Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer
Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-16
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 amount of entertainment through the internet. Some people therefore believe that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary. Others, however, argue that these places continue to play an important economic and cultural role. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe theatres and cinemas are still valuable.
On the one hand, online entertainment has made it much easier and more convenient for people to watch films and other programmes. Streaming platforms allow users to access a wide range of content from their homes, often at a relatively low cost. People can also choose when and where they want to watch something, which is particularly convenient for those with busy lifestyles. For example, services such as Netflix and YouTube allow viewers to watch films, documentaries and other programmes without travelling to a cinema. As a result, some people consider traditional entertainment venues less necessary than they were in the past.
On the other hand, cinemas and theatres provide experiences that cannot be completely replaced by online entertainment. Watching a film on a large screen with high-quality sound can create a much more immersive experience than watching it on a mobile phone or television. Furthermore, theatres and cinemas are important social and cultural spaces where people can enjoy entertainment together. They also contribute to the economy by creating employment and generating income for filmmakers, actors, technicians, venue staff and many other businesses. In addition, theatres can help preserve and promote local culture by presenting plays, performances and stories that reflect a society's traditions and values.
In my opinion, although online entertainment has reduced the dependence on cinemas and theatres, it has not made them irrelevant. The two forms of entertainment can coexist because they offer different experiences. For instance, a person may watch most films at home but still visit a cinema to see a highly anticipated movie with friends. Similarly, people may attend a theatre performance because they value the live atmosphere and cultural experience.
In conclusion, online entertainment offers greater convenience and variety, which has reduced the need for people to visit cinemas and theatres regularly. Nevertheless, these venues continue to have significant social, cultural and economic importance. Therefore, I believe they will remain relevant despite the rapid growth of digital entertainment.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 7.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 7.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 7.5 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The student fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both the view that theatres and cinemas are obsolete in the digital age and the counter-argument regarding their economic and cultural importance. A clear position is stated in the introduction and maintained throughout the essay. The ideas are well extended and supported with relevant examples, such as mentioning streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube, as well as the immersive experience of a large screen and the social aspects of live performances. This performance meets all the requirements for a Band 8 under the Task Achievement criterion.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5
The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are logically sequenced with appropriate paragraphing, including a clear introduction, well-defined body paragraphs addressing each viewpoint, a personal opinion paragraph, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'On the other hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'In addition' are used effectively and flexibly to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the essay flows smoothly from one point to the next.
Lexical Resource — Band 7.5
The student displays a wide, fluent, and flexible lexical range appropriate for an academic discussion. Less common vocabulary items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'immersive experience,' 'highly anticipated movie,' 'generate income,' and 'rapid growth of digital entertainment.' There are only occasional minor inaccuracies in word choice or collocation, but these do not impede communication. The vocabulary is varied and precise, allowing the writer to convey subtle distinctions between digital viewing and live theatre experiences.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5
The response features a wide range of structures, successfully combining complex sentences (e.g., 'Streaming platforms allow users to access a wide range of content from their homes, often at a relatively low cost') with clear, accurate simple structures. The majority of sentences are error-free, and the control of grammar and punctuation is strong throughout. There are very occasional minor slips, but these do not detract from the overall clarity and sophistication of the writing, fitting comfortably within the Band 8 descriptor.
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