Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

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

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, many tourists have prioritised capturing selfies over genuinely experiencing the places they visit. This phenomenon can be attributed to the influence of social media, the pursuit of social validation, and the changing nature of tourism. The overall impact of this trend is largely negative, in my opinion.

A primary reason for this behaviour is the rise of social media platforms, where individuals seek recognition through likes, shares, and comments. Tourists are often more focused on curating an online persona rather than appreciating cultural or historical significance. This is why they are more interested in capturing their own pictures rather than truly appreciating and experiencing a tourist spot. They want to show people that they have been to a place rather than exploring the culture and way of life of that place. Furthermore, modern tourism is increasingly driven by visual content, as popular destinations are frequently marketed through aesthetically pleasing images, encouraging visitors to replicate these visuals rather than immerse themselves in their surroundings.

In my opinion, this is largely a negative trend as it diminishes the cultural and educational value of travel. Instead of learning about historical landmarks or engaging with local communities, tourists often remain preoccupied with achieving the perfect photograph. Furthermore, this behaviour contributes to overcrowding and environmental degradation. Many travellers flock to scenic spots purely for social media content, leading to excessive foot traffic and pollution. For example, iconic sites like Machu Picchu have implemented visitor restrictions due to damage caused by excessive tourism.

In conclusion, the increasing tendency to prioritise photographs over genuine experiences stems from the influence of social media and the evolving nature of tourism. However, this trend undermines the essence of travel and leads to environmental concerns.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify the reasons for the trend—social media influence and the pursuit of validation—and provide a well-supported argument for why this is a negative development. The ideas are extended with relevant examples, such as the mention of Machu Picchu, which adds depth to your argument. Your position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. The development is logical and balanced, meeting the requirements for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the reasons for the behavior and the evaluation of the trend is smooth. You use a range of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore,' 'In my opinion,' and 'In conclusion,' which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the causes from the consequences, ensuring the structure is clear and easy to follow throughout the response.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the topic. Phrases like 'curating an online persona,' 'aesthetically pleasing images,' and 'environmental degradation' show a strong command of topic-specific language. The vocabulary is used naturally and accurately, contributing to the clarity of your points. While the range is sufficient and precise, incorporating a few more sophisticated idiomatic expressions or nuanced collocations could elevate the response further toward the highest band.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a high level of grammatical control. You use a variety of complex sentence structures, such as conditional and subordinate clauses, with very few errors. The punctuation is accurate, and the flow of sentences is natural. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the few minor slips do not impede communication in any way. Your ability to combine simple and complex structures effectively demonstrates a strong grasp of English grammar.

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