Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · 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 7.5)

Theatres and cinemas in the digital age

In the digital era, streaming platforms have revolutionised the way people consume entertainment. While some believe that this development has made theatres and cinemas obsolete, others argue that these venues continue to play a vital economic and cultural role. This essay discusses both perspectives before explaining why I believe they remain indispensable.

On the one hand, online entertainment offers unparalleled convenience and affordability. With a smartphone or laptop, people can access thousands of films, television series, and live performances whenever they wish. This flexibility eliminates the need to travel, purchase expensive tickets, or follow fixed screening schedules. For families and busy professionals, streaming services provide a cost-effective alternative that caters to individual preferences, making digital media an increasingly attractive option.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas offer experiences that cannot be fully replicated at home. Cinemas provide immersive audiovisual technology and a shared atmosphere that enhances emotional engagement, particularly during major film releases. Likewise, theatres preserve artistic traditions by showcasing live performances, including drama, ballet, and musicals, thereby nurturing creativity and supporting emerging performers. Economically, these institutions generate employment for actors, directors, technicians, and hospitality workers, while also attracting tourism and stimulating local businesses surrounding entertainment districts.

In my opinion, although digital platforms will continue to dominate everyday entertainment, they should complement rather than replace theatres and cinemas. Each serves a distinct purpose: streaming prioritises accessibility, whereas live venues cultivate community interaction and cultural heritage. For example, internationally acclaimed productions in London's West End continue to attract millions of visitors despite the widespread availability of online content.

In conclusion, digital entertainment has undoubtedly transformed viewing habits, but theatres and cinemas remain significant cultural landmarks and valuable contributors to the economy. Their unique ability to deliver immersive and collective experiences ensures their relevance well into the future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the convenience of digital entertainment and the unique value of physical venues—while maintaining a consistent and well-supported personal opinion throughout. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the economic and cultural arguments in the third paragraph. The conclusion effectively synthesises your position, ensuring the reader understands your stance. The essay is balanced, logical, and directly answers the prompt's requirements for discussion and personal opinion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between ideas is smooth and natural. You have used a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'On the one hand', 'Likewise', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different viewpoints and your own opinion. The flow of information is consistent, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking, making the text very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have used a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary throughout the essay. Phrases like 'unparalleled convenience', 'immersive audiovisual technology', and 'cultivate community interaction' demonstrate a high level of lexical control and precision. The word choices are natural and appropriate for an academic context. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary used is sufficiently varied to express complex ideas clearly and effectively. This is a strong performance in terms of lexical range and accuracy.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. For instance, the use of the conditional structure in the final paragraph and the balanced comparison in the third paragraph show a high degree of grammatical flexibility. There are no significant errors that impede communication, and the writing is consistently accurate throughout.

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