Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-24

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, it has become increasingly common for people to visit famous tourist attractions mainly to take selfies or photographs for social media, rather than appreciating the historical, cultural, or natural value of these places. This trend is largely driven by the popularity of social networking platforms, and I believe it is a negative development overall.

One of the main reasons for this phenomenon is the growing influence of social media. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok encourage users to share attractive photographs in order to gain likes, followers, and online recognition. As a result, many travellers are more concerned about capturing the perfect picture than experiencing the destination itself. In addition, some people regard visiting famous landmarks as a symbol of social status, making photography their primary purpose rather than learning about the location.

Although taking photographs helps preserve memories and can inspire others to travel, I believe the disadvantages of this trend outweigh its benefits. When visitors focus only on taking selfies, they often fail to appreciate the history, architecture, or natural beauty of the place. This can reduce travel to a superficial activity rather than a meaningful experience. Furthermore, the desire to take perfect photographs often causes overcrowding and inconsiderate behaviour, disturbing other visitors and even damaging historical sites. For example, at many popular tourist attractions, visitors spend more time posing for photos than exploring museums, reading information boards, or enjoying the surroundings.

In my own experience, I have seen tourists spending several minutes taking dozens of selfies at famous landmarks while paying little attention to the significance of the site. Such behaviour suggests that many people value online approval more than genuine learning or enjoyment.

In conclusion, the increasing tendency to visit famous places mainly for photographs is primarily the result of social media influence and the desire for online popularity. While photography is an important part of travelling, I believe this trend is negative because it discourages meaningful experiences and can have harmful effects on both tourist attractions and other visitors.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly explaining why people visit well-known places just for photographs and taking a strong, well-supported stance on whether this is a positive or negative trend. The introduction clearly states the position, which is consistently maintained throughout the essay. Ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as mentioning the influence of Instagram and TikTok, as well as personal observations. For instance, the writer notes how visitors 'spend more time posing for photos than exploring museums.' The response meets all the requirements of a Band 8 level for Task Achievement through its thorough exploration and clear development of ideas.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with the introduction of the trend, moving to the causes, examining the negative impacts, providing personal context, and concluding neatly. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally without being intrusive, with phrases like 'One of the main reasons,' 'In addition,' and 'Furthermore' guiding the reader smoothly from one point to the next. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas, such as separating the causes of the trend from its negative consequences. Overall, the flow and structural control align well with the Band 8 descriptors.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

The student uses a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited to the prompt. Less common and precise items are employed successfully, such as 'superficial activity,' 'status symbol,' 'inconsiderate behaviour,' and 'online approval.' Word choice and collocations are generally accurate and natural, for example, 'capturing the perfect picture' and 'historical, cultural, or natural value.' There are only occasional minor limitations or standard phrasings, but these do not impede communication. The lexical range comfortably satisfies the criteria for a Band 7.0.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The writing exhibits a good variety of complex structures used accurately alongside simple forms. Examples of complex grammar include participial phrases ('rather than appreciating the historical...') and conditional/subordinate clauses ('When visitors focus only on taking selfies, they often fail...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating good control of grammar and punctuation. There are only very occasional minor awkwardnesses, but control is strong overall, sustaining clear communication and justifying a Band 8.0 score.

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