Band 8.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.5 · 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 8.5)

In recent years, a growing number of tourists have been visiting renowned landmarks primarily to photograph themselves rather than to genuinely engage with their surroundings. This essay will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and argue that it represents a largely negative trend.

The main driving force behind this behaviour is the pervasive influence of social media. Platforms such as Instagram have created a culture in which validation is measured through likes, comments, and followers, prompting individuals to prioritise capturing the "perfect" photo over appreciating their actual surroundings. Consequently, the act of visiting a well-known site has, for many people, become less about personal experience and more about curating an appealing online image. A clear illustration of this can be seen at popular tourist attractions, where long queues often form not to enter a site, but simply to take a photograph at a specific, camera-friendly spot.

This shift is largely detrimental, as it diminishes the depth and authenticity of the travel experience. When tourists become preoccupied with photography, they frequently overlook the historical, cultural, or artistic value of the place they are visiting. For example, a visitor to an ancient temple might spend the majority of their visit adjusting poses and angles, leaving with little understanding of the site's significance. This not only results in a superficial travel experience but may also disturb other visitors seeking a more contemplative or immersive encounter with the location.

In conclusion, this growing tendency appears to stem largely from the desire for social media recognition, and I would argue that it constitutes a negative trend, as it compromises the depth and value of genuine travel experiences.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task. The introduction clearly outlines both the reasons for the trend and the writer's position that it is a negative development. The body paragraphs are well-developed, with the first exploring the influence of social media platforms like Instagram and the second examining how this phenomenon detracts from the travel experience. Relevant examples, such as long queues for specific photo spots and visitors to ancient temples focusing on poses rather than cultural significance, effectively support the main arguments. The position is clear throughout the essay, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the prompt. This meets the criteria for a high band score.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.5

The essay is logically organized with a clear overall progression. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with an introduction, moving to causes and effects, and concluding with a concise summary. Cohesive devices are managed well without being overly mechanical, using linking phrases such as 'Consequently' and 'This shift is largely detrimental' to guide the reader smoothly through the arguments. Referencing is clear throughout the text, and paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas, such as distinguishing the cause from the negative impacts. The response flows naturally and is very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

The writer demonstrates a wide and flexible vocabulary range suited to the topic. Less common lexical items are used naturally and with a good awareness of collocation, such as 'renowned landmarks', 'pervasive influence', 'curating an appealing online image', and 'contemplative or immersive encounter'. Word choices are precise, and spelling is entirely accurate throughout the essay. The student effectively avoids repetition by employing synonyms and varied phrasing to discuss concepts related to tourism, photography, and social media validation, which reflects a high level of lexical control.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures used with a high degree of accuracy. Complex sentences are constructed fluently, such as the use of participial phrases ('prompting individuals to prioritise...') and conditional or concessive nuances. The vast majority of sentences are completely error-free, and punctuation is handled with precision. Minor slips are absent, and control over tense, agreement, and clause structure is consistently strong throughout the writing, allowing for seamless and uninterrupted communication of complex ideas.

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