Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-27

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 wide range of entertainment through online platforms, leading some to argue that theatres and cinemas are no longer necessary. Others, however, believe that these venues continue to play an important role in society, both economically and culturally. Although online entertainment is more convenient, I believe that theatres and cinemas remain important.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why some people believe that theatres and cinemas have become less important. The main reason is the convenience offered by online streaming services. People can watch films, television programmes and other forms of entertainment from the comfort of their homes at any time. In addition, online platforms often provide a large variety of content at a relatively low cost, meaning that people do not have to travel to a cinema or pay for an individual ticket. For example, a person with a subscription to a streaming platform can watch hundreds of films at home without having to leave their house. Therefore, the convenience and affordability of online entertainment have reduced people's dependence on traditional cinemas.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to have considerable economic and cultural importance. From an economic perspective, cinemas provide employment for a large number of people and generate revenue for film producers, actors, directors and other workers in the entertainment industry. Furthermore, cinemas offer a social experience that cannot be completely replicated by watching a film alone at home. Watching a movie on a large screen with an audience can create a stronger sense of excitement and community. Cinemas can also contribute to culture by giving people opportunities to experience local films and productions that may otherwise receive less attention.

In my opinion, although online entertainment has made watching films more convenient, theatres and cinemas are still relevant in modern society. The experience of watching a film in a cinema is fundamentally different from watching it on a phone, television or computer. Moreover, the economic contribution of cinemas and their role in promoting films and bringing people together mean that they continue to serve an important purpose. Online streaming may reduce cinema attendance to some extent, but it is unlikely to make these venues completely unnecessary.

In conclusion, while online platforms provide people with cheaper and more convenient access to entertainment, theatres and cinemas continue to have significant economic and cultural value. I therefore believe that both forms of entertainment can coexist, with cinemas continuing to provide experiences that online platforms cannot fully replace.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views on whether theatres and cinemas are still important in the digital age, while also providing a clear, well-supported personal opinion throughout. In body paragraph one, the student explores the convenience and affordability of online streaming platforms. In body paragraph two, the economic and cultural significance of cinemas is clearly detailed, supported by logical reasoning regarding the social experience and support for local productions. The position is maintained consistently from the introduction through to the conclusion, meeting the criteria for a Band 8.0.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are coherently linked, using cohesive devices effectively without sounding mechanical. Phrases such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'In my opinion' signpost the progression of the argument effectively. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct aspect of the prompt. The referencing and substitution throughout the text are well-managed, leading to a smooth reading experience that aligns well with the Band 7.0 or 8.0 descriptors. Overall, cohesion is strong and unobtrusive.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student demonstrates an adequate to wide range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic discussion. Less common and precise items such as 'digital age', 'convenience', 'affordability', 'commercial perspective' (or economic perspective), and 'fundamentally different' are used with good awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are generally accurate, and spelling is correct throughout the text. Although some vocabulary is standard, the range used allows for flexibility and precision, easily satisfying the requirements for Band 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a strong variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional or concessive clauses ('Although online entertainment is more convenient, I believe...', '...films and productions that may otherwise receive less attention'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and there is good control over punctuation and grammar. Errors are extremely rare, showing a high level of grammatical control. This consistent accuracy across complex structures supports a Band 8.0 score for this criterion.

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