A Person in Your Life Who Really Likes Taking Photos

Part 3 follow-up questions

These are the discussion questions examiners asked after this cue card. Sample answers are shown where available.

1. 1. What kinds of things do people often take photos of in their daily lives?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer lists categories one after another using the plain connector 'also' and simple present-tense verbs like 'takes' and 'get photographed', ending in a short, general summary sentence.

   Food is probably the most common thing here. Almost everyone I know takes a photo of their meal before eating it, whether it's a fancy dinner or just bánh xèo from a street stall. People also take photos of their pets, their children, and small daily moments, like a nice sunset or a coffee cup. Travel and famous places get photographed a lot too. Work photos are common too - I often photograph whiteboard sketches in meetings so I don't lose an idea before drawing it in Figma. So it's really a mix of small and big moments.

   Why this band

   • GRA“Almost everyone I know takes a photo of their meal before eating it, whether it's a fancy dinner or just bánh xèo from a street stall.” — A single sentence with one 'whether...or' clause, a simple way of giving two examples. A band 7.5 answer would likely compress the examples into a shorter appositive phrase instead of a full 'whether' clause.
   • LR“small daily moments” — A general, plain description. A higher band answer would likely choose a more specific or vivid phrase to describe the same idea, rather than this all-purpose label.
   • FC“So it's really a mix of small and big moments.” — A short, generic closing sentence that restates the point without adding anything new. A band 7 answer would more likely close with a slightly more reflective remark instead of a flat summary.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer opens with the natural marker 'honestly' and links the balcony sunset example with the qualifying phrase 'small but personal', showing a bit more reflection than the plain listing of band 6.5.

   Food is probably the most common one here, honestly - almost everyone I know photographs their meal before eating it, whether it's a fancy dinner or just bánh xèo from a street stall. People also photograph their pets, their children, and everyday moments that feel small but personal, like a nice sunset from their balcony or a coffee cup with good light. Travel and landmarks obviously get photographed a lot too. Work-related photos are common as well, at least in my field - I often snap quick photos of whiteboard sketches during brainstorms so I don't lose an idea before it's properly drawn out in Figma. So it ranges from the mundane to the memorable, really.

   Why this band

   • FC“Food is probably the most common one here, honestly” — The discourse marker 'honestly' is added directly after the claim rather than left out, giving a more conversational, considered tone than the bare statement a band 6.5 answer would use.
   • LR“everyday moments that feel small but personal” — A more precise, nuanced phrase than the plain 'small daily moments' used at band 6.5, though it's not yet the more distinctive vocabulary a 7.5 answer would reach for.
   • GRA“at least in my field - I often snap quick photos of whiteboard sketches during brainstorms so I don't lose an idea before it's properly drawn out in Figma” — An inserted qualifying phrase ('at least in my field') plus a 'so' clause explaining purpose, combined in one longer sentence rather than the shorter, separate sentences a band 6.5 answer would use for the same content.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer opens with the compact, idiomatic 'Food wins easily' and closes on the parallel phrase 'from the utterly mundane to the genuinely memorable', showing more vivid, deliberate word choice than the plainer band 7.0 ending.

   Food wins easily, I'd say - almost everyone I know photographs their meal before eating it, be it a fancy dinner or just bánh xèo from a street stall. Pets, children and small personal moments get their share too, a balcony sunset or a coffee cup catching good light, the kind of thing that means nothing to anyone else. Travel and landmarks are an obvious category. Work throws up its own version of this habit - I regularly snap whiteboard sketches mid-brainstorm so an idea survives long enough to be properly drawn out in Figma. So it spans everything from the utterly mundane to the genuinely memorable.

   Why this band

   • LR“Food wins easily” — A vivid, idiomatic opener replacing the plainer 'Food is probably the most common one' phrasing at band 7.0, an example of the less-common, punchier word choice expected at 7.5.
   • GRA“the kind of thing that means nothing to anyone else” — A relative clause tacked onto the end of the sentence as a compact aside, rather than a separate explanatory sentence, a more economical construction than the equivalent idea at lower bands.
   • FC“it spans everything from the utterly mundane to the genuinely memorable” — A closing phrase using a parallel 'from X to Y' structure for a more polished finish than the plainer 'it ranges from the mundane to the memorable' wording at band 7.0.

2. 2. Why do many people like to share their photos of daily life online?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer gives a direct main reason ('staying connected') plus two extra points using the plain connector 'also' twice, ending with a short restatement of the opening idea.

   I think it's mostly about staying connected. Sharing small moments lets friends and family feel involved in your life even when you're far away, which matters to me because my parents and grandmother are still in Hue while I live in Da Nang. It's also a way to remember things, since posting a photo makes an ordinary moment feel worth noticing. For some people, there's also a wish for likes or comments, which isn't always healthy. But for most people, I think it's just a simple way to stay close to each other from far away.

   Why this band

   • GRA“which matters to me because my parents and grandmother are still in Hue while I live in Da Nang” — A single 'because' clause plus a 'while' clause added to the main sentence, a fairly basic way of giving personal context. A band 7 answer would more likely link the two locations with a smoother contrastive phrase.
   • LR“isn't always healthy” — A plain, general phrase. A higher band answer would likely name the specific problem more precisely, such as calling it 'unhealthy' validation-seeking, rather than this vague description.
   • FC“But for most people, I think it's just a simple way to stay close to each other from far away.” — A closing sentence that repeats the opening idea about connection almost word for word, a repetitive pattern typical of band 6.5. A higher band would likely vary the phrasing rather than circling back to the same words.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer adds the reflective phrase 'processing and remembering things' and a conditional qualifier ('if it goes too far'), giving more nuance than the flatter band 6.5 listing of reasons.

   I think it's partly about connection - sharing small moments lets friends and family feel involved in your life even when you're not physically together, which matters a lot to me since my parents and grandmother are still in Hue while I'm here in Da Nang. It's also a way of processing and remembering things; posting a photo almost turns an ordinary moment into something worth noticing. For some people, there's a social validation element too, waiting for likes or comments, which can become a bit unhealthy if it goes too far. Overall, though, I think for most people it's simpler than that - just a low-effort way to stay present in each other's lives from a distance.

   Why this band

   • LR“a low-effort way to stay present” — A more precise, natural collocation than the plainer 'a simple way to stay close' phrasing used at band 6.5, showing deliberate, though not yet the most distinctive, word choice.
   • GRA“a social validation element too, waiting for likes or comments, which can become a bit unhealthy if it goes too far” — A layered structure adding a participle phrase ('waiting for...') and a conditional 'if' clause onto the main point, more grammatical range than the short separate sentences a band 6.5 answer used for the same idea.
   • FC“Overall, though, I think for most people it's simpler than that” — A reflective pivot that reframes the whole answer near the end, adding a layer of nuance typical of band 7.0. A band 6.5 answer would more likely just restate the opening point instead of reframing it.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer uses the vivid verb 'promotes' to describe how posting elevates an ordinary moment, and the idiomatic 'tip into something unhealthy', showing more precise, image-based vocabulary than the plainer band 7.0 phrasing.

   Connection is probably the biggest driver - sharing small moments lets friends and family feel woven into your life even when you're not physically together, which matters enormously to me since my parents and grandmother are still in Hue while I'm here in Da Nang. It's also a way of processing things; posting a photo almost promotes an ordinary moment into something worth noticing. For some, there's a validation element too, refreshing for likes or comments, which can tip into something unhealthy if left unchecked. Mostly, though, I suspect it's simpler than that for most people - just a low-effort way of staying present in each other's lives across the distance.

