Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-11

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)

In the digital age, people have access to an enormous range of entertainment through online platforms, leading some to argue that theatres and cinemas are becoming unnecessary. However, others believe that these venues continue to have significant economic and cultural value. Although online entertainment is more convenient, I believe that theatres and cinemas remain important because they provide unique social and cultural experiences.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why some people believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer essential. The main advantage of online entertainment is convenience. People can watch films, television programmes and other forms of entertainment from the comfort of their homes at any time. In addition, streaming services often provide a much wider range of content than a local cinema or theatre. This is particularly beneficial for people who live in remote areas, as they can access international entertainment without having to travel long distances. For example, someone living on a small island can watch films produced in Hollywood or other countries without having a cinema nearby.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to play an important role in society. Economically, they provide employment for actors, directors, technicians, cinema staff and many other workers. They also generate income for surrounding businesses, such as restaurants, hotels and transport providers. More importantly, these venues contribute to cultural life by bringing people together to experience performances and films collectively. Watching a film on a large screen or attending a live theatre performance can create an atmosphere that cannot be fully reproduced at home. For instance, attending a live cultural performance can allow audiences to appreciate local traditions and artistic expressions while sharing the experience with other members of the community.

In my opinion, although online entertainment will continue to grow because of its affordability and convenience, it will not completely replace theatres and cinemas. Digital platforms are particularly useful for providing easy access to entertainment, but physical venues offer social interaction, employment opportunities and cultural experiences that online services cannot fully provide.

In conclusion, while the rise of online entertainment has reduced people's dependence on theatres and cinemas, these venues remain valuable. I believe they will continue to serve an important economic and cultural purpose, even as digital entertainment becomes increasingly popular.

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 online entertainment versus the economic and cultural importance of physical venues—and provided a clear, consistent personal opinion throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the distinction between the convenience of streaming and the collective experience of live performances. The structure is logical, and the arguments are supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of remote areas and the economic impact on local businesses. The response is balanced and meets all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical progression. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two opposing views is smooth, using effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. The paragraphing is appropriate, with a clear introduction, two body paragraphs, a personal opinion section, and a conclusion. Referencing is accurate, and the flow of ideas is natural. The use of linking words is neither mechanical nor excessive, contributing to a coherent and easy-to-follow argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You have used a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey your ideas with precision. Phrases such as 'enormous range of entertainment', 'collectively', and 'cannot be fully reproduced' demonstrate a good command of language. While the vocabulary is accurate and appropriate for the academic context, it could be elevated further by incorporating more sophisticated collocations or less common lexical items to reach the highest band. However, the current range is flexible and allows for clear communication without any noticeable errors in word choice or spelling.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses (e.g., 'Although online entertainment is more convenient, I believe that...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, consistent with a strong command of English grammar.

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