Band 8.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 8.0 · Cambridge IELTS 19 · 2026-09-23

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)

In an age of pervasive digital exposure, eminent personalities are increasingly subjected to relentless photographic surveillance, whereby virtually every aspect of their public movements is captured and disseminated. While advocates maintain that such scrutiny is an inevitable corollary of celebrity and satisfies widespread public curiosity, critics argue that it constitutes an unwarranted encroachment upon personal privacy. Although both positions have merit, I contend that public fascination cannot, in itself, legitimise intrusive conduct.

On the one hand, the extraordinary visibility of celebrities is intrinsically intertwined with the media ecosystem from which they derive considerable professional and commercial capital. Having voluntarily embraced public prominence, many high-profile individuals inevitably attract disproportionate attention, which can subsequently be channelled into publicity for films, enterprises or philanthropic initiatives. Furthermore, photographic reporting can fulfil a legitimate informational function when it documents public engagements or matters of genuine societal relevance. Consequently, coverage that remains proportionate, consensual and contextually appropriate may reasonably be regarded as legitimate.

On the other hand, there is a crucial distinction between documenting public activity and relentlessly pursuing an individual. Moreover, when photographers infiltrate private spaces or exploit vulnerable moments, journalistic curiosity degenerates into an erosion of personal autonomy. The contention that fame entails the wholesale forfeiture of privacy is, nevertheless, fundamentally untenable: celebrity status may increase public visibility, but it does not extinguish the right to personal dignity and seclusion. Indeed, unremitting surveillance can impose considerable emotional strain upon both celebrities and their families.

Ultimately, therefore, a judicious equilibrium must be struck between legitimate public interest and individual privacy. Professional photographers should be permitted to report matters of genuine public significance; nevertheless, deliberate intrusion into private life should remain beyond the legitimate bounds of journalistic practice.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 7.5

You have fully addressed all parts of the prompt by discussing both views—that photographing celebrities is acceptable due to public interest and that it is intrusive—while also clearly stating your own well-developed opinion in the introduction and supporting it throughout the essay. Your position is consistent and logically argued. For instance, in the second paragraph, you examine how high-profile individuals derive commercial capital from their visibility, while in the third paragraph, you provide a robust counter-argument regarding personal autonomy and dignity. The ideas are extended and supported effectively, meeting the criteria for a high band.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7.5

Your essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a distinct central topic, moving smoothly from the introduction to the two main body paragraphs and finally to a balanced conclusion. You use cohesive devices effectively and naturally, such as 'While advocates maintain', 'Furthermore', and 'On the other hand', which guide the reader seamlessly through your arguments. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, ensuring the structure supports the flow of ideas without any mechanical or repetitive phrasing.

Lexical Resource: Band 8.0

You display a wide, fluent, and flexible range of vocabulary. You skillfully incorporate uncommon lexical items and formal phrases appropriate for a discussion essay, such as 'pervasive digital exposure', 'inevitable corollary', 'unwarranted encroachment', and 'personal autonomy'. Word choice and collocations are generally precise, with only occasional minor stylistic awkwardness that does not impede communication. Your ability to vary your vocabulary enhances the sophistication of your argument and aligns well with high-level descriptors.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8.0

You demonstrate an impressive command of grammatical structures, utilising a wide range of complex sentence forms with a high degree of accuracy. Sentences such as 'While advocates maintain that such scrutiny is an inevitable corollary of celebrity... critics argue that it constitutes...' showcase your ability to handle subordination and advanced syntax. The majority of your sentences are error-free, and punctuation is handled with precision. There are no systemic errors that disrupt the flow of reading, reflecting a strong mastery of grammar.

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