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 appreciate 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. For the first part, the student clearly explains why people take photographs without engaging with the location, attributing it to social media influence and status symbols (e.g., 'Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok encourage users to share attractive photographs'). For the second part, the writer takes a clear and well-developed position that this is a negative development, supporting it with relevant arguments regarding superficial experiences, overcrowding, and site damage. Ideas are extended with appropriate examples, such as tourists spending more time posing than exploring museums, meeting all criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear overall progression. Each paragraph has a distinct focus, moving smoothly from introduction to causes, disadvantages, personal experience, and conclusion. Cohesive devices are used naturally and effectively, such as 'In addition,' 'Although,' and 'Furthermore.' Paragraphing is used appropriately throughout the response, and referencing is clear and consistent, ensuring the reader can follow the writer's line of thought effortlessly.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible range of vocabulary suited to the topic. Less common lexical items are used skilfully and accurately, such as 'superficial activity,' 'status symbol,' 'social recognition,' and 'inconsiderate behaviour.' Word choice and collocations are natural throughout, with only occasional minor imperfections. Spelling and word formation are entirely correct, allowing the writer to convey precise meanings with ease.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences used accurately and flexibly (e.g., 'When visitors focus only on taking selfies, they often fail to appreciate the history...'). The majority of sentences are completely error-free. Control of punctuation, tense consistency, and subordinate clauses is strong, with only very occasional, minor slips that do not impede communication in any way.

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