Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-01

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)

It is argued that in the era of digital technology, entertainment venues have become less important because people can consume virtually unlimited content through online services. However, others contend that movie theatres and cinemas continue to play an important 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 its unparalleled convenience and cost-effectiveness. Streaming platforms provide users with instant access to on-demand content, allowing individuals to watch films at one's convenience rather than adhering to rigid showtimes. Furthermore, for the price of affordable subscriptions, audiences can explore a virtually limitless content library, offering a wider variety of choices than a local cinema could ever host. Because home-viewing technology is continually getting better, many feel that this highly personalized viewing experience now rivals traditional methods.

On the other hand, cultural institutions like cinemas remain vital for several key reasons. Economically, public entertainment venues generate significant commercial activity for surrounding businesses, such as restaurants and retail stores, while also providing widespread employment for the local community. Culturally, these venues offer an immersive atmosphere that fosters communal viewing. 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 they will not be entirely replaced by home-based entertainment.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.0

The essay addresses all parts of the prompt effectively, presenting both views regarding the importance of digital entertainment versus physical theatres and cinemas, while also providing a clear personal position throughout. Ideas are well-extended and supported, such as discussing economic spillovers and the immersive atmosphere of live venues. However, there is a slight tendency to overgeneralise in places, preventing the score from reaching a higher level. The arguments are relevant and well-developed, demonstrating a solid understanding of the prompt's core debate.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the digital perspective, the cultural view, and finally the conclusion. Cohesive devices are used flexibly, with appropriate transition phrases such as 'On one hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'On the other hand.' Paragraphing is managed logically and appropriately, contributing to the overall seamless reading experience.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a sufficient range of vocabulary with some flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items are used successfully, such as 'unparalleled convenience,' 'commercial activity,' and 'immersive atmosphere,' showing a good awareness of style and collocation. Word choice is generally natural and accurate, though occasional minor slips prevent a higher rating. Overall, the vocabulary adequately and effectively conveys complex ideas without causing any strain for the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

A variety of complex structures are utilized throughout the essay, including conditional and participial constructions, and frequent error-free sentences are achieved. There is good control of grammar and punctuation, with well-managed relative clauses and adverbial phrases. While a minor pronoun mismatch appears in phrases like 'at one's convenience rather than adhering to rigid showtimes' (shifting from 'individuals' to 'one's'), overall grammatical accuracy is strong and complex forms are handled securely.

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