Band 6.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 6.5 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-08-30

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Nowadays famous people are photographed by professional photographers everywhere they go. Some people say this is a good thing because the public are interested in their lives. Other people think that photographers are wrong to follow famous people.

Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 6.5)

There is an ongoing debate regarding famous people who are chased by professional photographers everywhere they go for the photographs. Many people support this idea as they think common people like to stay informed about the celebrities' lives while others argue that photographers must maintain some distance to give space to these people. This essay will discuss both views before explaining why I believe it is wrong to follow anyone who is of public interest.

On the one hand, people who are famous in any way like to stay in the limelight as it increases their popularity and fan following. They deliberately inform media and photographers wherever they go to keep themselves in the centre of attention. For example, many artists hire personal photographers for an event just to keep the spotlight on them. Moreover, pictures and media attention keep celebrities more popular as the public is interested in their daily routine, lifestyle and even personal relationships. For example, drama artists, film-stars and influencers post pictures on social media to gain more followers and seek validation.

On the other hand, there are some potential negative aspects of this trend as it disturbs personal life and destroys peace. Many notable figures prefer to remain low-key, and prefer to maintain their privacy, but photographers keep an eye on them to take their pictures whenever possible. For example, Paparazzi follow these people to get their candid photos even if someone is grieving at a funeral. A lot of pictures are also taken out of context to malign the reputation of important public figures.

In conclusion, while both the views hold merit, I believe taking pictures of famous people wherever they go is a negative trend that affects their personal life and mental peace. There should be a limit for people who follow them by respecting their privacy.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 6.5

The response addresses all parts of the prompt, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion. The ideas are relevant and logically developed. For instance, the argument regarding celebrities seeking publicity is well-supported by examples like influencers and social media usage. The counter-argument regarding privacy and the intrusive nature of paparazzi is also clearly articulated. The position is consistent throughout the essay, from the introduction to the conclusion. To reach a higher band, the student could further extend the discussion by exploring the ethical implications of media consumption or the legal boundaries of photography, which would add more depth to the analysis.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 6.5

The essay is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central topic, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, using standard cohesive devices like 'On the one hand' and 'On the other hand'. Paragraphing is used effectively to separate the different arguments. However, some cohesive devices are slightly repetitive or mechanical. To improve, the student could use a wider variety of linking words and ensure that referencing (e.g., 'these people', 'both the views') is always precise to maintain a more sophisticated flow throughout the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 6.5

The vocabulary is sufficient for the task and allows for clear communication. The student uses some appropriate topic-specific terms such as 'limelight', 'candid photos', and 'malign the reputation'. While the range is adequate, it lacks the sophistication and precision required for higher bands. Some phrases are slightly generic, such as 'famous in any way' or 'some potential negative aspects'. Incorporating more precise collocations and less common lexical items would enhance the quality of the writing. Overall, the vocabulary is used accurately, and there are no significant errors that impede meaning.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 6.5

The student demonstrates a good control of grammar, using a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. Most sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is generally accurate. There are occasional minor slips, such as 'the photographs' in the first sentence, which is slightly unnatural in context. The use of complex structures, such as 'while both the views hold merit, I believe...', is handled well. To achieve a higher band, the student should aim to incorporate a greater variety of complex grammatical forms, such as conditional sentences or passive voice constructions, with consistent accuracy.

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

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