   Why this band

   • LR“posting a photo almost promotes an ordinary moment” — A vivid, slightly unusual verb choice ('promotes') used metaphorically, more distinctive than the plainer 'turns an ordinary moment into something worth noticing' phrasing at band 7.0.
   • GRA“refreshing for likes or comments, which can tip into something unhealthy if left unchecked” — A participial phrase ('refreshing for...') combined with a passive conditional ('if left unchecked'), a more compact and flexible construction than the fuller 'waiting for...which can become' clause used at band 7.0.
   • FC“I suspect it's simpler than that for most people” — The verb 'suspect' adds a subtle, considered hedge to the closing reflection, a more precise evaluative touch than the plainer 'I think' used to close the equivalent point at band 7.0.

3. 3. Do some people take photos of things that are not very interesting?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer states a direct 'yes, definitely' opinion, gives one clear example, and closes by restating the main idea using the plain connector 'but'.

   Yes, definitely, although what counts as 'interesting' is different for everyone. I have a coworker, Khánh, who takes a photo of almost every meal he eats, even ordinary lunches from the same three restaurants. I used to think it was strange, until I realised it's just a personal habit for him, not something to impress people. Some boring-looking photos actually mean something to the person who took them - a plain photo of an empty apartment might mark moving day. So many photos really are boring, but 'uninteresting' often depends on information the viewer lacks.

   Why this band

   • FC“Yes, definitely, although what counts as 'interesting' is different for everyone.” — A short, direct opening with one 'although' qualifier stated plainly. A band 7 answer would likely present the same qualification with a more natural spoken phrase such as 'though it's pretty subjective'.
   • GRA“I used to think it was strange, until I realised it's just a personal habit for him, not something to impress people.” — A main clause followed by an 'until' clause, a fairly simple way to show a change of opinion. A 7.5 answer would likely compress this shift into a single tighter clause instead of two full sentences joined by 'until'.
   • LR“not something to impress people” — A plain, functional phrase. A higher band answer would likely use a more specific word, such as describing it as documentation rather than an attempt 'to impress people'.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer replaces the plain 'strange' with the more precise 'a bit excessive', and links the coworker example to the wider point with the phrase 'personal habit of documentation', showing more elaborated reasoning than band 6.5.

   Definitely, yes, though what counts as 'interesting' is pretty subjective. I have a coworker, Khánh, who photographs almost every meal he eats, even fairly ordinary lunches from the same three restaurants near our office, and I used to find it a bit excessive until I realised it's really just a personal habit of documentation for him, not something meant to impress anyone. Some photos that look boring to an outsider can carry real meaning for the person taking them - a plain photo of an empty apartment might mark the day someone moved in, for instance. So while plenty of photos genuinely are mundane, 'uninteresting' often depends on context the viewer doesn't have.

   Why this band

   • LR“a personal habit of documentation” — A more precise, specific collocation than the plainer 'personal habit' phrasing at band 6.5, though it stops short of the more vivid vocabulary a 7.5 answer would choose for the same idea.
   • GRA“I used to find it a bit excessive until I realised it's really just a personal habit of documentation for him” — A main clause and an 'until' clause combined smoothly within one flowing sentence, rather than the two separate short sentences a band 6.5 answer used to express the same change of view.
   • FC“though what counts as 'interesting' is pretty subjective” — A natural spoken qualifier attached directly to the opening opinion, giving a more conversational flow than the flatter 'although what counts as interesting is different for everyone' phrasing at band 6.5.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer uses the compact idiom 'his own quiet form of documentation' and closes with the compressed 'the viewer is missing the context', showing tighter, more idiomatic phrasing than the fuller sentences of band 7.0.

   Definitely, yes, though what counts as 'interesting' is entirely a matter of perspective. A coworker of mine, Khánh, photographs almost every meal he eats, even fairly ordinary lunches from the same three restaurants near our office, something I found faintly excessive until I realised it's simply his own quiet form of documentation, not an attempt to impress anyone. Plenty of photos that read as dull to an outsider carry real weight for whoever took them - a plain shot of an empty apartment might mark the exact day someone moved in. So while plenty of photos are genuinely mundane by any standard, 'uninteresting' usually just means the viewer is missing the context.

   Why this band

   • GRA“something I found faintly excessive until I realised it's simply his own quiet form of documentation” — A noun phrase, 'something I found faintly excessive', appended directly to describe the coworker's habit rather than a new finite clause, a more compact way of embedding the reaction than the separate 'I used to find it...' sentence used at band 7.0.
   • LR“his own quiet form of documentation” — A more distinctive, image-based phrase than the plainer 'personal habit of documentation' used at band 7.0, showing the kind of precise vocabulary expected at band 7.5.
   • FC“'uninteresting' usually just means the viewer is missing the context” — A compact, confident closing definition that reframes the whole discussion in one tight clause, rather than the fuller, more hedged closing sentence used at band 7.0.

4. 4. Why do tourists often take a lot of photos?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer gives one main reason plus two extra points using the plain connector 'also' twice, with simple vocabulary like 'a kind of checklist feeling' and 'just habit'.

   Mostly to remember the experience, I think, because a trip doesn't last long, and photos let people look back on it later, or prove to themselves it really happened. There's also a social side, since sharing travel photos lets people show friends and family what they saw. For places like Marble Mountains or Ba Na Hills near where I live, there's also a kind of checklist feeling - visitors want proof they went, not just a general good feeling about the trip. Some of it is just habit too, since phones made taking photos very easy.

   Why this band

   • GRA“because a trip doesn't last long, and photos let people look back on it later, or prove to themselves it really happened” — A 'because' clause followed by two ideas joined only with 'and' and 'or', a fairly basic way of stacking reasons. A band 7 answer would likely separate this into two more clearly linked sentences instead.
   • LR“a kind of checklist feeling” — A general, slightly vague phrase. A higher band answer would likely name this more precisely as a 'checklist mentality', a more specific and natural collocation.
   • FC“Some of it is just habit too, since phones made taking photos very easy.” — A short, plain closing sentence tacked on with 'too'. A 7.5 answer would more likely integrate this point into the flow of the answer rather than adding it as a final separate afterthought.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer adds the natural comparison 'almost like a modern version of postcards' and uses the more precise term 'checklist mentality', giving richer detail than the plainer band 6.5 phrasing.

   Mostly to hold onto the experience, I think - a trip is temporary, and photos let people revisit it afterwards, or prove to themselves it really happened. There's also a social element, since sharing travel photos lets people show friends and family what they've seen, almost like a modern version of postcards. For landmarks specifically, like Marble Mountains or Ba Na Hills near where I live, there's also a bit of a checklist mentality - visitors want proof they've been to the famous spot, not just a general sense of having enjoyed the area. Some of it is habit too; once phones made photography effortless, taking dozens of photos became the default rather than a deliberate choice.

   Why this band

   • LR“a modern version of postcards” — A natural, moderately vivid comparison, more specific than the plain 'show friends and family what they saw' phrasing at band 6.5, though not yet the more distinctive imagery a 7.5 answer would use.
   • GRA“once phones made photography effortless, taking dozens of photos became the default rather than a deliberate choice” — A 'once' clause combined with a contrastive 'rather than' phrase in one sentence, showing more grammatical range than the short, separate 'since phones made taking photos very easy' sentence at band 6.5.
   • FC“checklist mentality - visitors want proof they've been to the famous spot” — The idea is developed with a dash and further explanation in the same sentence, rather than left as a bare label, showing the mild elaboration typical of band 7.0.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer opens with the compact 'to hold onto something temporary' and uses the fronted construction 'a checklist mentality kicks in', showing more flexible, image-rich phrasing than the fuller band 7.0 sentences.

   Mostly to hold onto something temporary, I'd say - a trip ends, and photos let people revisit it afterwards or prove to themselves it actually happened. There's a social layer too, sharing travel photos being something like a modern-day postcard, a way of showing friends what you've seen without saying a word. For landmarks specifically, like Marble Mountains or Ba Na Hills near where I live, a checklist mentality kicks in - visitors wanting proof they stood at the famous spot rather than a vague, unverifiable sense of having enjoyed the area. Some of it is pure habit besides; once phones made photography effortless, snapping dozens of shots became the default, not a deliberate choice.

