Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-15

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)

Nowadays, it is widely debated whether, in an era of advanced technology and the growing popularity of online content, conventional theatres and cinemas are becoming less important. Some people argue that online entertainment is more convenient and flexible, whereas others believe that theatres and cinemas remain essential because of their economic and cultural significance. While online platforms undoubtedly offer considerable advantages, I strongly believe that theatres and cinemas continue to play a crucial role in supporting livelihoods and preserving cultural heritage.

On the one hand, modern technology has provided people with numerous devices and platforms that allow them to access entertainment whenever and wherever they wish. Movie lovers can watch their favourite films online at a time and place that suits them, provided they have an internet connection and access to an appropriate streaming service. For example, while travelling by train, individuals can watch films on platforms such as Amazon Prime or Netflix, enabling them to make productive use of their time and alleviate the boredom of a long journey. Furthermore, online content can generally be watched repeatedly without requiring an additional payment each time. This contrasts with conventional cinemas, where viewers have to purchase a new ticket whenever they wish to watch a film. Therefore, the flexibility, accessibility and cost-effectiveness of online entertainment make it an attractive alternative to traditional cinemas.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas have a substantial impact on both the economy and the cultural identity of a country. They provide sources of income for a wide range of people, including actors, musicians, singers, backstage crews and numerous other professionals whose livelihoods are directly or indirectly connected to the entertainment industry. Consequently, the closure of theatres and cinemas could have a detrimental financial impact on individuals and communities that depend on these establishments for employment. More importantly, theatres play a significant role in preserving cultural traditions and artistic forms that might otherwise gradually disappear. For instance, traditional stories and values can be communicated through theatrical performances, allowing audiences to experience their cultural heritage while strengthening relationships and a sense of community. Although online platforms can provide greater convenience, they may not be able to replicate the shared social and cultural experience created by attending a live performance or watching a film together in a cinema.

In conclusion, although online entertainment offers greater flexibility, accessibility and convenience, I firmly believe that theatres and cinemas remain important in modern society. In addition to providing employment and supporting the livelihoods of many people, they contribute significantly to the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage. Therefore, rather than becoming obsolete, traditional theatres and cinemas should continue to coexist with digital forms of entertainment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The student successfully discusses both views regarding the role of theatres and cinemas in the digital age—acknowledging the convenience, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness of online entertainment, while also highlighting the economic and cultural significance of physical establishments. A clear position is established in the introduction and maintained throughout the essay, culminating in a well-supported conclusion. Ideas are thoroughly developed with relevant examples, such as streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, as well as the employment and cultural preservation aspects tied to live performances and cinemas. The response meets all the requirements of a Band 8 level for Task Achievement.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction, moving smoothly through body paragraphs marked by clear signposting phrases like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand', and finishing with a cohesive conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Furthermore', 'Consequently', and 'Although' are used effectively and flexibly without being obtrusive. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct strands of argument. The flow of ideas from general statements to specific examples is natural and reader-friendly, easily satisfying the criteria for a Band 7.5 or 8.0, rounded here to 8.0 based on the skilled management of cohesion.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student uses a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic discussion. Less common and precise items are employed skillfully throughout the text, including terms such as 'detrimental financial impact', 'cultural heritage', 'obsolete', and 'accessibility'. Collocations are generally natural, such as 'alleviate the boredom' and 'preserving cultural traditions'. There are only occasional minor limitations or standard phrasings, but these do not impede communication. The lexical range is well above Band 7, demonstrating the fluency and precision expected at Band 8.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide range of complex structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring sophisticated subordinate clauses, participial phrases, and conditional or concessive structures (e.g., 'While online platforms undoubtedly offer considerable advantages, I strongly believe that...'). Punctuation is handled expertly, and control over tense, agreement, and word form is strong. Only very occasional minor slips might occur, but they do not disrupt the overall fluency or grammatical integrity of the piece. This performance comfortably aligns with Band 8 descriptors.

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