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)

In the digital age, people can access an almost limitless range of films, television programmes and other forms of entertainment from the comfort of their homes. This has led some to argue that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary. Others, however, maintain that these venues continue to have considerable economic and cultural significance. In my view, although online entertainment offers greater convenience, theatres and cinemas remain important for both society and the economy.

On the one hand, the rapid development of digital platforms has undoubtedly reduced people's dependence on traditional entertainment venues. Streaming services allow users to watch a vast selection of films and programmes whenever and wherever they wish, often at a relatively low cost. This flexibility is particularly appealing to people with busy lifestyles, as they can avoid travelling, queues and fixed screening times. Furthermore, online platforms provide highly personalised entertainment, allowing viewers to choose content according to their individual interests. As a result, many people may consider visiting a cinema or theatre unnecessary when similar entertainment is readily available at home.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas offer benefits that cannot be fully replicated online. Cinemas, for example, provide a shared viewing experience, with large screens, powerful sound systems and an atmosphere that encourages audiences to engage more deeply with a film. Theatres are even more significant from a cultural perspective because live performances provide opportunities for actors, musicians and other artists to preserve and develop artistic traditions. Economically, these venues also generate employment and contribute to surrounding businesses, including restaurants, cafés and transport services. Major cultural performances and film releases can therefore have an impact that extends beyond the venues themselves.

In conclusion, digital entertainment has transformed the way people consume films and other forms of media, primarily because of its convenience, affordability and accessibility. Nevertheless, theatres and cinemas continue to serve important social, cultural and economic functions. Therefore, rather than becoming completely obsolete, they are likely to remain an important part of the entertainment indu

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the task thoroughly, presenting a clear position throughout the essay. Both views are discussed: the advantages of online entertainment such as convenience and accessibility, and the economic and cultural significance of theatres and cinemas. Ideas are well-extended and supported with relevant explanations, such as how digital platforms provide flexibility while live venues preserve artistic traditions and boost local businesses. The opinion is stated in the introduction and maintained consistently until the conclusion. To reach a higher level, the essay could provide more specific real-world examples or slightly deeper elaboration on the cultural impacts of live performances rather than relying on broader generalisations.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction and online entertainment to the counter-arguments regarding physical venues, and finally to a balanced conclusion. Cohesive devices are used flexibly and appropriately, such as transitional phrases like 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Furthermore', which guide the reader effortlessly through the arguments. Paragraphing is fully logical and well-managed. To achieve the highest band, referencing could be even more seamless, and cohesion could occasionally be slightly more implicit rather than relying on standard signposting phrases.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The vocabulary used is more than sufficient for the task, demonstrating flexibility and precision. The student successfully incorporates less common lexical items and collocations with good awareness of academic style, such as 'limitless range', 'considerable economic and cultural significance', 'fully replicated', and 'render obsolete' (implied). Word choices are generally natural, and spelling is accurate throughout. A few minor slips or slightly standard collocations prevent it from reaching an even higher tier. To push into higher bands, the writer could integrate more sophisticated idioms or nuanced academic phrasing.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The response exhibits a wide variety of complex sentence structures used accurately. Frequent error-free sentences are present, displaying strong control over subordination, relative clauses, and participial phrases, as seen in sentences like 'Streaming services allow users to watch a vast selection of films...'. Punctuation and grammatical rules are handled very securely, with proper subject-verb agreement and correct article usage. A few minor limitations in structural variety or occasional minor slips keep the score where it is, but control is robust and communication is never impeded.

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