   Why this band

   • GRA“a checklist mentality kicks in - visitors wanting proof they stood at the famous spot” — A fronted main clause followed by a participial phrase ('visitors wanting...') instead of a full finite clause, a more compact construction than the 'visitors want proof they've been to' sentence used at band 7.0.
   • LR“a way of showing friends what you've seen without saying a word” — A more vivid, idiomatic way of describing the social motive than the plainer 'lets people show friends and family what they've seen' phrasing at band 7.0.
   • FC“Some of it is pure habit besides” — The word 'besides' used as a compact connector to add a final point, a more idiomatic, economical transition than the plainer 'Some of it is habit too' phrasing at band 7.0.

5. 5. Should tourists be allowed to take photos everywhere they go?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer gives a direct 'not everywhere' opinion with two reasons and one contrast, using the plain connector 'that said' once and simple vocabulary like 'a real problem' and 'a real risk of harm'.

   Not everywhere, no. Some places don't allow photography for good reasons - inside some temples or museums, flash photography can damage old objects, and in religious places, taking photos of people praying can feel disrespectful. Privacy is also important, because taking photos of strangers, especially children, without asking can be a real problem even in public places. That said, in most normal tourist places, like a street market or a famous bridge, I don't think rules are necessary. So I think the general rule should be freedom to take photos, with clear exceptions where there's a real risk of harm.

   Why this band

   • GRA“Some places don't allow photography for good reasons - inside some temples or museums, flash photography can damage old objects, and in religious places, taking photos of people praying can feel disrespectful.” — Two reasons joined only with 'and' in one long sentence, a fairly basic way of listing points. A band 7 answer would likely separate these into two more clearly connected ideas with varied linking words.
   • LR“a real problem” — A general, plain phrase. A higher band answer would likely use a more specific word, such as calling it a 'genuine concern', instead of the vaguer 'real problem'.
   • FC“So I think the general rule should be freedom to take photos, with clear exceptions where there's a real risk of harm.” — A flat closing sentence stating the conclusion directly. A 7.5 answer would more likely phrase this conclusion by explicitly rejecting the two extremes, giving a more developed final point.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer sharpens the vocabulary with 'artefacts' and 'blanket ban', and closes by explicitly rejecting two extremes rather than the flatter single-sentence conclusion at band 6.5.

   Not entirely, no. Some places restrict photography for good reasons - inside certain temples or museums, flash photography can damage artefacts, and in some religious or sacred spaces, photographing people at prayer feels disrespectful regardless of legality. Privacy matters too; photographing strangers, especially children, without permission raises real concerns even in public spaces. That said, in most everyday tourist settings, like a street market or a famous bridge, I don't think restrictions are necessary or practical. I'd say the general rule should be reasonable freedom with clear, specific exceptions, rather than either a blanket ban or completely unrestricted photography everywhere.

   Why this band

   • LR“raises real concerns” — A more precise, natural collocation than the plainer 'can be a real problem' phrasing used at band 6.5, though not yet as vivid as the vocabulary a 7.5 answer would choose.
   • GRA“rather than either a blanket ban or completely unrestricted photography everywhere” — A balanced 'either...or' structure used to reject two extremes in one compact clause, more grammatical range than the simpler single conclusion sentence a band 6.5 answer gave.
   • FC“feels disrespectful regardless of legality” — A reflective addition distinguishing legal rules from personal feeling, a small extra layer of nuance typical of band 7.0 that a band 6.5 answer would likely leave out.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer uses the compact appositive '- a street market, a famous bridge -' and the vivid contrast 'a blanket ban and a free-for-all', showing more compressed, idiomatic phrasing than the fuller band 7.0 sentences.

   Not entirely, no. Certain places restrict photography for good reason - inside some temples or museums, flash can damage artefacts, and in sacred spaces, photographing people mid-prayer feels disrespectful whatever the legal position. Privacy matters just as much; photographing strangers, children especially, without permission raises real concerns even out in public. That said, across most everyday tourist settings - a street market, a famous bridge - restrictions strike me as unnecessary and impractical. It's really a matter of proportion, not blanket rules. The general rule, I'd say, should be reasonable freedom hedged by clear, specific exceptions, rather than swinging between a blanket ban and a free-for-all.

   Why this band

   • GRA“The general rule, I'd say, should be reasonable freedom hedged by clear, specific exceptions” — The evaluative phrase 'I'd say' is inserted mid-clause between subject and verb, a more flexible position than the sentence-initial 'I'd say the general rule should be' construction used at band 7.0.
   • LR“swinging between a blanket ban and a free-for-all” — A vivid, idiomatic phrase ('a free-for-all') replacing the plainer 'completely unrestricted photography everywhere' wording at band 7.0, exactly the kind of less-common vocabulary expected at band 7.5.
   • FC“restrictions strike me as unnecessary and impractical” — A compact evaluative verb phrase ('strike me as') used instead of the plainer 'I don't think restrictions are necessary' construction at band 7.0, giving a more confident, idiomatic finish to the point.

6. 6. Do tourists spend so much time taking photos that they don't enjoy their experiences?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer gives a direct 'yes' opinion, one clear example, and a personal habit at the end, using the plain connector 'though' once and simple vocabulary like 'a strange choice'.

   Yes, I think that happens to some people. I've seen visitors at Dragon Bridge spend the whole fire show looking at their phone screen trying to get a perfect video, instead of watching the show right in front of them, which seems like a strange choice. There does seem to be more awareness of this now, though, since some tourists put their phones away on purpose to be present. I try to take one or two photos early on and then just enjoy the rest of a place, and this works better for me personally.

   Why this band

   • FC“Yes, I think that happens to some people.” — A short, direct opening statement with no hedging or reflection. A band 7 answer would more likely soften this with a phrase such as 'for some people, yes, I think that happens'.
   • LR“a strange choice” — A plain, general evaluative phrase. A higher band answer would likely use a more specific or idiomatic phrase, such as calling it a 'strange trade-off', to capture the same idea more precisely.
   • GRA“I try to take one or two photos early on and then just enjoy the rest of a place, and this works better for me personally.” — Two ideas joined simply with 'and', a basic coordination pattern. A 7.5 answer would likely compress this into a comparative structure instead of two plain clauses added together.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer opens with the softened 'For some people, yes' instead of a bare 'Yes', and replaces 'strange choice' with the more precise 'strange trade-off', showing a bit more reflection than band 6.5.

   For some people, yes, I think that happens. I've seen visitors at Dragon Bridge spend the entire fire show looking through their phone screen trying to get the perfect video, rather than actually watching the fire and water show directly in front of them, which seems like a strange trade-off. There does seem to be a growing awareness of this, though - some tourists deliberately put their phones away for at least part of a trip specifically to be present. I try to take one or two photos early on and then just experience the rest of a place, which I've found works better for me than trying to document everything as it happens.

   Why this band

   • FC“For some people, yes, I think that happens.” — A softened opening that qualifies the opinion before stating it plainly, giving a more considered tone than the bare 'Yes, I think that happens to some people' phrasing at band 6.5.
   • LR“a strange trade-off” — A more precise, natural collocation than the plainer 'a strange choice' phrasing at band 6.5, capturing the idea of giving something up in exchange for something else.
   • GRA“which I've found works better for me than trying to document everything as it happens” — A comparative clause ('works better...than trying to') embedded at the end of the sentence, a more complex structure than the simple 'and this works better for me personally' clause used at band 6.5.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer uses the vivid verb 'squinting' and the idiomatic aside 'a strange trade-off if there ever was one', giving more precise, image-based vocabulary than the plainer band 7.0 wording.

