Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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 today's digital age, most forms of entertainment are available online. It is often argued that cinemas and theatres are no longer important because people can access a wide range of entertainment on the internet, while others believe that they are still economically and culturally important. Although both views have some merit, I believe that online entertainment has reduced the need to visit cinemas, but it has not completely replaced their economic and cultural role.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why some people believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer important. The main reason is the convenience and lower cost of online entertainment. People can watch films and other content at any time and from almost anywhere with an internet connection. They also do not need to spend time travelling to a cinema. Furthermore, online platforms provide people with a wide range of choices, and viewers can control the language, volume and pace of their viewing experience. For example, a person in India can watch a Hollywood film online with subtitles or in a language they understand, which may not always be possible in a cinema.

On the other hand, others argue that cinemas and theatres are still important. One major reason is their contribution to the economy. They provide employment for local people and generate tax revenue for the government. In addition, nearby businesses, such as restaurants and shops, can benefit from customers who visit these entertainment venues. Theatres are also important from a cultural perspective because they provide opportunities to present traditional performances, local shows and other forms of art. This can help preserve cultural traditions and allow younger generations to experience them.

In conclusion, online entertainment has clear advantages in terms of convenience, cost and choice, and this has reduced the need for people to visit cinemas. However, I believe that theatres and cinemas are still important because they provide economic opportunities and contribute to the preservation of culture.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response successfully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—the decline of cinemas due to online streaming and their ongoing economic and cultural importance—while providing a clear personal opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as the comparison of watching films with subtitles. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay, meeting all the requirements of Band 7.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction, moving through balanced body paragraphs introduced by signposting phrases like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand', and concluding effectively. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately to connect ideas, and paragraphing is managed skilfully, making the essay easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision, using appropriate terms such as 'convenience', 'tax revenue', 'preservation', and 'cultural perspective'. There is some awareness of collocation and style, and spelling and word choices are accurate throughout. While it stops short of the more sophisticated lexical control required for Band 8, the vocabulary easily meets the criteria for Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The writer uses a variety of complex sentence structures effectively, such as concessive clauses ('Although both views have some merit...') and relative clauses ('...which may not always be possible in a cinema'). There is a high frequency of error-free sentences, and grammar and punctuation are controlled very well. Minor errors are practically absent, showing a strong command of sentence structure that aligns with Band 8 descriptors.

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