consume entertainment. While some argue that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary because almost any form of entertainment can now be accessed online, others maintain that these venues continue to play an important economic and cultural role. This essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I believe cinemas and theatres remain valuable.

On the one hand, online entertainment has undoubtedly reduced people's dependence on traditional venues. Streaming platforms allow users to watch films, television programmes and other forms of entertainment whenever and wherever they choose. This convenience is particularly attractive because viewers can select content according to their personal preferences without having to travel or pay for expensive cinema tickets. Furthermore, digital services often provide a vast library of content at a relatively modest monthly cost. For example, a person can watch hundreds of films at home using a streaming subscription, whereas visiting a cinema for the same number of films would be considerably more expensive.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas offer experiences that cannot be completely replicated online. Watching a film on a large screen with high-quality sound creates a more immersive experience, while theatres provide audiences with the opportunity to experience live performances and interact with performers and other spectators. Beyond entertainment, these venues contribute significantly to local economies by creating employment and generating revenue for businesses such as restaurants, cafés and transport services. They also have cultural importance, as theatres in particular help preserve performing arts and provide a platform for local artists.

In my view, although online entertainment will continue to grow, it is unlikely to make cinemas and theatres obsolete. The two forms of entertainment serve different purposes: digital platforms provide convenience and choice, whereas physical venues offer social interaction, atmosphere and cultural experiences.

In conclusion, the availability of online entertainment has made traditional venues less essential for some people, but cinemas and theatres continue to have substantial economic and cultural value. Rather than disappearing, they are likely to coexist with digital entertainment by offering experiences that technology cannot fully reproduce.

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 throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the comparison of streaming costs versus cinema tickets and the mention of local economic contributions like restaurants and transport. The position is maintained logically from the introduction to the conclusion, demonstrating a strong grasp of the task requirements.

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 handled smoothly using cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The use of linking words such as 'Furthermore', 'Beyond entertainment', and 'In conclusion' ensures that the flow of information is natural and easy to follow. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different stages of the argument, and referencing is clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'rapid development', 'replicated online', 'immersive experience', and 'make cinemas and theatres obsolete' show a high level of precision. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately, with no significant errors in collocation or word choice. You successfully avoid repetition by using varied terminology to describe the digital and physical entertainment sectors, which contributes to the overall sophistication of the writing.

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 'While some argue that... others maintain that...' and 'The two forms of entertainment serve different purposes: digital platforms provide convenience and choice, whereas physical venues offer...'. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no noticeable grammatical slips that impede communication, and the variety of structures used makes the writing engaging and professional.

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