   For some people, certainly - I've watched visitors at Dragon Bridge spend an entire fire show squinting at their phone screens chasing the perfect video, rather than watching the fire and water show unfolding right in front of them, a strange trade-off if there ever was one. There's a growing awareness of this, though, some tourists now deliberately pocketing their phones for part of a trip just to be present. I take one or two photos early on and then simply experience the rest of a place, a habit that's served me far better than trying to document everything as it happens.

   Why this band

   • LR“squinting at their phone screens chasing the perfect video” — A vivid, image-based verb pair ('squinting...chasing') replacing the plainer 'looking through their phone screen trying to get' phrasing at band 7.0, showing the kind of precise vocabulary expected at 7.5.
   • GRA“a strange trade-off if there ever was one” — A compact idiomatic tag appended to the sentence rather than a full separate clause, a more flexible, economical construction than the plain relative clause used for the same idea at band 7.0.
   • FC“a habit that's served me far better than trying to document everything as it happens” — The closing comparison is folded into a relative clause describing 'a habit', a more compact and polished finish than the separate 'which I've found works better' clause used at band 7.0.

7. 7. To what extent can people be sure that what they see in a photo is real?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer opens with the natural marker 'Honestly' and gives one main reason with a personal example, using the plain connector 'so' twice and simple vocabulary like 'fake' and 'trustworthy'.

   Honestly, less and less these days. Editing apps have become so advanced that even a simple app can change lighting, remove objects, or smooth details, and AI images blur the line between real and fake. In my own design work, I regularly edit product photos for clients to make an app screenshot look cleaner, so I know how easily a photo can be changed without looking fake. Where a photo comes from matters too - a photo from a real news company is more trustworthy than one shared online. So people should be a bit doubtful about photos now.

   Why this band

   • FC“Honestly, less and less these days.” — A short, direct opening reaction. A band 7 answer would more likely follow this immediately with a fuller reason connected in the same sentence rather than a separate short one.
   • GRA“In my own design work, I regularly edit product photos for clients to make an app screenshot look cleaner, so I know how easily a photo can be changed without looking fake.” — A main clause with one 'so' clause explaining the result, a fairly basic way of connecting personal experience to a conclusion. A 7.5 answer would likely fold this into a more compact structure.
   • LR“a bit doubtful” — A plain, general phrase. A higher band answer would likely reach for a more specific or idiomatic word, such as 'sceptical', to describe the same attitude.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer upgrades 'change' to 'noticeably alter' and 'fake' to 'sceptical', and adds the reflective phrase 'as a general rule', showing more precise vocabulary and framing than band 6.5.

   Honestly, less and less these days. Editing tools have become so advanced that even a fairly basic phone app can noticeably alter lighting, remove objects, or smooth out details, and AI-generated images are making it even harder to distinguish real photos from fabricated ones. In my own design work, I regularly retouch product photos for clients to make an app screenshot look cleaner, so I'm well aware of how easily an image can be adjusted without looking obviously fake. Context and source matter a lot now - a photo from a verified news outlet carries more trust than one shared anonymously online. But as a general rule, I think people should treat photos with a healthy amount of scepticism today.

   Why this band

   • LR“a healthy amount of scepticism” — A more precise, natural collocation than the plainer 'a bit doubtful' phrasing used at band 6.5, showing deliberate word choice, though not yet the most vivid phrasing a 7.5 answer would select.
   • GRA“so I'm well aware of how easily an image can be adjusted without looking obviously fake” — A passive construction ('can be adjusted') embedded in a 'so' clause, giving slightly more grammatical variety than the simpler active 'a photo can be changed' clause used at band 6.5.
   • FC“But as a general rule, I think people should treat photos” — The phrase 'as a general rule' frames the closing opinion as a considered conclusion rather than a flat statement, a small reflective touch typical of band 7.0.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer uses the idiomatic 'a healthy dose of scepticism' and 'drifting around anonymously online', giving more vivid, image-based phrasing than the plainer band 7.0 wording.

   Honestly, less and less these days. Editing tools have grown so sophisticated that even a basic phone app can noticeably alter lighting, erase objects, or smooth away detail, and AI-generated images are making it harder still to tell a real photo from a fabricated one. In my own design work, I routinely retouch product photos for clients to make an app screenshot look cleaner, so I know first-hand how easily an image can be adjusted without ever looking obviously fake. Source matters enormously now - a photo from a verified news outlet carries far more weight than one drifting around anonymously online. So a healthy dose of scepticism seems like the only sensible default these days.

   Why this band

   • LR“drifting around anonymously online” — A vivid, less-common verb choice ('drifting') describing untraceable photos, replacing the plainer 'shared anonymously online' phrasing used at band 7.0.
   • GRA“so I know first-hand how easily an image can be adjusted without ever looking obviously fake” — The adverb 'first-hand' compresses the idea of personal experience into a single word rather than the fuller 'I'm well aware of' phrase used at band 7.0, a more economical construction.
   • FC“a healthy dose of scepticism seems like the only sensible default these days” — A compact, confident closing claim using the phrase 'the only sensible default', a more polished and idiomatic finish than the plainer 'people should treat photos with a healthy amount of scepticism' sentence at band 7.0.

8. 8. Should there be stricter rules about which photos can be shown in the news?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer gives a direct 'to some extent, yes' opinion with a clear example, then a contrast using the plain connector 'that said', ending with a simple 'more on X than on Y' comparison.

   To some extent, yes, especially for violent content, and photos of identifiable victims, especially children, who can't agree to being shown. News companies should inform people without being needlessly shocking, and I think some of them cross that line just to get attention. That said, I wouldn't want rules so strict that they stop important photos being shown - photos of real suffering in war or disaster have changed public opinion, precisely because they were shown. So the rules should probably focus more on dignity and consent than on just avoiding anything difficult to look at.

   Why this band

   • GRA“News companies should inform people without being needlessly shocking, and I think some of them cross that line just to get attention.” — Two ideas joined with 'and' in one sentence, a basic coordination pattern rather than more varied subordination. A band 7 answer would likely connect these with a comma and relative clause instead.
   • LR“needlessly shocking” — A plain, common adjective pairing. A higher band answer would likely reach for a more specific or formal word, such as 'exploitative', to make the same point more precisely.
   • FC“So the rules should probably focus more on dignity and consent than on just avoiding anything difficult to look at.” — A flat closing sentence stating the conclusion directly with the plain connector 'so'. A 7.5 answer would likely phrase this final contrast more compactly and with more distinctive vocabulary.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer upgrades 'needlessly shocking' to 'needlessly exploitative' and adds the contrastive close 'because they were shown, not hidden', giving more precise vocabulary and a sharper final point than band 6.5.

   To some extent, yes, particularly around graphic or violent content, and images involving identifiable victims, especially children, who can't consent to being shown. News organisations have a responsibility to inform without being needlessly exploitative, and I think some outlets cross that line for the sake of getting attention. That said, I wouldn't want rules so strict that they prevent legitimate, important images - photos of real suffering during a war or disaster, for instance, have historically changed public opinion and policy precisely because they were shown, not hidden. So the rules should probably focus more on dignity and consent than on simply avoiding anything difficult to look at.

   Why this band

   • LR“needlessly exploitative” — A more precise, formal collocation than the plainer 'needlessly shocking' phrasing used at band 6.5, showing deliberate word choice appropriate to the topic.
   • GRA“photos of real suffering during a war or disaster, for instance, have historically changed public opinion and policy precisely because they were shown, not hidden” — A long sentence combining an inserted example ('for instance'), a compound object ('public opinion and policy'), and a contrastive ending ('not hidden'), showing more grammatical range than the shorter band 6.5 version of the same point.
   • FC“News organisations have a responsibility to inform without being needlessly exploitative” — A slightly more formal framing of the same idea as band 6.5's 'News companies should inform people', showing the more careful, deliberate phrasing typical of band 7.0.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer uses the vivid verbs 'choke off' and 'sanitising' in place of the plainer 'prevent' and 'avoiding', giving more precise, idiomatic vocabulary than the fuller band 7.0 phrasing.

