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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer:

In recent years, many tourists have prioritised capturing selfies over genuinely experiencing the places they visit. This phenomenon can be attributed to the influence of social media, the pursuit of social validation, and the changing nature of tourism. The overall impact of this trend is largely negative, in my opinion.

A primary reason for this behaviour is the rise of social media platforms, where individuals seek recognition through likes, shares, and comments. Tourists are often more focused on curating an online persona rather than appreciating cultural or historical significance. This is why they are more interested in capturing their own pictures rather than truly appreciating and experiencing a tourist spot. They want to show people that they have been to a place rather than exploring the culture and way of life of that place. Furthermore, modern tourism is increasingly driven by visual content, as popular destinations are frequently marketed through aesthetically pleasing images, encouraging visitors to replicate these visuals rather than immerse themselves in their surroundings.

In my opinion, this is largely a negative trend as it diminishes the cultural and educational value of travel. Instead of learning about historical landmarks or engaging with local communities, tourists often remain preoccupied with achieving the perfect photograph. Furthermore, this behaviour contributes to overcrowding and environmental degradation. Many travellers flock to scenic spots purely for social media content, leading to excessive foot traffic and pollution. For example, iconic sites like Machu Picchu have implemented visitor restrictions due to damage caused by excessive tourism.

In conclusion, the increasing tendency to prioritise photographs over genuine experiences stems from the influence of social media and the evolving nature of tourism. However, this trend undermines the essence of travel and leads to environmental concerns.

Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay:

Essay 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?

Essay Type: Two-Part Question/ Double Question Esay

The main questions of this IELTS Essay:
A) Why do people focus more on taking photographs instead of experiencing the place?
B) Is this trend positive or negative?

Reasons Why People Prioritize Taking Photos Over Experiencing a Place:

Influence of social media:
People are increasingly driven by the need to share their experiences on social media to gain likes and approval from their online audience and connections. As a result, many focus more on capturing the "perfect" photo to get as many likes as possible rather than appreciating their surroundings. For example, Instagram influencers often visit famous landmarks just to take aesthetically pleasing photos rather than learning about the history or significance of the place.

Smartphone and camera technology:
With the advancement of smartphone cameras, taking high-quality pictures has become effortless and immediate. This accessibility encourages people to document their travel rather than engage with it meaningfully. For example, the introduction of AI-powered photography features in phones like the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy makes capturing flawless selfies more appealing than exploring a site.

Changing nature of tourism:
Tourism has become highly visual, with destinations being marketed through attractive images that encourage visitors to recreate similar shots rather than immerse themselves in the culture. For example, many travel agencies promote places using iconic photo spots, leading travelers to focus only on those areas instead of exploring the broader region.

Social validation and peer pressure:
Many travelers feel compelled to document their trips in a way that matches societal expectations. This pressure often overrides the genuine enjoyment of a location. For example, individuals visiting the Eiffel Tower may spend most of their time taking selfies rather than admiring its architectural beauty.

Fear of Missing Out:
People worry that if they do not capture their experiences in photos, they might forget them or fail to prove they were there. This mentality leads to a preference for visual documentation over real-life engagement. For example, many tourists rush through museums taking pictures of paintings rather than appreciating the artwork in person.

Is This Trend Positive or Negative?

Loss of cultural and educational value (a negative aspect):
Tourists who focus solely on taking photos miss out on learning about the historical and cultural significance of a place, reducing the true value of travel. For example, at the Colosseum in Rome, many visitors spend more time posing for pictures than understanding the history of the ancient gladiator battles.

Environmental and infrastructural damage (a negative aspect):
Popular tourist sites suffer from over-tourism, as visitors concentrate in certain areas solely for photography, causing wear and tear on infrastructure. For example, locations like Santorini in Greece have implemented visitor limits due to excessive tourism driven by social media trends.

Inauthentic travel experiences (a negative aspect):
Traveling should be about immersing oneself in a new culture, but many travelers prioritize aesthetics over genuine engagement. This results in shallow experiences. For example, people visiting Japan might take photos in a traditional kimono but never actually learn about Japanese customs or traditions.

Boosts tourism revenue (a positive aspect):
Despite the downsides, social media-driven tourism increases visitor numbers, which benefits local businesses and economies. For example, Bali's rise in tourism can be largely attributed to Instagram travel bloggers showcasing its picturesque landscapes.

Leads to overcrowding and safety concerns (a negative aspect):
Many tourists take excessive risks just to capture unique photos, leading to accidents and overcrowding in unsafe locations. For example, several tourists have fallen while attempting to take selfies at dangerous cliffside viewpoints like Trolltunga in Norway.

• IELTS Essay
• Writing Task 2
• IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Essay Sample
• Double Questions Essay

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