Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-05

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)

There is an argument about theater and cinemas, whether they are necessary for people or not, since they can watch any type of entertainment online because of the development of technology. In my opinion, those kinds of places are still important for people, although advancement of online entertainment.

On the one hand, some believe online platforms offer greater convenience and accessibility. Individuals can watch films, shows and other entertainment whenever and wherever they want, without commuting to a cinema or theatre. It means such platforms are more practical for modern lifestyles. Another potential reason for this idea is that streaming services provide thousands of films and shows at relatively low prices. People have more choices than they would in a single cinema or theatre. Consequently, online entertainment offers better value for money.

On the other hand, others including myself support the belief that cinemas and theatres play a crucial role in people's lives while they create jobs and generate income. They can also attract customers to nearby restaurants, cafes and shops and directly contribute to the local economy. Furthermore, theatres preserve performing arts and cultural traditions, while cinemas provide a shared experience. I believe, watching a performance or film with an audience creates social interaction and a stronger sense of community. Therefore, these venues provide benefits that online entertainment cannot fully replace.

In conclusion, although online entertainment offers greater convenience, affordability and variety, I believe that theatres and cinemas remain important because of their economic contribution and cultural and social value. Hence, digital platforms should be viewed as an alternative rather than a complete replacement for traditional entertainment venues.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both perspectives and clearly stating an opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are relevant and well-supported, particularly the economic and social arguments in the third paragraph. The position is consistent throughout the essay. To reach a higher band, the student could provide more specific examples—for instance, mentioning a specific cultural event or a real-world economic impact of local cinemas—to further extend the development of ideas. Overall, the response is well-focused and meets the requirements of the task effectively.

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 the two viewpoints is smooth. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'Furthermore', and 'Consequently' are used effectively to link sentences and ideas. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and the reader can easily follow the argument from start to finish. The use of referencing is accurate, ensuring that the text remains cohesive throughout.

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 'digital age', 'streaming services', 'performing arts', and 'local economy'. There is an attempt to use less common vocabulary, and the word choices are generally precise. While the range is good, it could be further enhanced by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or idiomatic expressions to demonstrate a higher level of lexical flexibility. Spelling is accurate throughout, and there are no instances where word choice impedes communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. The grammar is generally accurate, with most sentences being error-free. There is a good command of punctuation, and complex structures, such as the conditional-like construction in the conclusion ('should be viewed as...'), are handled well. While there are no major errors, the range of complex structures could be slightly broader to reach the highest band. The occasional minor slip does not interfere with the clarity of the message, and the overall control of grammar is strong.

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