Theatres and cinemas in a digital age: IELTS Task 2 essay #2, band 7.5

A student’s answer to this repeated IELTS question, shared without their name and marked by Axiom on the four criteria. Select a highlighted passage to see how it could be revised, and why.

444 words. Marked by Axiom on 20 October 2026. Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.

Task 2444 words

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.

Some individuals claim that in the digital era, theatres and cinemas are not necessary anymore, since people can watch all kinds of entertainment they wish online, whereas others believe that they still play a significant role in terms of economy and culture. Although both viewpoints are sensible to an extent, I believe people still prefer to visit theatres and cinemas in order to watch live performances. If this continues, they can be a source of income for governments and a place where spectators can broaden their cultural knowledge.

The 21st century is regarded as a technological period, as people now have access to the Internet where they can find anything. Due to the advent of such unprecedented opportunity, individuals can watch various genres of movies ( fiction, comedy or drama) and enjoy theatre performances through online platforms. Neftlix, for example, is a digital program where people can watch any movie, especially Hollywood movies, thus making people reluctant to visit cinemas. Moreover, people can also consume live threatre-related dramas or plays due to YouTube which can broadcast them. These examples can demonstrate why some people believe theatres and cinemas are no longer important.

Coherence & cohesion
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RevisedThe 21st century, being a technological period, has granted people access to the Internet, enabling them to find anything.
This revision provides a smoother transition of ideas.
Lexical resource
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RevisedFor instance, streaming services like Netflix allow people to access a vast array of movies, particularly Hollywood films, which may contribute to the reluctance to visit cinemas.
The revision provides a more natural and precise use of vocabulary.

Others, however, think differently that theatres and cinemas are still essential for economy and culture. As there are enough people who visit cinemas to watch a range of films on a huge HD screen, often giving them a panoramic and cinematic experience. These usually make payment to purchase tickets, helping governments and individuals earn income. More importantly, those participate in live performance in theatre can increase awareness about different cultures. To be specific, actors and actresses in theatres play a wide range of theatrical productions, ranging from comedies and tragedies. Since these performances are often derived from different countries, people can see examples of other cultures, improving spectators' cross-cultural skills. These factors explain why theatres and cinemas are still valuable both economically and culturally.

Grammar & accuracy
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RevisedThese usually involve people making payment to purchase tickets, thereby helping governments and individuals earn income.
The revision corrects the awkward construction and ensures grammatical accuracy.
Grammar & accuracy
Close revision note
RevisedSince these performances often stem from different countries, they can enhance spectators' cross-cultural understanding.
The revision provides a more natural and precise use of language.

In my view, it is true that online platforms can help us find and watch all the entertainment within seconds, particularly movies and theatrical productions. However, they cannot create a real atmosphere as traditional theatres and cinemas can. In terms of the economy, there are sufficient number of people who prefer to watch films in the cinemas, meaning responsible bodies can make money from selling tickets. As for culture, I believe those who take part in theatrical shows can learn traditions and customs of certain cultural by watching performances.

Lexical resource
Close revision note
RevisedEconomically, a significant number of people still prefer watching films in cinemas, which indicates a source of revenue for the responsible bodies.
The revision provides a more formal and academic expression of the idea.

In conclusion, while both views have merit, I believe there will be a balance. This means that some people opt for online for watching films and threatre-related shows, whereas others prefer a traditional way, as the examples above suggest.

Coherence & cohesion
Close revision note
RevisedIn conclusion, while both perspectives are valid and will maintain a balance,
This revision provides a clearer and more formal expression of the idea.

Select a highlighted passage to see its suggested revision.

Estimated by AI. It isn’t an official IELTS score.

What Axiom wrote for each criterion: why the answer earned its band, and what to work on next.

Coherence & cohesion

Band 7.0/ 9

The essay is logically organized and ideas are connected well. The introduction and conclusion are clear and relevant. However, there are a few instances where the flow of ideas could be improved. The essay is well-structured, with a clear introduction, body paragraphs that explore each viewpoint, and a conclusion that summarizes your opinion. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively ("Although," "Moreover," "In my view"), which helps to guide the reader through your argument. Each paragraph focuses on a single main idea, which aids in maintaining coherence. To further improve, you could ensure that each paragraph begins with a clear topic sentence that previews the main idea to be discussed.

Suggestions

Try to ensure a smoother transition of ideas between paragraphs.

Sentence revisions 2

RevisedThe 21st century, being a technological period, has granted people access to the Internet, enabling them to find anything.
This revision provides a smoother transition of ideas.
RevisedIn conclusion, while both perspectives are valid and will maintain a balance,
This revision provides a clearer and more formal expression of the idea.

Grammar & accuracy

Band 8.0/ 9

The essay uses a wide range of complex structures. The majority of sentences are error-free. A few minor errors do not impede communication. You have used a variety of sentence structures effectively, including complex sentences and passive constructions. The grammar and punctuation in your essay are generally well-controlled, with few errors. To further improve, you could pay attention to ensuring subject-verb agreement and the correct use of articles. Additionally, consider varying your sentence structures further to demonstrate a wider range of grammatical structures.

Sentence revisions 2

RevisedThese usually involve people making payment to purchase tickets, thereby helping governments and individuals earn income.
The revision corrects the awkward construction and ensures grammatical accuracy.
RevisedSince these performances often stem from different countries, they can enhance spectators' cross-cultural understanding.
The revision provides a more natural and precise use of language.

Lexical resource

Band 8.0/ 9

The essay demonstrates a good command of a broad lexical repertoire. A wide range of vocabulary is used appropriately and accurately. You demonstrate a good command of vocabulary, with a range of terms relevant to the topic, such as "digital era," "theatre performances," and "cultural knowledge." Your use of language is clear and effective, with no significant issues. To further enhance your lexical resource, you could aim to use a greater variety of vocabulary to express your ideas more precisely and avoid repetition.

Sentence revisions 2

RevisedFor instance, streaming services like Netflix allow people to access a vast array of movies, particularly Hollywood films, which may contribute to the reluctance to visit cinemas.
The revision provides a more natural and precise use of vocabulary.
RevisedEconomically, a significant number of people still prefer watching films in cinemas, which indicates a source of revenue for the responsible bodies.
The revision provides a more formal and academic expression of the idea.

Task response

Band 8.0/ 9

The essay addresses the task effectively, presenting a clear position throughout. Both sides of the argument are discussed in detail, and the writer's opinion is clearly stated. The essay is well-balanced, with each viewpoint explored in a similar level of detail. You have clearly addressed the task by presenting both sides of the argument and providing your own opinion. Your introduction and conclusion are clear and relevant to the topic. To further enhance your response, you could provide more specific examples to support your points and make your arguments more persuasive.

Suggestions

Provide more specific examples to support your points.

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