Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-08-31

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)

The rise of digital entertainment has changed the way people watch films and other forms of entertainment. While some people believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer necessary because almost everything can be accessed online, others argue that these places continue to have economic and cultural importance. In my opinion, although online entertainment is more convenient, theatres and cinemas still play an important role in society.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why people believe theatres and cinemas have become less important. The main advantage of online entertainment is convenience. People can watch films, television programmes and other content from their homes at any time without having to travel or pay for expensive tickets. Streaming services also provide a huge variety of content, allowing viewers to choose what they want to watch according to their interests. For example, a person can watch a newly released film at home or spend an evening watching a series without having to leave the house. As a result, many people, particularly those with busy lifestyles, may prefer online entertainment to visiting a cinema.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to provide benefits that cannot be completely replaced by digital platforms. From an economic perspective, cinemas create employment for people working in areas such as ticket sales, food services and management, while theatres provide income for actors, musicians and other performers. More importantly, these venues have cultural value because they bring people together to experience entertainment collectively. Watching a film on a large screen with an audience, for instance, can create a stronger emotional experience than watching it alone at home. Similarly, live theatre allows audiences to interact with performers in a way that online entertainment cannot fully reproduce.

In my view, the growth of digital entertainment does not mean that theatres and cinemas have become irrelevant. Instead, the two forms of entertainment can coexist. Online platforms are ideal for convenience and variety, whereas cinemas and theatres offer a shared social and cultural experience. Therefore, I believe that these venues will remain important despite the increasing popularity of online entertainment.

In conclusion, although digital entertainment is convenient, affordable and widely accessible, theatres and cinemas continue to contribute to the economy and culture of society. For this reason, I believe they are still important in the digital age.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both views regarding the importance of theatres and cinemas in the digital age and provided a well-supported personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, such as the contrast between the convenience of streaming and the collective emotional experience of a cinema. The position is consistent throughout the essay, and the conclusion effectively synthesises the arguments presented. To reach a band 9, you could further deepen the analysis by providing a more specific real-world example of how a particular cultural event or economic shift has impacted local cinemas, rather than relying on general observations.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two opposing views is smooth, using appropriate linking phrases such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Cohesive devices are used effectively, and referencing is clear throughout the text. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is natural and easy to follow, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for an academic essay. Phrases such as 'digital entertainment', 'collectively', 'reproduce', and 'irrelevant' are used accurately. The vocabulary is sufficient to convey your ideas with precision. While the range is adequate, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items to demonstrate a higher level of flexibility. For instance, instead of 'huge variety', you could use 'an extensive array' or 'a diverse spectrum'. Overall, the word choice is natural and supports the clarity of your argument.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of concessive clauses ('While some people believe...', 'Although online entertainment is...') and conditional-like structures. The grammar is generally accurate, and the majority of sentences are error-free. Punctuation is used correctly to support the flow of ideas. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. To achieve a higher band, you could aim for even greater complexity in your sentence construction, perhaps by varying the use of passive voice or more advanced subordinating conjunctions, though your current control is already quite strong.

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