   To some extent, yes, particularly around graphic or violent content, and images of identifiable victims, children especially, who never consented to being shown. News organisations carry a duty to inform without tipping into needless exploitation, and some outlets clearly cross that line chasing attention. That said, I wouldn't want rules so tight they choke off legitimate, important images - photographs of real suffering in war or disaster have, historically, shifted public opinion and policy precisely because they were shown rather than hidden away. So the rules should lean more towards dignity and consent than towards simply sanitising anything hard to look at.

   Why this band

   • LR“rules so tight they choke off legitimate, important images” — A vivid, idiomatic verb phrase ('choke off') replacing the plainer 'rules so strict that they prevent' phrasing at band 7.0, exactly the kind of distinctive word choice expected at 7.5.
   • GRA“who never consented to being shown” — A tight relative clause using the more formal verb 'consented' in place of the fuller 'who can't consent to being shown' construction at band 7.0, a slightly more compressed way of expressing the same idea.
   • FC“lean more towards dignity and consent than towards simply sanitising anything hard to look at” — A parallel 'lean more towards X than towards Y' structure gives a more polished, idiomatic close than the plainer 'focus more on X than on Y' phrasing used at band 7.0.

9. 9. Can a single photo have the power to change society's views?

   Sep–Dec 2026
   Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

   Band 6.5

   The 6.5 answer gives a direct 'yes, definitely' opinion with a general claim and one personal example, using the plain connector 'because' once and simple vocabulary like 'powerful image' and 'affect people'.

   Yes, definitely - there are famous examples of this, where one powerful image changed opinion more than pages of written articles ever could. I think photos work this way because they skip a lot of complicated explanation and affect people emotionally right away. I've seen a small version of this - a before-and-after clean-up photo near My Khe Beach did more to convince friends to cut plastic use than any article we'd all read and forgotten. Of course, a photo alone doesn't usually create lasting change without more action afterwards, but it can definitely be the spark that starts it.

   Why this band

   • GRA“I think photos work this way because they skip a lot of complicated explanation and affect people emotionally right away.” — A main clause with one 'because' clause and two verbs joined by 'and', a fairly simple way of giving a reason. A band 7 answer would more likely separate the two effects into a more varied structure.
   • LR“affect people emotionally right away” — A plain, functional phrase. A higher band answer would likely choose a more vivid or precise verb, such as 'hit people emotionally', to describe the same immediate impact.
   • FC“Of course, a photo alone doesn't usually create lasting change without more action afterwards, but it can definitely be the spark that starts it.” — A long closing sentence joined only with 'but', stating the balanced conclusion plainly. A 7.5 answer would likely compress this final contrast into a shorter, punchier structure.

   Band 7.0

   The 7.0 answer upgrades 'affect people emotionally right away' to 'hit people emotionally and immediately', and adds the reflective phrase 'a small version of this myself', showing sharper vocabulary and more personal reflection than band 6.5.

   Definitely, yes, there are well-known historical examples of exactly that, where one striking image shifted public opinion on a war or a humanitarian crisis more than pages of written reporting ever could. Photos work that way because they bypass a lot of abstract explanation and hit people emotionally and immediately. I've experienced a small version of this myself - a single before-and-after photo of a coastal clean-up near My Khe Beach did more to convince my own friend group to cut down on plastic use than any article we'd all read and forgotten about. Of course, a photo alone rarely creates lasting change without follow-up action, but it can absolutely be the spark that starts it.

   Why this band

   • LR“hit people emotionally and immediately” — A more vivid, precise verb choice ('hit') than the plainer 'affect people emotionally right away' phrasing used at band 6.5, showing deliberate word choice beyond the most basic vocabulary.
   • GRA“Photos work that way because they bypass a lot of abstract explanation and hit people emotionally and immediately.” — The two effects are joined with a parallel 'and' structure using matched adverbs ('emotionally and immediately'), a slightly more polished construction than the plainer verb pairing used at band 6.5.
   • FC“I've experienced a small version of this myself” — A reflective framing phrase that connects the general claim to personal experience, a small elaborative touch typical of band 7.0 that a band 6.5 answer would more likely skip.

   Band 7.5

   The 7.5 answer uses the compact verb phrase 'land emotionally, immediately' and closes with the idiomatic 'the spark that lights the rest of it', showing more compressed, vivid phrasing than the fuller band 7.0 sentence.

   Definitely, yes - history is full of examples of exactly that, one striking image shifting public opinion on a war or humanitarian crisis more than pages of written reporting ever managed. Photos work this way because they bypass abstract explanation altogether and land emotionally, immediately. I've felt a small version of this myself: a single before-and-after photo of a coastal clean-up near My Khe Beach did more to convince my own friend group to cut plastic use than any article we'd all read and promptly forgotten. Of course, a photo rarely creates lasting change on its own, without follow-up action, but it can absolutely be the spark that lights the rest of it.

   Why this band

   • LR“land emotionally, immediately” — A compact, vivid verb phrase replacing the fuller 'hit people emotionally and immediately' wording at band 7.0, an example of the more economical, image-based vocabulary expected at band 7.5.
   • GRA“history is full of examples of exactly that, one striking image shifting public opinion” — A participial phrase ('one striking image shifting...') attached directly after a comma instead of a full 'where' relative clause, a more compact and flexible construction than the equivalent sentence at band 7.0.
   • FC“the spark that lights the rest of it” — An extended, more original version of the band 7.0 phrase 'the spark that starts it', adding a small idiomatic flourish to the closing image that gives the answer a more finished, deliberate feel.

10. 10. Why do people like taking photos?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    States the opinion plainly with short sentences and everyday phrasing like 'remembering special moments'.

    I think people like taking photos because it helps them remember special moments later. For example, my colleague Quân often takes pictures during our lunch breaks at the office. He says it's his way of remembering not just the food but the funny things people say. Last week, he took a photo of our team around a delivery of bánh xèo. Now, with smartphones, it's very easy for everyone to take photos. Not everyone shares them online though - some people just want to keep a personal record.

    Why this band

    • FC“I think people like taking photos because it helps them remember special moments later.” — A plain direct thesis, unlike 7.5's metaphor of photography as 'arguing with forgetting'. It states the idea without developing it further.
    • LR“He says it's his way of remembering not just the food but the funny things people say.” — Plain phrasing, less vivid than 7.5's 'throwaway jokes and odd little moments that would otherwise vanish'.
    • GRA“Now, with smartphones, it's very easy for everyone to take photos.” — A simple short sentence, less complex than the layered comparison sentence at 7.5 involving 'as instinctive as noticing it'.

    Band 7.0

    Adds the hedge 'Honestly' and a sensory touch ('you could almost smell it'), giving a bit more natural color.

    Honestly, I think people take photos mainly because it lets them hold onto memories they might otherwise forget. My colleague Quân, for instance, is always snapping pictures during our lunch breaks at the office - he says it's his way of remembering not just the food, but the random funny things people say or do. Just last week, he took a photo of our team crowded around a delivery of steaming bánh xèo, and honestly you could almost smell it just looking at the photo afterwards. With smartphones making it so effortless, it's basically become second nature for most people. Of course, not everyone shares photos publicly; for some it's more of a private record.

    Why this band

    • FC“Honestly, I think people take photos mainly because it lets them hold onto memories they might otherwise forget.” — A hedge and slightly reflective phrasing beyond 6.5's flat claim, though still less conceptual than 7.5's 'arguing with forgetting' metaphor.
    • LR“you could almost smell it just looking at the photo afterwards” — A sensory touch beyond 6.5's plain description, though less crafted than 7.5's 'practically smell the herbs and dipping sauce'.
    • GRA“With smartphones making it so effortless, it's basically become second nature for most people.” — A participial opening clause, showing more range than 6.5's short simple sentence, though simpler than 7.5's layered comparison sentence.

