WRITING TASK 2 You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Write a bout th e following topic: More and more people nowadays visit well-known places to take photographs of themselves, without looking at tl1e 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. Write at least 250 words.

In recent years, there has been a growing

trend

of

people

visiting famous landmarks and tourist destinations primarily to take photographs of themselves, often without taking the time to appreciate the significance or beauty of the place itself.

This

phenomenon is largely driven by social media and the desire for validation, but it raises questions about the value

people

place on their travel

experiences

. One major reason behind

this

trend

is the increasing influence of social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

People

feel a strong desire to share their

experiences

with others and receive likes, comments, or followers.

As a result

, many focus more on capturing the perfect "selfie" in front of an iconic backdrop, rather than immersing themselves in the culture or history of the location. The pressure to create a visually appealing image that will stand out online has become a dominant factor in shaping how

people

experience travel.

Furthermore

, the rise of "Instagram tourism" has made certain locations famous for their aesthetic appeal rather than their historical or cultural significance. Famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Machu Picchu, and the Great Wall of China are often visited solely for the purpose of taking a picture in front of them, with little regard for the context or heritage of these

places

.

This

trend

highlights a shift in priorities, where the pursuit of likes and social status takes precedence over authentic cultural

experiences

. Whether

this

trend

is positive or negative depends on one's perspective. On the positive side, it can encourage

people

to visit new

places

and engage with global landmarks, which could lead to increased tourism and economic benefits for local communities.

Additionally

, it may inspire some individuals to learn more about the

places

they visit once they post their photos online and receive inquiries from others.

However

, on the negative side,

this

trend

can lead to superficial

experiences

and a lack of genuine connection with the world around us.

People

may miss the opportunity to engage with the culture, history, and

people

of a place, which diminishes the potential for personal growth and meaningful travel.

Moreover

, the obsession with creating a perfect image can

also

contribute to environmental damage and overcrowding in popular destinations, as

people

often disregard the importance of sustainability and respect for local cultures. In conclusion,

while

taking photographs at well-known

places

has become a widespread activity, it often reflects a shallow approach to tourism that prioritizes online validation over true engagement with the world. Whether

this

trend

is positive or negative depends on how individuals balance their desire for social media recognition with a genuine appreciation for the

places

they visit. It is crucial for

travelers

Change the spelling

travellers

show examples

to recognize the value of immersing themselves in the culture and history of the

places

they explore rather than simply focusing on creating an image to share.