Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-06

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)

In recent years, the rapid proliferation of high-speed internet and smart devices has fundamentally altered entertainment consumption habits. One group believes that individuals can easily view content on their devices from anywhere in the world. While another group of people still believes that in the current era, theaters and cinemas are still vital both economically and culturally. This essay will discuss both views, and then I will state my opinion.

Firstly, with the widespread availability of the internet, it is easy for anyone to watch any content from anywhere in the world. Additionally, with the advancement in technology and mobile devices readily available, viewers prefer to watch movies and dramas on their phones and other electronic gadgets. Everyone has busy lives, and they have no time to go to the cinema or spend money on tickets, and they prefer to watch through online entertainment platforms. For instance, a financial report of Netflix, which is an online entertainment platform, revealed that in just the last two years their subscribers jumped from ten million to 65 million in Pakistan. This figure demonstrates that now people prefer to consume content online.

Secondly, another group argues that people can learn about their culture through cinemas and theaters. Culturally, cinemas and theaters serve as communal spaces that foster shared emotional experiences—a collective resonance that solitary streaming in a living room cannot replicate. Live theater, in particular, offers an unscripted dynamism between actors and audiences that digital screens fail to capture. Economically, the film and performing arts industries rely heavily on theatrical releases to generate revenue, which in turn finances future artistic production. Additionally, these venues stimulate local commerce by driving foot traffic to neighboring restaurants, retail outlets, and public transport systems.

In conclusion, in my view, while the convenience of digital platforms is undeniable, the unique cultural and economic contributions of physical venues remain irreplaceable.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both perspectives and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are well-developed, particularly in the second body paragraph where you contrast the 'communal' nature of theaters with the 'solitary' nature of streaming. The inclusion of a specific example regarding Netflix in Pakistan adds credibility to your argument. To reach a higher band, ensure your opinion is more explicitly integrated into the body paragraphs rather than just the introduction and conclusion, as this would create a more cohesive argument throughout the essay.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and you use cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'Additionally', and 'In conclusion' effectively to guide the reader. The transition between the two viewpoints is smooth. The paragraphing is appropriate, and referencing is clear. To improve, you could vary your cohesive devices slightly more to avoid a somewhat mechanical feel, but overall, the structure is very solid and easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary, using terms like 'proliferation', 'communal spaces', 'collective resonance', and 'unscripted dynamism' effectively. These choices show an awareness of style and collocation. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors that impede communication. To achieve a higher score, try to incorporate more idiomatic expressions or nuanced collocations to show even greater flexibility and precision in your writing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The essay displays a good mix of simple and complex sentence structures. You use complex sentences effectively, such as 'While another group of people still believes that in the current era, theaters and cinemas are still vital both economically and culturally.' The grammar is generally accurate, with only very minor slips. Punctuation is used correctly throughout. To reach the highest band, ensure that even your most complex sentences remain perfectly error-free, as there is an occasional slight awkwardness in phrasing that could be polished for better flow.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

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