Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-20

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 films, television programmes and other forms of entertainment through online platforms. Consequently, some argue that theatres and cinemas are no longer necessary. Others, however, believe that they remain important economically and culturally. Although online entertainment is undoubtedly more convenient, I believe that theatres and cinemas continue to play a valuable role in society.

There are several reasons why some people consider traditional entertainment venues less important than in the past. The main advantage of online platforms is convenience. People can watch films and programmes whenever and wherever they wish, often at a relatively low cost. Streaming services also offer a vast range of content from different countries, allowing viewers to choose programmes according to their individual preferences. Moreover, modern televisions and home sound systems can provide an increasingly sophisticated viewing experience. For people who value flexibility and privacy, therefore, online entertainment is an attractive alternative.

Nevertheless, theatres and cinemas provide benefits that cannot be fully replicated online. First, they are important social and cultural spaces. Watching a film in a cinema or attending a theatrical performance allows people to share an experience with others, creating a stronger sense of community than watching entertainment alone. Theatres also preserve live performances and provide opportunities for actors and artists to interact directly with audiences. Furthermore, cinemas can promote independent films and local productions that may receive limited exposure on major online platforms.

These venues are also economically significant. They provide employment for actors, directors, technicians, administrative staff and other workers. In addition, cinemas and theatres support surrounding businesses such as restaurants, shops and transport services by attracting visitors. Culturally, they can also help preserve national languages, traditions and artistic identities by providing platforms for locally produced works.

In conclusion, although online entertainment offers greater convenience and accessibility, theatres and cinemas remain relevant. Their unique social experience, economic contribution and role in preserving and promoting culture ensure that they continue to have an important place in modern society.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—the decline of theatres due to online platforms and their ongoing economic and cultural importance—while clearly stating the writer's own opinion in the introduction. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant arguments, such as the convenience of streaming services contrasted with the social, cultural, and economic benefits of live and cinematic venues. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay. The response meets all the requirements of Band 8 for this criterion, as the prompt is thoroughly explored with well-supported arguments and no significant omissions.

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 balanced introduction, moving to the arguments for online entertainment, then the counter-arguments regarding physical venues, and concluding effectively. Cohesive devices such as 'Consequently', 'Moreover', 'Nevertheless', and 'Furthermore' are used accurately and flexibly to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is used logically and appropriately. There are no noticeable lapses in cohesion, supporting a solid Band 7 or Band 8 performance.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student uses a sufficient and appropriate range of vocabulary for an academic essay. Less common lexical items such as 'unprecedented access', 'sophisticated viewing experience', 'replicated online', and 'economically significant' are employed effectively and demonstrate a good awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are precise, and spelling is entirely accurate. While the vocabulary is not overly exotic or heavily reliant on rare idioms, it is fluent and accurate, meeting the criteria for a strong Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer displays a very good control of grammar and punctuation. A variety of complex sentence structures is used effectively throughout the text, including conditional and subordinate clauses (e.g., 'For people who value flexibility and privacy, therefore, online entertainment is an attractive alternative' and 'Although online entertainment offers greater convenience...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and any complex structures are handled with precision. Minor slips are virtually absent, placing this securely in the Band 8 category for grammatical range and accuracy.

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