Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-02

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 8.0)

Nowadays, celebrities are constantly photographed by professional photographers wherever they go. While some people believe that this practice satisfies public curiosity and promotes celebrities’ careers, others argue that continually following public figures is an invasion of privacy. This essay will discuss both perspectives; however, I believe that famous individuals should be protected from intrusive photography.

On the one hand, supporters of celebrity photography argue that the public has a legitimate interest in the lives of well-known individuals. Celebrities often earn substantial incomes because of their popularity, and regular media exposure helps them remain relevant and promote their latest films, music or commercial projects. Furthermore, photographs of public figures provide content for newspapers, magazines and entertainment websites, thereby generating employment for photographers and journalists. For example, photographs taken at film premieres allow actors to publicise upcoming movies while giving their fans an opportunity to follow their professional activities. Therefore, photography can be mutually beneficial when celebrities appear at official or public events.

On the other hand, relentlessly following famous people is unethical because popularity should not eliminate an individual’s right to privacy. Some photographers invade celebrities’ personal space by waiting outside their homes, chasing their vehicles or taking pictures of their children without consent. Such persistent surveillance may cause considerable anxiety and prevent public figures from leading normal lives. For instance, a celebrity enjoying a private family holiday may feel distressed if photographers secretly capture and publish intimate moments. Moreover, dangerous attempts to obtain exclusive photographs can lead to road accidents or physical confrontations. Consequently, photographers should be legally restricted from harassing celebrities in private settings.

In conclusion, although celebrity photographs can satisfy public interest and support the entertainment industry, I firmly believe that photographers are wrong to follow famous people continuously. They should be permitted to take pictures at public events but must respect personal boundaries and obtain consent in private situations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 8.0

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly discussed both perspectives—the benefits of media exposure for celebrities and the ethical concerns regarding privacy—while maintaining a consistent personal position throughout the essay. The ideas are well-developed and supported with relevant examples, such as the distinction between public film premieres and private family holidays. The introduction and conclusion effectively frame the argument, ensuring the reader understands your stance from the outset. The response is balanced and demonstrates a high level of task fulfillment.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 8.0

The essay is logically organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between the two viewpoints is smooth, facilitated by effective cohesive devices such as 'On the one hand,' 'Furthermore,' and 'Consequently.' The use of referencing is precise, and the paragraphing is used appropriately to separate the different arguments. The flow of information is natural, and the relationship between sentences is clear, making the essay very easy to follow.

Lexical Resource — Band 8.0

You demonstrate a wide and flexible range of vocabulary, which is used with precision. Phrases such as 'legitimate interest,' 'intrusive photography,' 'persistent surveillance,' and 'mutually beneficial' show a sophisticated command of language. The word choices are natural and appropriate for an academic discussion. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or collocation, and the vocabulary effectively conveys your arguments without being repetitive or overly simplistic.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 8.0

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences with subordinate clauses and varied sentence beginnings. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and your control over punctuation is excellent. You use modal verbs and conditional structures effectively to express opinions and hypothetical situations. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication, and the overall accuracy is very high, reflecting a strong command of English grammar.

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