Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-17

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 7.0)

Nowadays, people can watch almost any type of entertainment online. Because of this, some people believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer important. However, others think that they still have economic and cultural importance. This essay will discuss both views and give my opinion.

On the one hand, theatres and cinemas may be less important because online entertainment is convenient and affordable. People can watch movies, series and other programmes at home using platforms such as streaming services. They do not need to travel or spend money on expensive tickets. Moreover, people can watch their favourite programmes whenever they want. For example, students can watch a movie on their phones or laptops after finishing their studies.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas still provide several important benefits. First, they create jobs for many people, including actors, technicians, cleaners and other workers. They also contribute to the local economy because people often visit restaurants, cafés and shops before or after watching a film. Second, cinemas and theatres are important for culture. Watching a film or a live performance with other people provides a different experience from watching something alone at home. In addition, theatres can help preserve traditional performances and local culture.

In my opinion, although online entertainment is convenient and has become very popular, cinemas and theatres are still important. The experience of watching a film on a large screen or seeing a live performance cannot be completely replaced by online entertainment. Therefore, both forms of entertainment can exist together.

In conclusion, online entertainment offers convenience, variety and lower costs, while theatres and cinemas provide economic benefits as well as unique social and cultural experiences. For these reasons, I believe that traditional entertainment venues will continue to have an important role in society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student successfully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—that theatres and cinemas are no longer important due to online entertainment, and that they remain economically and culturally significant—while also clearly stating their own opinion in the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Ideas are relevant and supported with appropriate explanations, such as mentioning streaming services for the first view and job creation and cultural preservation for the second view. While some of the supporting points are somewhat general, such as 'students can watch a movie on their phones or laptops', the task is fully covered with a clear position throughout. This performance aligns well with the descriptors for a band 7.0.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the first view, the second view, the author's opinion, and a neat conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and appropriately, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Moreover', and 'In addition', which guide the reader easily through the arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and logically. While some of the linking phrases are standard, the overall structure and cohesion are well managed, satisfying the requirements for a band 7.0.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate range of vocabulary for the task, successfully using common and some less common items such as 'convenient', 'affordable', 'streaming services', 'contribute to the local economy', and 'traditional performances'. Word choice is generally appropriate and allows the writer to convey their ideas with precision. There are occasional attempts at less common phrasing, and spelling and word formation are accurate throughout. While the lexical range stops short of the wider, highly flexible vocabulary expected at higher bands, it comfortably meets the criteria for a band 6.5.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response features a good mix of simple and complex sentence forms, demonstrating control over grammatical structures. The student successfully constructs complex sentences using subordinate clauses, such as 'Because of this, some people believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer important' and 'although online entertainment is convenient and has become very popular, cinemas and theatres are still important.' Punctuation is accurate, and the majority of sentences are error-free, with no significant grammatical mistakes impeding communication. This level of accuracy and variety corresponds to a band 7.0.

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