Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-27

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 7.5)

Nowadays, social media has made photographs an important part of travelling, and many people visit famous places mainly to take pictures of themselves rather than experience the destination. In my opinion, this trend is mainly caused by the influence of social media and the desire to gain attention, and I believe it is a negative development.

The primary reason for this behaviour is the growing importance of social media. People often want to create an attractive online image of themselves by posting photographs from famous locations. Seeing influencers and celebrities doing the same can encourage others to copy their behaviour in order to receive likes, comments and followers. As a result, taking a photograph can become more important than actually experiencing the place. For example, some tourists may spend most of their time taking pictures at a popular landmark instead of exploring its history or surrounding area.

I believe this is a negative trend because it can reduce people's appreciation of the actual value of a destination. Many places have important historical, cultural or environmental significance, but visitors may treat them as simple backgrounds for photographs. Furthermore, when people have already seen the same location repeatedly on social media, their curiosity about visiting it personally may decrease. This can also encourage overcrowding at famous locations, potentially damaging the environment.

Another concern is that people may focus so heavily on creating attractive photographs that they ignore the importance of protecting the places they visit. For instance, visitors may climb restricted areas or damage natural surroundings simply to obtain a better photograph. This can harm the very attractions that tourists want to capture.

In conclusion, the desire for social media attention is a major reason why people increasingly photograph themselves at famous destinations. I believe this is a negative trend because it can reduce appreciation of local culture and nature and may even contribute to environmental damage.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the task by clearly explaining both why people prioritize taking photographs over experiencing destinations and whether this is a positive or negative trend. Your position is presented immediately in the introduction and maintained consistently throughout the essay. The reasons are well-developed and supported with relevant explanations and examples, such as 'tourists may spend most of their time taking pictures at a popular landmark instead of exploring its history'. Ideas are extended logically across body paragraphs, exploring the impact on destination appreciation, social media influence, and environmental concerns. There are no missing components, and the task requirements are thoroughly satisfied, matching the criteria for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8.0

Your essay demonstrates a clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, starting with social media influence, moving to reduced appreciation of cultural and environmental value, and discussing physical damage to attractions. Cohesive devices are used effectively and naturally, such as 'As a result,' 'Furthermore,' and 'For instance,' ensuring smooth transitions between sentences and paragraphs. Paragraphing is used appropriately to separate distinct points. Referencing is clear and unambiguous, meaning the flow of ideas is never interrupted. The overall structure follows a cohesive and easy-to-follow path from introduction to conclusion.

Lexical Resource: Band 7.0

You demonstrate a sufficient and flexible range of vocabulary suited for the task. You successfully incorporate less common lexical items and collocations with good awareness of style, such as 'environmental significance,' 'overcrowding at famous locations,' and 'restricted areas.' Word choice is generally precise, allowing you to convey complex ideas clearly, as seen in phrases like 'attractive online image' and 'reduce people's appreciation.' While the vocabulary is not overly complex or academic throughout, it is more than adequate for this genre and contains very few inaccuracies, allowing smooth communication without straining the reader.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.0

Your writing exhibits a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentences, showing strong overall control of grammar and punctuation. Examples of well-formed complex structures include 'People often want to create an attractive online image of themselves by posting photographs from famous locations' and 'when people have already seen the same location repeatedly on social media, their curiosity about visiting it personally may decrease.' The majority of your sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled correctly throughout. While minor occasional slips might occur, they do not impede communication or reduce clarity, placing your grammar firmly in the Band 7 range.

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