    Band 7.5

    Opens with the literary metaphor 'arguing with forgetting' and closes with a comparison ('as instinctive as noticing it'), showing vivid, abstract phrasing.

    I think photography has quietly become people's way of arguing with forgetting - a small act of insisting that a moment mattered enough to keep. My colleague Quân is a case in point: he's constantly snapping pictures during our office lunch breaks, not for the food itself but for the throwaway jokes and odd little moments that would otherwise vanish. Just last week he caught our whole team crowding around a delivery of steaming bánh xèo, and there's something almost tactile about that photo, you can practically smell the herbs and dipping sauce. With smartphones making the whole process effortless, it's no wonder capturing a moment has become as instinctive as noticing it. That said, plenty of people still keep their photos entirely private, more interested in the record than the audience.

    Why this band

    • FC“I think photography has quietly become people's way of arguing with forgetting - a small act of insisting that a moment mattered enough to keep.” — An abstract, almost literary framing far beyond the plain and hedged claims at 6.5 and 7.0.
    • LR“there's something almost tactile about that photo, you can practically smell the herbs and dipping sauce” — Vivid sensory language beyond both lower bands' simpler descriptions of remembering food.
    • GRA“it's no wonder capturing a moment has become as instinctive as noticing it” — A comparison clause ('as instinctive as noticing it') that adds more sophistication than the simpler sentences at 6.5 and 7.0.

11. 11. What kinds of photos do people often take?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    Lists photo types plainly and closes with a simple 'but' contrast, staying with common vocabulary throughout.

    I think these days people mostly take photos of food, daily life, and travel. For example, last month my colleague Thao spent a day visiting new cafés in Da Nang. She took many pictures of her coffee, the café interiors, and the latte art. She said it's partly for her own memories, but also for posting on Zalo and Instagram. Honestly, taking photos of everyday things has become quite normal now, like a sunset near Dragon Bridge or a selfie at the beach. Some people still like formal portraits, but casual photos are more common.

    Why this band

    • FC“I think these days people mostly take photos of food, daily life, and travel.” — A plain list-style claim, less conceptual than 7.5's framing that photography has 'shifted from documenting occasions to documenting texture'.
    • LR“She took many pictures of her coffee, the café interiors, and the latte art.” — A plain listing, compared to 7.5's more layered 'photographing everything from her coffee cup to the latte art to the light hitting the café windows'.
    • GRA“Some people still like formal portraits, but casual photos are more common.” — A simple 'but' contrast, less developed than 7.5's closing sentence with 'quietly won out'.

    Band 7.0

    Softens the claim with 'I'd say' and adds a dash-led list with 'even', giving slightly more natural detail.

    I'd say these days, people mostly take photos of food, everyday moments, and travel experiences. Last month, for example, my colleague Thao spent an entire day exploring new cafés around Da Nang, and she took dozens of pictures - her coffee cup, the café interior, even the latte art. She told me it's partly for her own memories, but also for posting on Zalo and Instagram. Honestly, documenting everyday life has become pretty normal now, whether it's a sunset near Dragon Bridge or a group selfie during a beach run. Of course, some people still prefer more staged portraits, but casual, spontaneous photos are definitely the more common choice, at least in my circle.

    Why this band

    • FC“I'd say these days, people mostly take photos of food, everyday moments, and travel experiences.” — The hedge 'I'd say' softens the claim slightly, though the structure stays close to 6.5's listing pattern, unlike 7.5's abstract reframing.
    • LR“she took dozens of pictures - her coffee cup, the café interior, even the latte art” — The dash-led list with 'even' adds emphasis beyond 6.5's flatter listing, though less vivid than 7.5's triple 'from... to... to...' structure.
    • GRA“Of course, some people still prefer more staged portraits, but casual, spontaneous photos are definitely the more common choice, at least in my circle.” — A longer sentence with an added qualifier ('at least in my circle'), more developed than 6.5's short contrast sentence.

    Band 7.5

    Frames the whole answer around an abstract shift 'from documenting occasions to documenting texture' and closes with the idiom 'quietly won out'.

    If I had to generalise, I'd say photography has shifted from documenting occasions to documenting texture - the ordinary details of a day rather than just the milestones. My colleague Thao is a good example: last month she spent an entire afternoon café-hopping around Da Nang, photographing everything from her coffee cup to the latte art to the light hitting the café windows, partly for herself, partly for Zalo and Instagram. Honestly, that kind of documentation - a sunset near Dragon Bridge, a candid selfie mid-run on the beach - feels far more normal now than posed, formal portraits ever did. There's still a place for the occasional staged shot, but in my circle at least, the spontaneous, half-considered photo has quietly won out.

    Why this band

    • FC“I'd say photography has shifted from documenting occasions to documenting texture - the ordinary details of a day rather than just the milestones” — An abstract, analytical framing of a trend, well beyond the plain listing at 6.5 and the mildly hedged version at 7.0.
    • LR“photographing everything from her coffee cup to the latte art to the light hitting the café windows” — A triple parallel structure with more specific, vivid detail than the simpler lists at the lower bands.
    • GRA“There's still a place for the occasional staged shot, but in my circle at least, the spontaneous, half-considered photo has quietly won out.” — Uses the idiom 'quietly won out' and a more layered contrast structure than the plain 'but' sentences at 6.5 and 7.0.

12. 12. When do people like taking photos?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    States the pattern plainly and closes with a simple contrast sentence, using common phrasing like 'too good not to photograph'.

    I think people take the most photos when something unusual is happening, like traveling or celebrating something special. For example, last November I went hiking with my colleagues to the Marble Mountains, and everyone got their phones out as soon as we reached the top. The view of Da Nang below us, with the city lights starting to appear, was too good not to photograph. Honestly, I rarely see people taking photos during normal routines, like commuting or shopping. People just want to capture beautiful or memorable moments, not the everyday stuff.

    Why this band

    • FC“I think people take the most photos when something unusual is happening, like traveling or celebrating something special.” — A plain direct claim, less conceptual than 7.5's framing of photographing 'proof' of rare moments.
    • LR“the city lights starting to appear, was too good not to photograph” — Simple phrasing, less vivid than 7.5's 'unspooling below us, city lights just flickering on'.
    • GRA“People just want to capture beautiful or memorable moments, not the everyday stuff.” — A simple contrast sentence, less complex than the closing sentence at 7.5 about an 'unspoken filter'.

    Band 7.0

    Softens the claim with 'I'd say' and upgrades the verb to 'freeze', adding a touch more figurative language.

    I'd say people tend to take the most photos when they're experiencing something out of the ordinary - travelling, celebrating a special occasion, or even just catching up with old friends. Last November, for example, I went hiking with my colleagues up the Marble Mountains, and everyone had their phones out the moment we reached the summit, because the view of Da Nang stretching out below, with the city lights just starting to come on, practically begged to be captured. Honestly, I rarely see people snapping pictures during their regular routines, like commuting or grocery shopping. It seems like people mostly want to freeze the memorable moments, not the mundane ones.

    Why this band

    • FC“I'd say people tend to take the most photos when they're experiencing something out of the ordinary” — The hedge 'I'd say' and 'tend to' soften the claim slightly, a step up from 6.5's flatter statement, though still less abstract than 7.5's 'proof' framing.
    • LR“the view of Da Nang stretching out below, with the city lights just starting to come on, practically begged to be captured” — A livelier verb ('begged to be captured') than 6.5's 'too good not to photograph', though less crafted than 7.5's 'unspooling' imagery.
    • GRA“It seems like people mostly want to freeze the memorable moments, not the mundane ones.” — Uses the verb 'freeze' for a slightly more figurative touch than 6.5's plain 'capture', though the sentence structure stays a simple contrast.

