Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 21 · 2026-10-02

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 access to an enormous amount of entertainment through the internet, leading some to believe that theatres and cinemas have become unnecessary. Others, however, argue that these places continue to play an important economic and cultural role. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe theatres and cinemas remain valuable.

On the one hand, there are several reasons why people consider theatres and cinemas less important today. Firstly, online platforms allow people to watch films, television programmes, live performances and other forms of entertainment from the comfort of their homes. This is often cheaper and more convenient than travelling to a cinema or theatre. In addition, online services provide viewers with a wide range of choices and allow them to watch content whenever they want. For example, a person can watch an entire film at home without having to follow a fixed screening time. Therefore, digital entertainment has made traditional forms of entertainment less essential for many people.

On the other hand, theatres and cinemas offer benefits that cannot be completely replaced by online entertainment. From an economic perspective, these venues provide employment for actors, technicians, managers, ticket sellers and many other workers. Cinemas and theatres also generate income for local businesses such as restaurants, shops and transport services. Culturally, theatres provide a shared environment where people can experience live performances, while cinemas create a collective viewing experience that is different from watching a film alone at home. Moreover, live theatre allows audiences to interact with performers in real time, which cannot be fully reproduced through a screen.

In my opinion, although online entertainment is more convenient and has reduced people's dependence on traditional venues, theatres and cinemas are still important. They provide unique social, artistic and cultural experiences, while also contributing to employment and the local economy. Rather than disappearing completely, these venues are likely to coexist with digital entertainment as people continue to value both convenience and shared experiences.

In conclusion, online entertainment has made it easier and cheaper for people to access a wide range of content, but theatres and cinemas continue to have significant economic, social and cultural functions. I therefore believe that they remain important even in the digital age.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

The response addresses all parts of the task thoroughly and presents a clear, well-developed position throughout. The writer explores the arguments surrounding the decline of physical venues in the digital age, alongside their economic and cultural significance, as seen when discussing how venues provide employment for actors, technicians, and local businesses. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as comparing flexible online viewing times to fixed screening schedules. To reach an even higher level, the ideas could include deeper nuance regarding globalization or specific shifts in media consumption habits, but overall, the response satisfies the requirements for this standard by presenting a fully extended and clear argument.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Information and ideas are logically sequenced, beginning with a clear introduction that outlines the scope of the essay, followed by balanced body paragraphs examining both sides, and concluding with a well-supported personal opinion. Cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand', 'On the other hand', and 'Moreover' are used flexibly and appropriately to guide the reader through the arguments. Paragraphing is managed effectively, with each paragraph focusing on a distinct central theme, maintaining a smooth and coherent flow from start to finish.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The writer uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to allow for flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items, such as 'digital age', 'collective viewing experience', and 'coexist', are used appropriately with good awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are generally accurate, and expressions like 'reduce people's dependence on traditional venues' demonstrate a natural control of language. While there are occasional minor slips or slightly standard phrasings, spelling is accurate throughout, and the vocabulary chosen effectively conveys the intended meanings without impeding communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The essay exhibits a wide range of sentence structures, seamlessly mixing simple and complex forms. Complex structures, such as concessive clauses ('although online entertainment is more convenient and has reduced people's dependence on traditional venues, theatres and cinemas are still important') and relative clauses, are handled with a high degree of control. The majority of sentences are error-free, and grammatical elements such as subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, articles, and prepositions are managed very well. Punctuation is accurate, contributing to the overall fluency and readability of the response.

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