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 to 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 by clearly explaining why people visit well-known places to take photographs without looking at them, driven by social media, and presents a well-supported position that this is a negative development. The student extends and supports ideas well, such as explaining how platforms like Instagram and TikTok encourage users to seek likes and status. Relevant examples and personal experiences are integrated effectively to substantiate the arguments. The ideas are fully developed and maintained throughout the essay, demonstrating a strong grasp of the task requirements matching the Band 8 criteria.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression from introduction to body paragraphs and a concluding summary. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, such as the influence of social media in the second paragraph and the negative consequences in the third. Cohesive devices are managed well, using appropriate transition phrases such as 'In addition', 'Although', 'Furthermore', and 'In conclusion'. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the flow of ideas is smooth and easy to follow without being overly mechanical, satisfying the requirements for a Band 8 score.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.5

The student demonstrates a wide and flexible lexical range with appropriate use of less common items and collocations related to the topic. Examples include 'historical, cultural, or natural value', 'online recognition', 'superficial activity', and 'inconsiderate behaviour'. Word choice is generally precise, and although there are occasional minor inaccuracies or common collocations, they do not impede communication. The vocabulary supports the development of the arguments naturally and fluently, fitting comfortably within the Band 7 descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

A wide range of structures is used effectively throughout the response, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses ('Although taking photographs helps preserve memories and can inspire others to travel, I believe the disadvantages...'). The majority of sentences are error-free, and the writer demonstrates good control of grammar and punctuation. There are only very occasional minor slips or inappropriacies that do not interfere with readability. The control over complex grammatical forms is strong, aligning well with the Band 8 descriptors.

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