Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-22

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)

Opinions are divided on whether theatres and cinemas are no longer important because people can watch entertainment online, or whether these venues are still important both economically and culturally. While I understand why some people support the former view, I am still in favour of the latter.

Those who believe that theatres and cinemas are no longer important argue that online entertainment is more convenient in modern life. From their point of view, many people have busy schedules because of their work and studies. Therefore, they may not have enough free time to visit a cinema or theatre. Moreover, ticket prices can be expensive, especially for people on low incomes who may face financial difficulties. Another point is that audiences may not have enough time to watch a full movie or play. For instance, if someone wants to watch a Harry Potter movie in a cinema, they need to have at least three hours of free time, including travelling and waiting time.

Nevertheless, I still believe that theatres and cinemas remain significant for economic development and cultural preservation. Chief among these reasons is that the film and entertainment industries can contribute to the national economy. For example, during the 2026 Tet holiday in Vietnam, a Vietnamese film generated hundreds of billions of VND in box-office revenue, creating income for cinemas, producers and other businesses involved in the industry. This shows that the entertainment sector can contribute to economic activity. Another reason is that films and plays can help children, foreigners and students learn about the history and culture of their hometowns and countries. By experiencing traditional stories and cultural values through entertainment, younger generations may develop a better understanding of their national identity. As a result, theatres and cinemas can play a role in preserving cultural values for future generations.

In conclusion, although I acknowledge why some people believe that cinemas and theatres are becoming less important in the digital age, I still believe that they remain important because they contribute to economic activity and help preserve cultural values.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The student addresses all parts of the task thoroughly, discussing both views regarding the decline and enduring importance of theatres and cinemas, while also clearly stating their own position in the introduction and conclusion. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of box-office revenue during the Tet holiday in Vietnam and the convenience factors of online streaming. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay. The response fully satisfies the requirements for Band 7, touching on Band 8 descriptors due to the well-supported ideas, though some arguments like time constraints could be slightly more deeply elaborated.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with a well-formulated introduction, followed by body paragraphs dedicated to the opposing view and the student's own view respectively, and concluding neatly. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately (e.g., 'While I understand', 'Chief among these reasons', 'As a result'), and paragraphing is managed skilfully. Referencing and substitution are clear, ensuring that the reader can easily follow the progression of arguments. The cohesion is smooth and unobtrusive, fitting the Band 8 descriptor well.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a sufficient and generally flexible range of vocabulary suited to the academic prompt. Less common lexical items are used effectively, such as 'cultural preservation', 'national identity', and 'box-office revenue'. Word choice and collocations are largely accurate (e.g., 'financial difficulties', 'economic development'). While there are occasional minor limitations or slightly repetitive phrases like 'important' and 'entertainment', the vocabulary used successfully conveys precise meaning without impeding communication. This sits comfortably within Band 7.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

A good variety of complex structures is employed throughout the essay, including concessive clauses ('While I understand why some people support the former view...'), conditional constructions, and relative clauses. The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled well. Grammatical control is strong, with only very occasional minor slips that do not impede communication. The mix of simple and complex forms is handled with confidence, reflecting the characteristics of Band 7 or higher.

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