Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-28

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 recent years, the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime has led some people to question the relevance of traditional venues such as theatres and cinemas. While it is true that online entertainment offers unprecedented convenience, I believe theatres and cinemas retain significant economic and cultural value that cannot be fully replaced.

On the one hand, the argument that physical venues are becoming obsolete is understandable. Online platforms allow users to watch films, plays and even live performances at any time, from anywhere, often at a much lower cost than a cinema ticket. The choice is virtually unlimited and algorithms tailor recommendations to individual tastes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, many people became accustomed to watching new releases at home, and this habit has continued. For younger generations who have grown up with smartphones, the idea of travelling to a specific location at a fixed time to watch entertainment may seem inconvenient and outdated.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas remain important for both economic and cultural reasons. Economically, they generate employment and revenue far beyond ticket sales. A cinema supports jobs for staff, distributors, marketers and local businesses like restaurants and shops that benefit from foot traffic. The West End in London or Broadway in New York, for instance, attract millions of tourists and contribute billions to their city economies annually.

Culturally, their importance is even greater. Watching a film or a play collectively is a fundamentally different experience from watching alone on a laptop. The large screen, sound system, darkened hall, and shared laughter or silence create a sense of community and emotional intensity that online viewing cannot replicate. Furthermore, theatres preserve live art forms, national literature, and social commentary. A Shakespeare play performed live or a film premiered at a festival like Cannes becomes a cultural event that brings people together and sparks public discussion.

In my opinion, while digital platforms have changed how we consume entertainment, they complement rather than replace traditional venues. The future is likely to be hybrid, where people stream content daily but still seek the special, communal experience of the cinema or theatre for important releases and cultural occasions.

In conclusion, despite the convenience of online entertainment, theatres and cinemas continue to play a vital role economically as drivers of local economies and culturally as spaces for shared human experience.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—the rise and appeal of online entertainment versus the enduring economic and cultural importance of physical venues—and presents a very clear, well-developed personal position throughout. The arguments are thoroughly extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of streaming platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic impact of Broadway and the West End, and the cultural significance of live theatre and film festivals like Cannes. The ideas flow logically from one perspective to the next, fulfilling all the requirements of a Band 8 response under this criterion.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, beginning with a solid introduction, followed by well-sequenced body paragraphs addressing each viewpoint, a clear statement of personal opinion, and a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively without being obtrusive, as seen with transitions like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used skillfully and appropriately to guide the reader through the distinct arguments, meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The writer exhibits a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary appropriate for an academic essay. Less common lexical items and collocations are used skillfully, such as 'unprecedented convenience', 'obsolete', 'foot traffic', 'replicate', and 'hybrid'. Word choice is generally precise, and collocation is natural throughout the response. There are only rare, minor stylistic slips, demonstrating the control associated with a Band 8 level.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of complex grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. The majority of sentences are error-free, featuring sophisticated clauses such as 'While it is true that online entertainment offers unprecedented convenience, I believe...' and 'A Shakespeare play performed live or a film premiered at a festival like Cannes becomes a cultural event...'. Control of punctuation and complex syntax is strong, with only very occasional minor imperfections, easily placing this text in the Band 8 category.

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