Band 5.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 5.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-25

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 5.5)

Nowadays, many people visit famous places just to take photos of themselves. They do not spend much time looking at or enjoying the place. I think social media is one of the main reasons for this.

Many people like to post their photos on Instagram, Facebook and other social media. They want to show their friends where they have been and get likes and comments. Also, smartphones make it very easy to take photos anywhere. For example, when people visit a famous monument, they may spend more time taking selfies than learning about its history.

I think this is a negative trend. Taking photos is a good way to remember a trip, but people should also enjoy the real experience. If someone only thinks about getting a good photo, they may miss the beauty and importance of the place.

In conclusion, social media and smartphones are the main reasons for this trend. In my opinion, people should take some photos but also spend time enjoying the place.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 5.0

The response fails to meet the minimum length requirement of 250 words, containing only 167 words. Consequently, the development of ideas is restricted. The student does address both parts of the prompt, identifying social media and smartphones as the causes and arguing that it is a negative trend. However, the explanation is brief and lacks sufficient depth or specific examples beyond a generic mention of taking selfies at a monument. Because the response is significantly under-length and the ideas are under-developed, it cannot achieve a score above Band 5.0 according to the IELTS assessment criteria.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.0

The response is organized into four logical paragraphs: an introduction, a body paragraph explaining the causes, a body paragraph discussing whether it is positive or negative, and a brief conclusion. Basic cohesive devices are used, such as 'Also', 'For example', and 'In conclusion'. However, the progression of ideas is quite basic, and the paragraphing is very short due to the overall brevity of the essay. Referencing is generally clear, but the lack of extended discussion limits the demonstration of sophisticated organizational skills. Overall, it demonstrates sufficient coherence for a Band 6.0.

Lexical Resource: Band 5.5

The vocabulary used is adequate for the task, featuring appropriate everyday terms such as 'monument', 'social media', and 'experience'. However, the range is limited and repetitive, with frequent use of basic words like 'photos', 'people', and 'place'. There are no significant spelling or word-choice errors, which keeps communication clear. The writer does not attempt less common or more sophisticated lexical items, and therefore the vocabulary is best suited to a Band 5.5 descriptor.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6.0

The student demonstrates control over simple sentences and attempts some complex structures, such as 'If someone only thinks about getting a good photo, they may miss the beauty and importance of the place.' Grammar and punctuation are generally accurate with no glaring errors that impede comprehension. The sentence structures, however, remain relatively straightforward and repetitive, lacking the wide range of complex grammatical forms expected at higher bands. The solid accuracy within the limited range places this criterion at Band 6.0.

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

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