Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-09-29

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 unprecedented access to entertainment through online platforms, leading some to argue that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary. Others, however, believe that these institutions continue to play an important economic and cultural role. While online entertainment is undoubtedly more convenient and accessible, I believe that theatres and cinemas remain valuable because they provide unique social experiences and contribute significantly to cultural life and the economy.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why people believe theatres and cinemas are becoming less important. The primary advantage of online entertainment is convenience. With streaming services and video-sharing platforms, people can watch films, concerts, plays and other forms of entertainment at any time and from virtually anywhere. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who live far from major cities or have limited time. In addition, online content is often cheaper than attending a cinema or theatre, especially when transportation, food and ticket costs are taken into account. For example, a student can watch a newly released film at home using a relatively inexpensive streaming subscription instead of travelling to a cinema and paying for an expensive ticket.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas continue to offer benefits that cannot be fully replicated online. First, they create a shared social experience. Watching a film with a large audience or attending a live theatrical performance allows people to react collectively, which can make the experience more emotionally engaging. A comedy, for instance, may be considerably more enjoyable when an entire audience laughs together. Theatres are particularly important because live performances cannot be reproduced exactly through a screen; actors interact directly with their audience, making each performance distinctive.

Furthermore, theatres and cinemas have considerable economic and cultural significance. They provide employment for actors, directors, technicians, musicians, ushers and many other workers, while also supporting businesses such as restaurants, transport services and shopping centres. From a cultural perspective, theatres preserve traditional forms of storytelling and allow local artists to present their work to the public. Cinemas, meanwhile, can promote national culture by giving audiences opportunities to watch films that reflect their country's history, language and social values. For example, locally produced films can help younger generations understand aspects of their cultural heritage that might otherwise be forgotten.

In my view, although online entertainment will continue to grow because of its affordability and convenience, this does not mean that theatres and cinemas have lost their importance. Instead, the two forms of entertainment can coexist. Online platforms are well suited to everyday viewing, whereas cinemas and theatres provide distinctive communal and cultural experiences that people cannot obtain in exactly the same way at home.

In conclusion, digital entertainment has made watching films and other forms of entertainment easier, cheaper and more flexible. Nevertheless, theatres and cinemas remain important because they provide shared experiences, support employment and contribute to the preservation and development of culture. Therefore, rather than becoming obsolete, they are likely to remain an important part of society alongside online entertainment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The student fully addresses all parts of the prompt. Both views regarding the decline of theatres and cinemas due to online entertainment and their continued economic and cultural importance are thoroughly discussed. Furthermore, a clear personal position is established in the introduction and maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well developed and supported with relevant examples, such as comparing the cost of a streaming subscription to a cinema ticket and discussing the employment generated by the entertainment industry. The response meets all the requirements of a Band 8 level for Task Achievement by presenting a fully developed argument with well-supported ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay is logically structured and easy to follow. Information and ideas are sequenced naturally, guiding the reader smoothly from the introduction through body paragraphs discussing both perspectives, to a well-considered conclusion. Cohesive devices are used effectively and without being overly mechanical, as seen in transition phrases like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore'. Paragraphing is used appropriately, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central topic. Referencing throughout the text is clear, ensuring a seamless flow of ideas that aligns with the descriptors for a Band 8.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

The student demonstrates a wide and fluent vocabulary range suited to an academic discussion. Less common and precise lexical items are employed skilfully, such as 'unprecedented access', 'replicated online', 'collectively', 'distinctive', and 'obsolete'. Word choice and collocations are generally accurate and natural, for instance, 'cultural heritage' and 'economic and cultural significance'. While there are very occasional minor slips in phrasing, the vocabulary successfully conveys precise meanings and contributes to the overall high quality of the response, comfortably earning a Band 7.5 or 8.

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 writer successfully employs conditional and concessive clauses, such as 'While online entertainment is undoubtedly more convenient...' and '...even when transportation, food and ticket costs are taken into account.' The majority of sentences are error-free, and punctuation is managed very well. Although minor slips can occasionally occur in extended complex constructions, grammatical control is strong and never impedes communication, fully satisfying the requirements for Band 8.

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