    Band 7.5

    Opens with a reflective 'the honest answer is' framing and closes with a colon-led sentence about an 'unspoken filter', using the vivid verb 'unspooling'.

    I think the honest answer is that people photograph the moments they suspect they'll want proof of later - the ones that feel too good, or too rare, to simply trust to memory. When I hiked up the Marble Mountains with my colleagues last November, phones came out the second we hit the summit, because the sight of Da Nang unspooling below us, city lights just flickering on, felt like exactly that kind of moment. Yet I can't remember the last time I saw someone photographing their commute or a grocery run - nobody's rushing to immortalise the mundane. There seems to be an unspoken filter at work: beauty or significance gets the camera, routine simply gets lived through.

    Why this band

    • FC“I think the honest answer is that people photograph the moments they suspect they'll want proof of later” — A reflective, almost confessional framing ('the honest answer is') that reframes the whole question, more ambitious than the direct claims at 6.5 and 7.0.
    • LR“the sight of Da Nang unspooling below us, city lights just flickering on” — A vivid, unusual verb choice ('unspooling') that goes beyond the more conventional imagery at the lower bands.
    • GRA“There seems to be an unspoken filter at work: beauty or significance gets the camera, routine simply gets lived through.” — A colon-led explanatory sentence with parallel clauses, more structurally ambitious than the simple contrast sentences at 6.5 and 7.0.

13. 13. Why do some people not like taking photos?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    Lists reasons plainly and closes with a simple statement, using safe phrasing like 'avoid a serious shot'.

    I think some people feel uncomfortable in front of a camera, or they don't see the point of capturing every moment. For example, my old roommate from university in Hanoi, Minh, was always awkward about photos - he would hide behind someone or make a funny face to avoid a serious shot. He told me he preferred to just enjoy the experience and keep memories in his head, because looking at posed pictures later felt strange to him. Some people also worry about privacy, since photos can end up online quickly. So it's not really about disliking photography, just personal comfort.

    Why this band

    • FC“I think some people feel uncomfortable in front of a camera, or they don't see the point of capturing every moment.” — Plain, listed reasons, less conceptual than 7.5's framing of a camera as something that 'interrupts' a moment.
    • LR“he would hide behind someone or make a funny face to avoid a serious shot” — Plain description, compared to 7.5's 'duck behind someone or pull an exaggerated face'.
    • GRA“So it's not really about disliking photography, just personal comfort.” — A short, simple closing statement, less complex than 7.5's 'less that they dislike photography, more that they're guarding something private' construction.

    Band 7.0

    Adds mild emphasis and a natural hedge ('To be fair, I kind of get where he's coming from') for more conversational flow.

    Honestly, I think some people just feel awkward in front of a camera, or they don't really see the point of capturing every single moment. My old roommate from university in Hanoi, Minh, for instance, was always a bit awkward about photos - he'd either hide behind someone or pull a funny face to dodge a serious shot. He once told me he'd rather just enjoy the experience and keep memories in his head, because looking back at posed pictures later felt unnatural to him. To be fair, I kind of get where he's coming from. Some people also worry about privacy, especially now that photos end up online so quickly.

    Why this band

    • FC“Honestly, I think some people just feel awkward in front of a camera, or they don't really see the point of capturing every single moment.” — Adds 'Honestly' and 'really' for mild emphasis, a small step beyond 6.5's flatter version, though still a fairly literal explanation next to 7.5's metaphor of interruption.
    • LR“he'd either hide behind someone or pull a funny face to dodge a serious shot” — The verb 'dodge' adds a touch more color than 6.5's 'avoid', though it's less vivid than 7.5's 'duck' and 'pull an exaggerated face'.
    • GRA“To be fair, I kind of get where he's coming from.” — A natural spoken hedge showing conversational fluency, a step beyond 6.5's more formal tone, though 7.5 builds a fuller concessive structure around a similar idea.

    Band 7.5

    Opens with the paradoxical framing that a camera can 'interrupt' a moment and closes with a compact 'less X, more Y' judgement.

    I think for some people, a camera doesn't capture a moment so much as interrupt it, which is reason enough to avoid one. My old university roommate in Hanoi, Minh, was a perfect example - he'd duck behind someone or pull an exaggerated face rather than sit for a serious shot, and he once admitted he'd rather trust the memory to his own head than to a photo that always felt slightly staged once he looked back on it. To be fair, I've come to see his point. There's also a quieter reason some people opt out entirely: a growing wariness about how easily a photo can end up circulating online without their say. So it's less that they dislike photography, more that they're guarding something private.

    Why this band

    • FC“a camera doesn't capture a moment so much as interrupt it, which is reason enough to avoid one” — An abstract, almost paradoxical framing (camera as interruption) that goes well beyond the literal explanations at 6.5 and 7.0.
    • LR“he'd duck behind someone or pull an exaggerated face rather than sit for a serious shot” — More vivid verb and adjective choices ('duck', 'exaggerated') than the plainer descriptions at the lower bands.
    • GRA“So it's less that they dislike photography, more that they're guarding something private.” — A 'less X, more Y' construction that closes the answer with a compact, abstract judgement, more sophisticated than the simple statements at 6.5 and 7.0.

14. 14. Are there any places where people should not take photos?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    States the opinion directly and describes the scene plainly, closing with a simple 'but' contrast sentence.

    Yes, I definitely think there are places where taking photos isn't appropriate. Hospitals are a good example. Last year, when I visited my friend Thảo at Da Nang General Hospital after her surgery, I noticed some visitors taking selfies in the waiting area. Honestly, it felt quite wrong - people there are often stressed or in pain, so cameras just add to the discomfort. A nurse even asked one group to put their phones away. I understand people want to capture memories, but places like hospitals need more sensitivity and respect for others.

    Why this band

    • FC“Yes, I definitely think there are places where taking photos isn't appropriate.” — A direct, plain opening claim, less conceptual than 7.5's 'tone-deaf' framing.
    • LR“I noticed some visitors taking selfies in the waiting area” — A plain factual description compared to 7.5's 'apparently oblivious to the fact that everyone around them was either exhausted, frightened or grieving'.
    • GRA“I understand people want to capture memories, but places like hospitals need more sensitivity and respect for others.” — A simple 'but' contrast sentence, less layered than 7.5's closing sentence with the dash-led list 'hospitals, places of worship'.

    Band 7.0

    Adds the natural hedge 'To be fair' and a longer explanatory clause for smoother, more connected reasoning.

    Yes, I definitely think there are places where taking photos just isn't appropriate, and hospitals are the first example that comes to mind. Last year, when I visited my friend Thảo at Da Nang General Hospital after her surgery, I noticed a few visitors casually snapping selfies in the waiting area, which honestly felt quite wrong - people there are often in pain or under a lot of stress, so flashing cameras around only adds to the discomfort. I even saw a nurse politely ask one group to put their phones away. To be fair, I understand people want to capture memories, but some environments really call for a bit more sensitivity.

    Why this band

    • FC“Yes, I definitely think there are places where taking photos just isn't appropriate, and hospitals are the first example that comes to mind.” — Adds 'just' and the phrase 'first example that comes to mind' for a touch more natural elaboration than 6.5, though still a fairly literal statement next to 7.5's evaluative 'tone-deaf'.
    • LR“people there are often in pain or under a lot of stress, so flashing cameras around only adds to the discomfort” — A longer, more connected explanation than 6.5's shorter version, though less pointed than 7.5's 'oblivious to the fact that everyone around them was either exhausted, frightened or grieving'.
    • GRA“To be fair, I understand people want to capture memories, but some environments really call for a bit more sensitivity.” — A natural spoken hedge ('To be fair') added to the contrast, a step up from 6.5's plainer version.

