Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-04

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)

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 views and give your own opinion.

The rapid development of digital technology has transformed the way people consume entertainment. While some believe that theatres and cinemas have become less relevant because online platforms provide convenient access to a wide range of content, others argue that these venues continue to play an important economic and cultural role. I agree with the latter view and believe that theatres and cinemas remain valuable despite the rise of digital entertainment.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why some people consider theatres and cinemas outdated. Online streaming services allow individuals to watch films, plays and television programmes at any time and from any location. This convenience eliminates the need to travel, purchase tickets or adhere to fixed schedules. Furthermore, digital platforms often offer a vast library of content at a relatively low monthly cost, making them a more affordable option for many people. As a result, an increasing number of individuals prefer consuming entertainment from the comfort of their homes.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to provide benefits that online platforms cannot fully replace. From an economic perspective, they generate employment opportunities for actors, technicians, directors, ticketing staff and many others involved in the entertainment industry. In addition, these venues contribute significantly to local economies by attracting visitors who spend money on transportation, dining and other services. Culturally, theatres and cinemas offer a unique shared experience that fosters social interaction and community engagement. Watching a film on a large screen or attending a live theatrical performance often creates a sense of excitement and emotional connection that is difficult to replicate at home.

In conclusion, although digital technology has made entertainment more accessible than ever before, I believe that theatres and cinemas continue to hold considerable economic and cultural significance. Therefore, rather than becoming obsolete, they are likely to coexist with online entertainment in the future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. You clearly presented both sides of the argument regarding the relevance of theatres and cinemas in the digital age and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. Your ideas are well-developed and supported with logical reasoning, such as the economic impact on local businesses and the unique social experience of live performances. The response is balanced, and the conclusion effectively synthesises your position. To reach a higher band, you could provide more specific, real-world examples to illustrate your points, such as mentioning the recent resurgence of independent cinemas or specific cultural initiatives that have helped theatres survive.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using effective cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. You use referencing well, such as 'these venues' and 'such services', to maintain flow. The paragraphing is appropriate and contributes to the overall clarity of the argument. The structure is professional and easy to follow, with a logical flow from the introduction to the conclusion. The use of linking words is natural and not mechanical, which demonstrates a high level of control over the structure of your writing.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic task. Phrases like 'consume entertainment', 'fosters social interaction', and 'hold considerable economic and cultural significance' are used accurately and naturally. You avoid repetition and show an ability to use less common lexical items, such as 'obsolete' and 'replicate'. While the vocabulary is precise and fits the context well, incorporating a few more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic academic expressions could elevate the response further. Overall, your word choice is precise, and there are no errors that impede communication or cause confusion for the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

Your writing displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'While some believe that...', 'Although digital technology has made...'). The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. You maintain a formal tone throughout, which is appropriate for this task. There are no significant grammatical errors, and the few minor slips that might occur are rare and do not affect the clarity of your message. Your ability to vary sentence length and structure keeps the reader engaged and demonstrates a high level of grammatical competence.

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