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 access to a huge variety of entertainment through online platforms. As a result, some believe that theatres and cinemas are becoming unnecessary, while others argue that they continue to play an important economic and cultural role. This essay will discuss both views, and I believe that theatres and cinemas remain valuable despite the popularity of online entertainment.

On the one hand, watching entertainment online is far more convenient than visiting a cinema or theatre. Streaming platforms allow people to watch films, television programmes and other content whenever and wherever they want. This is particularly beneficial for people with busy schedules, as they do not need to travel or follow fixed show timings. Moreover, online entertainment can be more affordable. A monthly subscription may provide access to hundreds of films and shows for approximately the same price as one or two cinema tickets. People can also pause, replay or choose content according to their personal preferences. Therefore, it is understandable why some people consider traditional entertainment venues less necessary today.

On the other hand, cinemas and theatres provide experiences that cannot be fully reproduced at home. Watching a film on a large screen with high-quality sound can be much more immersive than watching it on a laptop or television. Similarly, live theatre offers direct interaction between performers and audiences, creating a unique atmosphere. These venues are also culturally significant because they provide spaces where people can experience films, plays and performances together. Furthermore, they contribute economically by creating employment for actors, technicians, cinema staff and many other professionals. They can also support nearby businesses such as restaurants, cafés and shopping centres.

In my opinion, online entertainment and traditional venues can coexist rather than replace one another. Although streaming services are convenient and affordable for everyday entertainment, theatres and cinemas offer a social and cultural experience that online platforms cannot completely provide. Therefore, I believe they will continue to remain relevant in the digital age.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—that traditional venues are unnecessary due to online entertainment and that they remain economically and culturally important—while clearly stating a personal position. The introduction presents a clear stance, and both body paragraphs effectively extend and support relevant ideas. For instance, the first body paragraph outlines specific benefits of streaming such as convenience, cost-effectiveness, and scheduling flexibility. The second body paragraph balances this by exploring the immersive nature of cinemas, the unique live atmosphere of theatres, and their broader economic and cultural contributions. The conclusion neatly reiterates the writer's view that these formats can coexist. Ideas are well-developed and supported throughout with appropriate explanations, meeting all requirements for a Band 8 level under this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction, followed by balanced body paragraphs addressing opposing views, and concluding with a synthesised opinion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Moreover', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate contrasting arguments. Referencing is clear throughout the text, allowing the reader to follow the writer's arguments smoothly. The overall progression of ideas from digital convenience to physical benefits and finally to a balanced conclusion is well managed, fitting the Band 8 descriptor.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and generally flexible range of vocabulary suited to an academic discussion about entertainment and digital culture. Phrases such as 'online platforms', 'scheduling flexibility', 'subscription', 'immersive', and 'economically significant' demonstrate a good command of less common lexical items. Word choice and collocation are generally accurate throughout the response. Although the vocabulary is somewhat standard for this topic area rather than exceptionally sophisticated, it is deployed with precision and fluency, allowing the communication of complex ideas without strain. Minor slips are virtually absent, placing the lexical range comfortably at Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a very good range of sentence structures, successfully incorporating a mix of complex and compound sentences with high accuracy. Examples such as 'Streaming platforms allow people to watch films, television programmes and other content whenever and wherever they want' and 'Although streaming services are convenient and affordable for everyday entertainment, theatres and cinemas offer a social and cultural experience that online platforms cannot completely provide' showcase flexible syntax. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout the response. The control of grammar is strong, meeting the criteria for a Band 8 where the majority of sentences are error-free and complex structures are handled well.

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