Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-03

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 times, many tourists visit famous locations mainly to take self-portraits, often ignoring the actual sights around them. In my opinion, this behavior is driven by the rise of social media and the desire for social approval, and I consider it a negative development overall.

There are two main reasons why this trend is growing. First, social media platforms like Instagram encourage people to share constant visual updates of their lives. For many, posting photos at famous landmarks serves as visual proof of an exciting lifestyle, which helps them gain likes, followers, and social approval. Second, the widespread availability of smartphones with high-quality cameras makes taking photos quick and effortless. Consequently, taking a photo has become an automatic habit for many people, taking priority over actually observing their surroundings.

However, I believe this is a negative trend for two key reasons. The primary drawback is that tourists miss out on genuine travel experiences. When individuals focus entirely on taking the perfect picture, they fail to appreciate the history, culture, and natural beauty of the place they are visiting. For example, many visitors at famous art museums spend more time taking photos in front of famous paintings than actually studying the artwork itself. Furthermore, this trend leads to overcrowding and disrespect at famous sites. In many historical locations, crowds of photo-seeking tourists block pathways, disturb other visitors, and sometimes damage delicate heritage sites.

In conclusion, the habit of visiting famous places solely to take photos is driven by social media culture and modern technology. I view this as a negative trend because it ruins the true purpose of travel and causes disruption at major attractions.

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 smartphone accessibility) and provide a well-supported argument for why it is a negative development. Your position is consistent throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed, particularly the point about tourists missing out on genuine experiences and the impact of overcrowding at heritage sites. The structure is logical, and the response effectively balances the two parts of the question, providing sufficient depth 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 causes and the negative consequences is smooth. You use a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Consequently', 'However', 'The primary drawback', and 'Furthermore', which help guide the reader through your argument. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. The flow of information is natural, and there is no evidence of mechanical or repetitive linking.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You demonstrate a good range of vocabulary that is appropriate for the task. Phrases like 'visual proof', 'effortless', 'genuine travel experiences', and 'delicate heritage sites' show an ability to use more sophisticated language to convey precise meanings. The vocabulary is used accurately and naturally throughout the text. While the range is sufficient and effective, incorporating a few more idiomatic expressions or less common collocations could elevate the response further toward the highest band. Overall, the lexical control is strong and supports the clarity of your arguments.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and varied clause types. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation and tense usage is excellent. You successfully use subordinating conjunctions and relative clauses to add depth to your writing. There are no significant grammatical errors that impede communication. The writing is fluent and demonstrates a high level of accuracy, which is consistent with the requirements for a high band score in this criterion.

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