Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-03
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 importance of theatres and cinemas has become a widely debated topic in recent years. While some people argue that these venues are no longer relevant because people can access entertainment online, others believe that they remain significant both economically and culturally. Although both views have their own merits, this essay will discuss both perspectives before explaining why I believe that theatres and cinemas continue to serve an important purpose.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why people support the view that theatres and cinemas are no longer essential. The main reason is that online entertainment offers greater convenience and accessibility. People can access a wide range of films and programmes from home without travelling or paying admission fees. Furthermore, online platforms allow viewers to watch content whenever they want, which can save both time and money. For example, people can enjoy their favourite films at home without visiting a cinema. Therefore, it is understandable why many people consider this perspective more practical and economical.
On the other hand, there are also convincing arguments in favour of theatres and cinemas. One important reason is that they provide a distinctive social and cultural experience. In addition, they contribute to the economy by creating employment opportunities and generating revenue for businesses. For instance, cinemas allow people to enjoy films together on large screens with superior audiovisual quality, creating a more immersive and memorable experience. Consequently, there are reasonable grounds for supporting this perspective as well. However, I believe that theatres and cinemas remain culturally and economically valuable because of their wider benefits.
In conclusion, both online entertainment and theatres and cinemas have valid arguments. Nevertheless, I believe that theatres and cinemas continue to retain considerable value because their overall impact is beneficial for individuals and society.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 6.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5
The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both perspectives and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically extended, such as the mention of 'employment opportunities' and 'social experience'. However, the development of these ideas is somewhat brief. To reach a higher band, the arguments could be supported with more specific, detailed examples or deeper analysis of the economic and cultural impacts mentioned. The position is consistent throughout, but the depth of the discussion remains at a level that is clear but not fully explored.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay is well-organised with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the progression of ideas is logical. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', 'Consequently', and 'Nevertheless' are used effectively to link sentences and paragraphs. The referencing is clear, and the structure is easy to follow. The flow is smooth, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints, which contributes to a coherent overall response.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The vocabulary is sufficient and appropriate for the task. The student uses a range of topic-specific terms such as 'audiovisual quality', 'immersive', 'economical', and 'relevant'. While the range is adequate, it lacks the more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations that would characterise a higher band. There are no significant errors in word choice or spelling, and the language used is precise enough to convey the intended meaning clearly throughout the essay.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The essay demonstrates a good control of grammar with a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly. The student successfully employs complex structures, such as 'Although both views have their own merits, this essay will discuss...' and '...because their overall impact is beneficial for individuals and society.' The control is consistent, and there are no grammatical errors that impede communication. The accuracy is high, reflecting a solid command of English syntax.
See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.
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