Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-28
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, some people believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer important because people can access almost any form of entertainment online. Others argue that these venues remain significant because of their economic and cultural contributions. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that theatres and cinemas are still valuable despite the rapid growth of digital platforms.
On the one hand, online entertainment is considerably more convenient and accessible than visiting a theatre or cinema. People can watch films, television programmes and performances from their homes at any time. Streaming services also offer a huge variety of content at relatively low prices, making them attractive to consumers. Furthermore, people living in small towns or rural areas may have limited access to cinemas and theatres, whereas the internet allows them to enjoy international entertainment instantly. Therefore, it is understandable why some people consider traditional venues less necessary than they were in the past.
On the other hand, theatres and cinemas provide experiences that online platforms cannot fully reproduce. Watching a film on a large screen with high-quality sound and an audience creates a unique atmosphere and makes the experience more social. Likewise, live theatre allows people to appreciate actors' performances, stage design and the immediate interaction between performers and audiences. In addition, these industries create employment for thousands of people and generate revenue for local businesses such as restaurants, shops and transport services.
In my opinion, although digital entertainment has changed how people consume media, theatres and cinemas remain important. They provide distinctive social and cultural experiences while supporting employment and economic activity. Rather than becoming obsolete, I believe traditional venues will continue to coexist with online entertainment in the future.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.0 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
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 digital entertainment versus the cultural and economic importance of physical venues—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between the social atmosphere of a cinema and the convenience of home streaming. The conclusion effectively synthesizes your position, ensuring the task requirements are met with a logical flow of arguments.
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 paragraphs is smooth, using appropriate cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'Likewise,' and 'In addition.' The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used effectively to separate the opposing views from your own opinion. The structure is coherent throughout, making the essay very easy to follow.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.0
You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'rapid growth of digital platforms,' 'distinctive social and cultural experiences,' and 'become obsolete' are used accurately and naturally. While the vocabulary is appropriate and conveys your meaning clearly, incorporating a few more sophisticated or less common collocations could elevate the score further. However, the current range is flexible and precise enough for a high band score.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of concessive clauses ('Although digital entertainment has changed...') and conditional-like reasoning ('...whereas the internet allows them to...'). The grammar is highly accurate, with no significant errors that impede communication. Punctuation is used correctly to support the flow of your arguments. The majority of your sentences are error-free, reflecting a strong command of English syntax.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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