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)

It is argued that in the era of digital technology, entertainment venues have become less important because people can consume virtually unlimited content through different online services. However, others contend that movie theatres and cinemas continue to play a vital role from an economic and cultural perspective. This essay will examine both perspectives before I express my own view.

On one hand, the shift towards digital equipment is largely driven by unparalleled convenience and cost-effectiveness. Streaming platforms provide users with instant access to on-demand content, allowing individuals to watch their favorite films at their own convenience rather than adhering to rigid showtimes. Furthermore, the online subscriptions are affordable, audiences can explore virtually a limitless content library, offering a wider variety of choices than a local cinema could ever host.

On the other hand, cultural institutions like cinemas remain crucial for several key reasons. Economically, public entertainment venues generate significant commercial activity for surrounding businesses, such as restaurants and retail stores, while providing widespread employment for the local community. Attending film screenings or live performances creates shared cultural experiences, elevating a simple movie into a memorable social event. The physical presence of a live audience is an irreplaceable aspect of consuming live art forms.

In conclusion, while the digital era offers cheap access to media, I believe that theatres and cinemas will be able to retain their essential significance. The economic benefits they bring to cities and the unique big screen cinematic experience they provide ensure that they will not be entirely replaced by home-based entertainment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.0

The response successfully addresses all parts of the task. The introduction clearly acknowledges both views regarding the declining importance of cinemas in the digital age versus their ongoing economic and cultural relevance, and concludes with a clear personal position. Body paragraph one thoroughly covers the arguments for digital streaming, highlighting 'unparalleled convenience and cost-effectiveness'. Body paragraph two outlines the economic contributions and cultural experiences offered by physical venues. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as surrounding businesses and shared cultural events. The response satisfies all requirements of Band 7 for Task Achievement by presenting a clear position throughout and extending ideas appropriately.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay displays clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from the introduction to the arguments in favour of digital platforms, then to the cultural and economic counter-arguments, and finally to a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and flexibly, such as 'On one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is managed logically and appropriately. There are minor stylistic slips, such as the dangling clause in 'Furthermore, the online subscriptions are affordable, audiences can explore...', which represents a slight comma splice, but this does not disrupt the overall flow or coherence of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a sufficient and generally flexible range of vocabulary suitable for an academic task. Less common lexical items are used effectively throughout the text, including phrases like 'unparalleled convenience', 'cost-effectiveness', 'on-demand content', and 'cultural institutions'. Word choice and collocations are mostly accurate, as seen in expressions like 'generate significant commercial activity' and 'shared cultural experiences'. There are very few lexical errors, though a slight phrasing awkwardness appears in 'virtually a limitless content library' (where 'virtually limitless content' would flow better). Overall, the vocabulary is strong and allows for precise communication, placing the response securely in the Band 7 range.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.0

The response features a good variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional or participial clauses such as 'allowing individuals to watch their favorite films at their own convenience rather than adhering to rigid showtimes'. There are frequent error-free sentences, and the grammar is generally well-controlled. However, a minor punctuation error occurs in the second paragraph with a comma splice: 'Furthermore, the online subscriptions are affordable, audiences can explore...'. Despite this occasional slip, punctuation and sentence boundaries are handled well, and grammatical control remains strong enough to meet the expectations of Band 7.

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