Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-27

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)

Those who prefer watching movies online think that cinemas and theaters are no longer relevant as it is not as efficient as the streaming platforms. While on the other hand, there are also people who believe that both cinemas and theaters contribute positively to our culture and economic sector. This essay agrees with second statement.

It is undeniable that nowadays watching movies has never been any easier. There are many streaming platforms than people can sign up for and they only have to pay the subscription fee every month or year, depending on which platform it is. Each platform offers different kinds of movies and even TV shows to choose. People can sit in their own living room, turn on the TV, and start choosing a movie to watch without having to leave the house.

However, moviegoers and cinephiles argue that going to the cinema is an experience that is not easy to replace. Since a long time ago, movies have brought people together. That is the cultural essence of watching movies. Being able to bond with your friends through small talks about the movie you are planning to watch in the cinema together, experiencing the enhanced version of a movie specifically only in the cinema, those things are irreplaceable not even by the convenient of online platforms.

In the subject of the economy, cinemas and theaters often work together with other business ventures, such as, food and beverage, merchandising, and more. Once people stop going to the cinema, they also stop contributing their money to these businesses. This can create a chain of events where businesses stop making profits due to a declining number of consumers.

Personally, as a movie enthusiast myself, some of my favorite memories were made in cinemas and involving connecting with others through movies. I believe for some people like myself, watching movies is not as simple as just a hobby but it is also a part of their culture, their identity, and their passion.

Overall, while it is more convenient to watch movies online, the authentic experience of going to cinemas is irreplaceable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

You have addressed all parts of the prompt by discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. Your position is consistent throughout the essay. The ideas are relevant, particularly the distinction between the convenience of streaming and the social/economic value of cinemas. However, the development of the economic argument is somewhat brief. To reach a higher band, you could provide a more concrete example of how cinemas support local economies, such as the impact on surrounding restaurants or retail shops in a shopping complex. Overall, the response is well-structured and directly answers the prompt requirements.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and you use cohesive devices such as 'However,' 'In the subject of,' and 'Overall' to guide the reader. While the paragraphing is effective, some transitions between sentences feel slightly mechanical. For instance, the link between the cultural essence of movies and the economic argument could be smoother. Referencing is generally clear, and the essay flows well from the introduction to the conclusion. The structure is sufficient to maintain a logical argument throughout the piece.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with some precision. Phrases like 'cultural essence,' 'business ventures,' and 'movie enthusiast' are used appropriately. There are some minor issues with word choice, such as 'convenient of online platforms' (should be 'convenience') and 'not as efficient as' (referring to the platforms rather than the act of watching). While you use some less common items, the vocabulary is generally functional rather than sophisticated. To improve, focus on more precise collocations and ensure that word forms are used correctly in context.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

You use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are several error-free sentences, which indicates good control. However, there are some grammatical slips, such as 'There are many streaming platforms than people can sign up for' (should be 'that') and 'not even by the convenient of online platforms' (should be 'convenience'). Additionally, 'This essay agrees with second statement' is missing an article. These errors do not impede communication, but they occur frequently enough to prevent a higher score. Increasing the variety of complex structures and proofreading for minor articles and word forms would be beneficial.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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