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, many people have begun visiting famous destinations primarily to take photographs of themselves, often without engaging meaningfully with the place. This behaviour is largely driven by social media culture and changing patterns of self‑presentation, and I believe it reflects a negative shift in how people experience travel.

The main reason behind this trend is the increasing importance of online identity. Social media platforms encourage users to document their lives visually, and photographs taken at well‑known locations serve as symbols of social status, lifestyle, and personal achievement. As a result, visiting a landmark becomes less about appreciating its cultural or historical value and more about producing content that aligns with digital expectations. The pressure to appear active and socially relevant leads many individuals to prioritise capturing images over observing or understanding the environment around them.

This behaviour also reflects a broader change in how experiences are consumed. Modern tourism is increasingly shaped by speed and convenience, with travellers often attempting to visit multiple attractions within a short period. When the goal is to “collect” photographs rather than immerse oneself in a place, the experience becomes superficial. Although some may argue that photography encourages people to explore new destinations, the lack of genuine engagement means that the educational and cultural benefits of travel are significantly reduced.

The negative implications of this trend are already visible. When visitors focus solely on taking photographs, they may overlook important aspects of heritage sites, such as architectural details, historical narratives, or local customs. This weakens cultural appreciation and reduces the value of tourism as a learning experience. Furthermore, the emphasis on visual documentation can contribute to overcrowding at popular spots, as people gather in specific areas that are considered photogenic, often disrupting the natural flow of visitors and diminishing the experience for others.

A recent observation from my own social media network illustrates this shift. Several acquaintances visited a historic monument in my city, yet their posts consisted only of stylised portraits with no mention of the site’s significance. Their engagement with the location appeared limited to finding the best angle for photographs. This example highlights how easily the purpose of travel can be overshadowed by the desire to produce appealing online content.

In conclusion, the growing tendency to visit famous places solely for photographs is a negative development. It reduces meaningful engagement, weakens cultural understanding, and transforms travel into a performative activity driven by social media pressures. Encouraging people to appreciate destinations for their historical and cultural value is essential to preserving the true purpose of tourism.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You clearly identify the reasons for the trend, specifically focusing on social media culture and the desire for digital status, and you provide a well-reasoned argument for why this is a negative development. The ideas are well-developed and supported with logical explanations and a relevant personal example. The position is clear from the introduction and is maintained consistently throughout the essay. The structure is balanced, covering both the 'why' and the 'positive/negative' aspects effectively, meeting 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, starting with the reasons for the trend and moving into the negative implications. Cohesive devices are used effectively, such as 'As a result', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion', which help guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. The flow is natural, and the relationship between ideas is clear throughout the text, demonstrating a high level of control over the structure of the argument.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'meaningfully engaging', 'digital expectations', 'performative activity', and 'overshadowed by the desire' show a sophisticated command of language. The vocabulary is not only accurate but also contextually appropriate for an academic discussion. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the range of vocabulary allows for a nuanced discussion of the topic, which is characteristic of a high-level response.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types. The control over grammar is excellent, with the majority of sentences being error-free. Punctuation is used accurately to enhance clarity. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication, and the sentence variety contributes to the overall fluency of the writing. The use of modal verbs and conditional structures is handled with high accuracy, reflecting a strong grasp of English syntax.

See this exact question answered at other band scores — the same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.