Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-19

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 unprecedented access to entertainment through online platforms, leading some to argue that traditional theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary. Others, however, believe that these venues continue to play an important role in society and the economy. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe theatres and cinemas remain relevant despite the growth of digital entertainment.

On the one hand, there are convincing reasons why some people consider theatres and cinemas less important than they were in the past. The rapid development of streaming services has made a vast range of films, television programmes and other forms of entertainment available from the comfort of people’s homes. With a smartphone, computer or smart television, individuals can watch content whenever they want, often at a relatively low cost. This is particularly convenient for people with busy lifestyles because they do not need to travel or follow fixed screening times. Furthermore, online platforms provide users with personalised recommendations and access to international content, making home entertainment more convenient and diverse than ever before.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to have significant economic and cultural value. From an economic perspective, these venues provide employment for a wide range of people, including actors, technicians, projectionists, cleaners and administrative staff. Cinemas also generate revenue for local businesses such as restaurants, cafés and shops because audiences often spend money before or after a performance. From a cultural perspective, theatres provide a unique environment for experiencing live performances, where actors interact directly with an audience. Similarly, watching a film on a large cinema screen with high-quality sound can create a shared social experience that cannot be completely replicated at home.

In my opinion, although online entertainment has made traditional venues less essential for everyday entertainment, it has not made them obsolete. Digital platforms are likely to remain the preferred option for convenience and affordability, but cinemas and theatres offer social, cultural and immersive experiences that online entertainment cannot fully replace. Therefore, both forms of entertainment can coexist and serve different purposes.

In conclusion, online entertainment has undoubtedly reduced people’s dependence on theatres and cinemas because it is convenient and accessible. Nevertheless, traditional venues continue to contribute to employment, local economies and cultural life, and I believe they will remain important in the future.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—the rise of online entertainment making theatres obsolete versus the ongoing economic and cultural importance of physical venues—and clearly presents the writer's own opinion throughout the essay. The position is well-developed with relevant supporting ideas, such as convenience and streaming accessibility on one hand, and employment, local business revenue, and immersive social experiences on the other. The arguments are extended logically across the body paragraphs, meeting the Band 8 descriptor standards effectively.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

Ideas are logically sequenced and progress naturally throughout the response. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, moving smoothly from a well-structured introduction to balanced body paragraphs discussing each view, followed by a personal opinion paragraph and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'Nevertheless' are used skillfully without being intrusive or mechanical. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, reflecting the Band 8 descriptor.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion. Words and phrases such as 'unprecedented access', 'rapid development', 'economic and cultural value', 'immersive experiences', and 'obsolete' are integrated naturally. There is skilful use of less common items with good awareness of collocation and style. Spelling and word choice are accurate throughout, supporting a high-level performance that aligns strongly with the Band 8 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The response displays a wide variety of complex structures used accurately and flexibly. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring sophisticated syntactic elements such as conditional concepts, participial phrases, and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'where actors interact directly with an audience' and 'making home entertainment more convenient and diverse than ever before'). Grammar and punctuation are under excellent control, with only very occasional minor slips, which fits the Band 8 criteria.

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