Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-05

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

More and more people nowadays visit well-known places to take photographs of themselves, without looking at the place.

Why do you think this is happening?

Is it a positive or a negative trend?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 8.0)

In recent years, an increasing number of people have visited famous tourist attractions mainly to take photographs of themselves rather than to appreciate the places they are visiting. This phenomenon is largely driven by the influence of social media and the desire to share experiences online. In my opinion, this is a negative trend because it reduces the true value of travel and cultural appreciation.

One of the main reasons for this behavior is the growing popularity of social media platforms. Many people want to post attractive photos on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok to gain likes, comments, and followers. As a result, they often focus more on finding the perfect angle for a selfie than on learning about the history, culture, or significance of the destination. In addition, many travelers feel pressure to prove that they have visited popular landmarks, making photography a higher priority than the actual experience.

I believe this trend has more disadvantages than advantages. Firstly, people who are constantly taking photos may miss the opportunity to fully enjoy the beauty and atmosphere of a place. Instead of creating meaningful memories, they become preoccupied with their online image. Secondly, this behavior can lead to overcrowding at famous photo spots, causing inconvenience to other visitors and sometimes even damaging historical or natural sites. Furthermore, it encourages a superficial approach to travel, where collecting pictures becomes more important than gaining knowledge or experiencing different cultures.

Admittedly, taking photographs is a wonderful way to preserve memories and share travel experiences with family and friends. However, when photography becomes the primary purpose of visiting a destination, the educational and cultural benefits of travel are greatly diminished.

In conclusion, the increasing tendency to visit famous places mainly for selfies is largely a result of social media influence and the desire for online recognition. Although photographs are valuable keepsakes, I consider this a negative development because it distracts people from genuinely appreciating the places they visit and may also have harmful effects on tourist destinations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt. You clearly identified the reasons for the trend, specifically citing the influence of social media and the desire for online validation. Your position that this is a negative trend is consistent and well-supported throughout the essay. Each paragraph contributes to the central argument, and you provided relevant examples, such as the overcrowding of tourist sites and the superficial nature of modern travel. The ideas are well-developed and logical, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

Your essay is logically organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, and you use cohesive devices effectively to link your ideas. For example, the use of transition words like 'As a result,' 'In addition,' 'Firstly,' and 'Furthermore' ensures a smooth flow of information. The progression of ideas is logical, moving from the causes of the behavior to the negative consequences. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points, making the text easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.0

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the topic. Phrases such as 'cultural appreciation,' 'preoccupied with their online image,' and 'superficial approach to travel' show a strong command of language. While the vocabulary is accurate and conveys your meaning clearly, it is generally standard. To reach the highest band, you could incorporate more sophisticated or idiomatic collocations. However, your word choice is precise, and there are no errors that impede communication or cause confusion.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

Your grammar is consistently accurate throughout the essay. You utilize a variety of sentence structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses, such as 'Although photographs are valuable keepsakes, I consider this a negative development...' and '...people who are constantly taking photos may miss the opportunity...'. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your punctuation is used correctly. There are no significant grammatical slips, and the control over complex structures is strong, which is characteristic of a high-level response.

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