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 tourists to visit famous attractions mainly to take photographs of themselves rather than appreciate the locations. This behaviour is largely caused by social-media culture and the widespread use of smartphones. In my opinion, it is mostly a negative trend because it reduces meaningful travel experiences and can negatively affect other visitors.

To begin with, social media strongly influences the way people travel. Many individuals want to share attractive photographs from popular destinations in order to receive likes, comments and social recognition. As a result, they may select places based on their online popularity instead of their historical or cultural importance. Furthermore, modern smartphones allow people to take and upload photographs instantly. For example, a tourist may spend several minutes finding the perfect position for a photograph at a monument but devote almost no time to reading information about its history.

I believe this behaviour is mainly negative because tourists can miss the true purpose of visiting an important location. Travelling should provide opportunities to learn about different cultures, understand history and experience unfamiliar environments. However, people who concentrate entirely on taking photographs may return home without gaining any meaningful knowledge. In addition, large groups of visitors attempting to capture similar pictures can create overcrowding and inconvenience others. In some cases, tourists may even enter restricted areas or stand in dangerous locations to take impressive photographs. Although pictures can preserve valuable memories, they should support the travel experience rather than become its only objective.

In conclusion, the desire for online attention and the convenience of smartphone photography have encouraged people to focus excessively on taking pictures at famous destinations. I consider this a negative development because it prevents genuine engagement with these places and may also cause disruption or unsafe behaviour.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by explaining why people focus on taking photographs at well-known places and clearly presenting a well-developed position that this is a negative trend. The introduction clearly states the writer's stance, which is maintained throughout the essay. The body paragraphs effectively explore the causes, such as social-media culture and smartphone convenience, and the negative consequences, including reduced cultural appreciation and overcrowding. Ideas are well-supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as tourists spending time positioning for photos rather than reading about history. The task is thoroughly covered with clear justifications.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression from introduction to body paragraphs and a concluding summary. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with social media influences and moving on to the negative impacts of this behaviour. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'To begin with', 'Furthermore', 'However', and 'In addition'. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct ideas, ensuring the text flows smoothly and is easy to follow throughout.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

The student demonstrates a wide and appropriate lexical range suitable for this topic. Words and phrases such as 'widespread use', 'historical or cultural importance', 'genuine engagement', and 'unfamiliar environments' show flexibility and precision. Less common vocabulary items are used with good awareness of collocation and style. Spelling and word choice are accurate, supporting clear communication without noticeable errors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

The response exhibits a wide range of grammatical structures, successfully blending simple and complex sentences. The majority of sentences are error-free, demonstrating excellent control over complex clauses, such as 'Although pictures can preserve valuable memories, they should support the travel experience rather than become its only objective.' Punctuation is accurate, and grammatical structures are handled with precision, reflecting a high level of command appropriate for a solid band 8.

See this exact question answered at other band scores. The same prompt compared across bands.

Browse more IELTS Writing model answers or get your own writing scored by the same AI examiner.