Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-08

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 argue that cinemas and theatres are no longer as important as they were in the past because people can access almost all forms of entertainment online. Others believe that these places are still important because of their economic and cultural value. I believe that although online entertainment has reduced their importance, cinemas and theatres still play a valuable role in society.

On the one hand, cinemas and theatres have become less popular because people can now enjoy entertainment conveniently at home. In today's busy lifestyle, many people do not have enough free time to travel to a cinema or theatre and spend money on expensive tickets. Instead, they can use various online platforms to watch their favourite films, television series, dramas and shows whenever they want. Many of these services are either free or available through relatively affordable subscriptions, and they also provide high-quality content. For example, as someone who works in an office, I often have limited free time, so I prefer watching films or television series on my laptop or phone whenever I have a short break. Therefore, online entertainment is often more convenient and accessible than visiting a cinema or theatre.

On the other hand, cinemas and theatres are still important for both economic and cultural reasons. From an economic perspective, they provide employment for actors, technicians, managers and many other workers. They also generate income for businesses such as restaurants, shopping centres and transport services located around entertainment venues. In addition, cinemas provide a shared experience that online platforms cannot completely reproduce. People can watch newly released films on a large screen with high-quality sound and enjoy the experience with their friends or family. Theatres are also culturally significant because live performances can preserve traditional forms of art and allow people to experience culture directly. For instance, people often visit theatres during festivals or public holidays to enjoy performances with their families and friends.

In conclusion, although the rise of smartphones, laptops and online streaming platforms has made entertainment more accessible and reduced the need to visit cinemas and theatres, I believe that these venues are still important. They not only contribute to the economy but also provide unique social and cultural experiences that cannot be fully replaced by online entertainment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the convenience of online entertainment versus the economic and cultural significance of physical venues—and provided a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed, with specific examples such as the mention of employment for technicians and the shared social experience of cinema-going. The argument is consistent throughout, and the response is well-structured to meet the requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two opposing views is handled effectively using cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Referencing is clear, and the use of linking words such as 'In addition', 'Therefore', and 'For instance' ensures that the flow of information is smooth and easy to follow. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient range of vocabulary to discuss the topic with precision. Phrases like 'culturally significant', 'shared experience', and 'accessible' are used correctly. While the vocabulary is accurate and natural, it stays within a relatively standard range. To reach a higher band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations related to the arts and economics, such as 'cultural preservation' or 'economic stimulus'. However, the current usage is precise and error-free.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a good command of grammatical structures. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as the conditional-like structure in 'If I have a short break' and the use of subordinate clauses in the conclusion. Punctuation is accurate, and there are no significant errors that impede communication. The majority of sentences are error-free, showing good control over tense and subject-verb agreement throughout the text.

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