Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-18

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 7.5)

In recent years, an increasing number of people have begun visiting famous landmarks primarily to take photographs of themselves, often without paying genuine attention to the place itself. This behaviour is largely driven by the influence of social media culture, and I believe it represents a negative trend for individuals and society.

One of the main reasons behind this phenomenon is the growing desire for digital validation. Social media platforms reward visibility, and users frequently feel compelled to present themselves as active, adventurous, and socially engaged. As a result, visiting well‑known places becomes less about appreciating history, culture, or natural beauty, and more about producing visually appealing content that fits online expectations. The fear of missing out, combined with constant social comparison, encourages people to prioritise photographs over meaningful experiences.

Although some may argue that this trend promotes tourism and motivates people to explore new destinations, the underlying motivation is often superficial. When individuals focus solely on capturing images, they lose the opportunity to understand the cultural significance of the places they visit. This behaviour gradually transforms tourism into a performance rather than an enriching activity. Moreover, as digital technologies advance, there is a risk that people may rely increasingly on artificial or computer‑generated images instead of visiting real locations. Such a shift could reduce genuine engagement with heritage sites and weaken public appreciation for cultural preservation.

A recent observation from my own social media circle illustrates this change. Several acquaintances have begun using artificial intelligence tools to generate photographs of themselves in luxurious or exotic settings. These images are visually impressive, yet they require no real travel or cultural interaction. This trend reflects a growing preference for convenience and digital enhancement over authentic experiences, and it highlights how easily real-world appreciation can be replaced by virtual substitutes.

In conclusion, visiting famous places merely to take photographs is a negative development. It diminishes the true purpose of travel, weakens cultural understanding, and encourages a shallow form of engagement driven by social media pressures. People should be encouraged to experience destinations with curiosity and respect, rather than reducing them to backdrops for personal images.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses both parts of the prompt. You clearly identify the reasons for the trend, such as the 'desire for digital validation' and 'social media culture,' and provide a well-supported argument for why this is a negative development. The ideas are extended logically, and your position is consistent throughout the essay. The inclusion of a personal observation regarding AI-generated images adds depth to the argument, demonstrating a strong ability to support your points with relevant examples. The response is well-developed and meets all requirements of the task.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the causes of the trend and its negative consequences is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'As a result,' 'Although,' and 'Moreover,' which help to link your arguments naturally. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is easy to follow, and the relationship between ideas is consistently clear throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and sophisticated range of vocabulary. Phrases such as 'digital validation,' 'social comparison,' 'cultural significance,' and 'virtual substitutes' are used accurately and in appropriate contexts. The language is precise and contributes to a formal, academic tone. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and your ability to use less common lexical items effectively indicates a high level of proficiency. The vocabulary is well-suited to the topic and enhances the clarity and impact of your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with a high degree of accuracy. You successfully employ complex sentences, such as 'Although some may argue that this trend promotes tourism and motivates people to explore new destinations, the underlying motivation is often superficial.' Punctuation is used correctly to manage sentence structure, and there are virtually no grammatical errors. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the control over tense and agreement is consistent. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a strong command of English grammar.

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