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)

n the digital age, people have access to an enormous amount of entertainment through the internet. Movies, television programmes and live performances can now be watched at home using streaming platforms, smartphones and computers. For this reason, some people believe that theatres and cinemas are becoming unnecessary. However, others argue that these places continue to have significant economic and cultural value. In my opinion, although online entertainment is extremely convenient, theatres and cinemas still play an important role in modern society.

On the one hand, watching entertainment online has several clear advantages. Firstly, it is convenient and often cheaper than going to a cinema or theatre. People can watch films whenever they want without travelling anywhere. Streaming services also provide a huge range of content, allowing viewers to choose programmes according to their interests. Furthermore, online entertainment can be particularly useful for people who live far from cultural centres or who have limited free time. For example, a person can watch a newly released film at home after work instead of spending time travelling to a cinema.

On the other hand, cinemas and theatres offer experiences that cannot be completely replaced by digital technology. A cinema provides a large screen, powerful sound and a shared atmosphere, which can make watching a film much more exciting. Similarly, a theatre allows audiences to experience live performances and see actors performing directly in front of them. This creates a strong connection between performers and audiences that recorded entertainment cannot fully reproduce.

The economic and cultural importance of these venues should also be considered. Cinemas and theatres provide employment for actors, directors, technicians, cleaners, managers and many other workers. They also contribute to local businesses because audiences often eat at restaurants, use public transport or visit shops before or after a performance. From a cultural perspective, theatres preserve traditional forms of drama and provide opportunities for new artists to present their work. For instance, local theatre productions can reflect the history, language and social issues of a particular community.

In conclusion, digital entertainment has made watching films and other programmes more convenient and accessible, but this does not mean that cinemas and theatres are no longer important. Their social atmosphere, live experience, economic contribution and cultural role make them valuable even in the digital age. I therefore believe that online entertainment and traditional entertainment venues can continue to exist alongside each other, serving different needs and preferences.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by discussing both views—the decline of traditional venues due to digital alternatives and their enduring economic and cultural importance—while clearly stating the writer's own opinion in the introduction and conclusion. The position is well-developed throughout. In the body paragraphs, the student presents logical arguments for the advantages of online streaming, such as convenience and variety, as well as counter-arguments regarding the unique immersive experience of cinemas and theatres. Furthermore, the economic impacts on employment and local businesses, alongside the cultural preservation of drama, are effectively explored. The ideas are extended and supported with relevant explanations and examples, fully meeting the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay displays a very clear logical organisation and progression from the introduction through the balanced body paragraphs to the final conclusion. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, such as the advantages of online streaming in paragraph two, the unique experiential value of venues in paragraph three, and the wider economic and cultural impacts in paragraph four. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, with phrases like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion' guiding the reader smoothly through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the structure is clear and cohesive throughout.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student demonstrates a wide and appropriate lexical range suited to an academic essay. Phrases such as 'streaming platforms', 'cultural centres', 'shared atmosphere', and 'economic and cultural importance' are deployed accurately and fluently. Less common vocabulary is used with a good awareness of collocation and style, for instance, 'live performances', 'recorded entertainment', and 'preserve traditional forms'. There are only occasional minor inaccuracies, but word choice is generally precise and natural, allowing the message to be communicated with clarity and sophistication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The essay contains a wide variety of complex sentence structures, including conditional or concessive clauses such as 'although online entertainment is extremely convenient, theatres and cinemas still play an important role' and 'for people who live far from cultural centres or who have limited free time'. The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical control is consistently strong throughout the text. Punctuation is accurate, and verb tenses are handled correctly when discussing general facts and opinions. Minor slips are virtually absent, placing this response comfortably at a high band level for grammar.

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