Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

In recent years, whether traditional theatres and cinemas retain their significance in modern society has spark broad debate. While some argue that these venues are vital cultural landmarks that preserve a nation's artistic heritage, others contend that the internet has rendered them obsolete. In my opinion, while cinemas still offer a distinct social outing, their overall importance has diminished significantly due to the convenience and affordability of online streaming platforms.

On the one hand, proponents of cinema argue that going to the theatre provides an immersive entertainment and social experience that home viewing cannot replicate. For many, spending a weekend visiting the cinema, attending gatherings, or going to cultural events is an essential way to unwind and connect with others. Furthermore, the grandeur of modern high-definition projection, advanced surround-sound systems, and massive screens offers a level of audio-visual engagement that standard television or mobile screens simply fail to match. Consequently, for movie enthusiasts, the cinema remains a cherished destination rather than a mere venue for consuming content.

On the other hand, the fast-paced nature of modern urban life has shifted consumer preferences drastically toward convenience and cost-effectiveness. In today's demanding work environment, individuals often finish exhausting shifts only seeking relaxation in the comfort of their own homes. Commuting to a theatre, navigating traffic, and purchasing expensive admission tickets increasingly feels like an inefficient use of limited leisure time and financial resources. Because digital streaming platforms now deliver immediate access to vast libraries of cinematic releases from home, the necessity of visiting physical venues has reduced substantially compared to previous eras.

In conclusion, although the cinema still appeals to those who prioritize the sensory excitement of the big screen and out-of-home entertainment, its central role in daily life has unquestionably faded. The rise of digital streaming and the demanding structure of modern lifestyles make home entertainment a far more practical choice, rendering traditional theatres far less essential than they once were.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both perspectives and providing a clear, consistent opinion throughout. The introduction sets the stage well, and the body paragraphs offer logical arguments for both sides. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the contrast between the social experience of cinemas and the convenience of streaming. The position is maintained from the introduction through to the conclusion, ensuring a cohesive argument. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific examples or evidence to support the economic or cultural claims mentioned in the prompt, rather than focusing primarily on the consumer experience.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two opposing viewpoints is handled smoothly using cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words like 'Furthermore' and 'Consequently' helps to maintain the flow of the argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a distinct introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The structure is professional and easy to follow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'obsolete', 'immersive', 'grandeur', and 'cost-effectiveness' appropriately. There is an attempt to use less common lexical items, which adds precision to the argument. However, there is a minor error in the first sentence: 'has spark broad debate' should be 'has sparked a broad debate'. While this is a minor slip, the overall control of vocabulary is strong and allows for a sophisticated discussion of the topic. The language is natural and fits the academic context well.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good variety of complex sentence structures, such as the use of subordinate clauses in the introduction and the second body paragraph. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally accurate. There is a minor grammatical slip in the first sentence regarding verb tense and article usage. However, these errors are rare and do not impede communication. The control over complex structures is consistent, and the overall grammatical accuracy is high, supporting the clarity of the arguments presented.

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