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)
In the digital age, people have access to a huge variety of entertainment through the internet. While some believe that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary because films and other forms of entertainment can be enjoyed online, others argue that these places continue to have economic and cultural value. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that theatres and cinemas are still important despite the growth of digital entertainment.
On the one hand, there are several reasons why people believe that theatres and cinemas are becoming less important. The main reason is the convenience of online platforms. People can now watch films, series, concerts and other programmes from their homes at any time. Streaming services also provide a wide range of content at relatively affordable prices, meaning that people do not need to travel or purchase expensive cinema tickets. In addition, watching entertainment online can be more comfortable because viewers can pause, replay or stop a programme whenever they wish. For example, a person who has a busy schedule can watch a film at home late at night rather than travelling to a cinema at a fixed time.
On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to provide experiences that cannot be completely replaced by online entertainment. Cinemas, for instance, offer a large screen, high-quality sound and a shared atmosphere, which can make watching a film more enjoyable. Similarly, theatres provide audiences with the opportunity to experience live performances and see actors performing directly in front of them. These venues are also economically significant because they provide employment for actors, directors, technicians, cinema staff and many other workers. Furthermore, theatres play an important cultural role by preserving traditional forms of performing arts and giving local artists opportunities to present their work. For instance, live plays and traditional performances can bring communities together and help younger generations understand their cultural heritage.
In my opinion, the growth of digital entertainment has changed the way people consume entertainment, but it has not made theatres and cinemas irrelevant. Online platforms are more convenient for everyday entertainment, whereas physical venues offer social, cultural and emotional experiences that are difficult to reproduce at home. Therefore, both forms of entertainment can coexist, with people choosing between them according to their preferences and circumstances.
In conclusion, although online entertainment is convenient, affordable and widely accessible, theatres and cinemas remain valuable because they provide unique experiences, support employment and contribute to cultural life. For these reasons, I believe they will continue to have an important place in society even as digital entertainment expands.
AI examiner evaluation
| Criterion | Band |
|---|---|
| Task Achievement / Task Response | 7.5 |
| Coherence and Cohesion | 6.5 |
| Lexical Resource | 6.5 |
| Grammatical Range and Accuracy | 6.5 |
| Overall | 7.0 |
Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5
The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. The introduction clearly acknowledges both views ('some believe that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary' versus 'others argue that these places continue to have economic and cultural value') and states a clear personal opinion ('I believe that theatres and cinemas are still important'). Body paragraph 2 thoroughly explores the first view regarding the convenience and affordability of online platforms. Body paragraph 3 examines the second view, highlighting the sensory experience, live performance aspect, employment opportunities, and cultural preservation provided by physical venues. The final opinion is well-integrated throughout the essay and reiterated in the conclusion. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, meeting the Band 8 standard for Task Achievement.
Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5
The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introductory overview to the individual viewpoints, the author's stance, and finally a succinct conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly without feeling mechanical, employing markers such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'In addition', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used logically and appropriately to separate distinct arguments. Referencing is consistently clear, ensuring the reader can easily follow the progression of ideas. This performance aligns comfortably with Band 7 descriptors.
Lexical Resource — Band 6.5
The student demonstrates a sufficient and generally precise range of vocabulary suitable for an academic discussion on entertainment. Less common and topical items are used with good awareness of style and collocation, such as 'digital entertainment', 'streaming services', 'sensory experience', 'cultural heritage', and 'economic significance'. While the vocabulary is fluent and appropriate, it occasionally stays within safe, standard academic phrasing rather than showcasing exceptionally sophisticated or rare idiomatic control, which places it firmly at a solid Band 7 level. Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5
The writer exhibits a very good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, maintaining high accuracy throughout. Sentences such as 'While some believe that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary because films and other forms of entertainment can be enjoyed online...' showcase control over subordination and relative clauses. Punctuation and grammatical management are strong, with the majority of sentences remaining entirely error-free. Occasional minor slips do not impede communication in any way. The grammatical range and control comfortably satisfy the requirements for a Band 7.0, bordering on Band 8.
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