    Band 7.5

    Opens with the evaluative metaphor 'tone-deaf' and closes with a dash-interrupted list, showing more vivid and structurally varied phrasing.

    Yes, and hospitals are the clearest example that comes to mind - there's something almost tone-deaf about pulling out a camera in a place built around other people's pain. Last year, visiting my friend Thảo at Da Nang General Hospital after her surgery, I watched a few visitors casually taking selfies in the waiting area, apparently oblivious to the fact that everyone around them was either exhausted, frightened or grieving. A nurse eventually had to step in and politely ask them to put their phones away, which honestly should never have been necessary in the first place. I get the instinct to document everything, but certain spaces - hospitals, places of worship - demand a bit of restraint before the phone comes out at all.

    Why this band

    • FC“there's something almost tone-deaf about pulling out a camera in a place built around other people's pain” — A strong, evaluative metaphor ('tone-deaf') that frames the whole issue abstractly, beyond the direct claims at 6.5 and 7.0.
    • LR“apparently oblivious to the fact that everyone around them was either exhausted, frightened or grieving” — A precise triplet of emotional states, more vivid and specific than the plainer descriptions at the lower bands.
    • GRA“I get the instinct to document everything, but certain spaces - hospitals, places of worship - demand a bit of restraint before the phone comes out at all.” — A dash-interrupted list embedded in a longer concessive sentence, more structurally ambitious than the simple contrast sentences at 6.5 and 7.0.

15. 15. Do you think it is appropriate to take photos everywhere?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    Gives a short, plain opinion and describes the memorial scene simply, closing with a basic 'while' contrast.

    I think it really depends on the situation. In public places like My Khe Beach or Han Market, taking photos is normal and can be fun, especially with friends. But there are times when it's not appropriate - for example, last month I went to a quiet memorial ceremony for a colleague's relative in Hue. Someone started taking pictures during the speeches, and it felt intrusive and disrespectful to the family. So while photos are a nice way to remember things, we should think about other people's feelings before taking out a phone.

    Why this band

    • FC“I think it really depends on the situation.” — A short, plain opening thesis, less developed than 7.5's reframing that appropriateness 'lives in whether a camera adds to a moment or quietly steals something from it'.
    • LR“Someone started taking pictures during the speeches, and it felt intrusive and disrespectful to the family.” — A plain description of the event, compared to 7.5's more vivid 'the click of a phone camera against that silence felt almost violent'.
    • GRA“So while photos are a nice way to remember things, we should think about other people's feelings before taking out a phone.” — A single 'while' contrast sentence, less layered than the closing sentence at 7.5.

    Band 7.0

    Adds a small qualifier for precision and the idiom 'read the mood', giving a slightly more natural close.

    Personally, I think it really depends on the situation rather than the place itself. In public spots like My Khe Beach or Han Market, taking photos is pretty normal and often adds to the fun, especially when you're with friends. That said, there are moments where it clearly isn't appropriate - last month, for instance, I attended a quiet memorial ceremony for a colleague's relative in Hue, and someone started snapping pictures during the speeches, which felt genuinely intrusive, almost disrespectful to the grieving family. So while photos are a great way to hold onto memories, I'd say it's important to read the mood before pulling out your phone.

    Why this band

    • FC“Personally, I think it really depends on the situation rather than the place itself.” — Adds the qualifier 'rather than the place itself' for slightly more precision than 6.5, though still simpler than 7.5's fuller reframing.
    • LR“someone started snapping pictures during the speeches, which felt genuinely intrusive, almost disrespectful to the grieving family” — A relative clause adds more connected detail than 6.5's separate sentences, though less striking than 7.5's 'click of a phone camera against that silence felt almost violent'.
    • GRA“I'd say it's important to read the mood before pulling out your phone” — Uses the idiom 'read the mood', a step up from 6.5's plainer closing, though 7.5 extends a similar idea into a more complex final sentence.

    Band 7.5

    Reframes the whole question around 'adds to a moment' versus 'steals from it' and closes with a striking word choice, 'violent'.

    I don't think appropriateness lives in the location at all - it lives in whether a camera adds to a moment or quietly steals something from it. At a spot like My Khe Beach or Han Market, a camera adds nothing but fun, especially surrounded by friends. But last month, at a hushed memorial ceremony for a colleague's relative in Hue, someone started snapping photos mid-speech, and the click of a phone camera against that silence felt almost violent - certainly disrespectful to a family that was grieving in real time. So while I love what photos preserve, I'd argue the real skill is reading a room before you ever raise the phone, not deciding in advance that some places are simply off-limits.

    Why this band

    • FC“I don't think appropriateness lives in the location at all - it lives in whether a camera adds to a moment or quietly steals something from it” — An abstract, reframed thesis built on a striking contrast ('adds to' versus 'steals from'), well beyond the direct claims at 6.5 and 7.0.
    • LR“the click of a phone camera against that silence felt almost violent” — A strong, unexpected word choice ('violent') that creates vivid contrast, beyond the plainer descriptions at the lower bands.
    • GRA“I'd argue the real skill is reading a room before you ever raise the phone, not deciding in advance that some places are simply off-limits” — A 'not X, but Y'-style construction with a subordinate clause, more structurally ambitious than the simpler contrast sentences at 6.5 and 7.0.

16. 16. Why do people like taking photos when travelling?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    States the reason plainly and lists Linh's actions simply, closing with a basic 'but' contrast.

    I think a big reason people take photos when they travel is to keep memories of places they might never visit again. For example, when I went to Ba Na Hills with my colleagues last spring, almost everyone was taking photos all the time. My teammate Linh was especially excited - she posed by the Golden Bridge, took pictures of street performers, and even photographed our food before we ate. Later, she said the photos helped her relive those moments, since we're all so busy at work. Some people also take photos to share on social media, but I think most just want a personal memory.

    Why this band

    • FC“I think a big reason people take photos when they travel is to keep memories of places they might never visit again.” — A plain, direct claim, less conceptual than 7.5's 'attempt to outrun forgetting' metaphor.
    • LR“she posed by the Golden Bridge, took pictures of street performers, and even photographed our food before we ate” — A straightforward list of actions, less vivid than 7.5's 'chasing shots of street performers'.
    • GRA“Some people also take photos to share on social media, but I think most just want a personal memory.” — A simple 'but' contrast, less layered than 7.5's closing sentence with 'a quieter thing'.

    Band 7.0

    Adds mild color with verbs like 'snapped' and the hedge 'I'd say', giving a bit more natural texture.

    Honestly, I think a big reason people love photographing their travels is to hold onto memories they might not get the chance to experience again. When I went to Ba Na Hills with my colleagues last spring, nearly everyone had their phones out constantly. One teammate, Linh, was especially enthusiastic - she posed by the Golden Bridge, snapped pictures of street performers, and photographed our food before we'd even eaten. She later told me looking back at the photos helped her relive those moments, especially since our busy schedules mean we barely see each other outside work. Of course, some people take photos mainly for social media, but I'd say most just want something personal from the trip.

    Why this band

    • FC“Honestly, I think a big reason people love photographing their travels is to hold onto memories they might not get the chance to experience again.” — Adds 'love' and a slightly more elaborated relative clause than 6.5's flatter version, though still less abstract than 7.5's framing.
    • LR“she posed by the Golden Bridge, snapped pictures of street performers, and photographed our food before we'd even eaten” — The verb 'snapped' and phrase 'before we'd even eaten' add mild color beyond 6.5's plainer listing, though less vivid than 7.5's 'on a mission' framing.
    • GRA“Of course, some people take photos mainly for social media, but I'd say most just want something personal from the trip.” — Uses the hedge 'I'd say' within the contrast, a step up from 6.5's plainer version, though 7.5 develops a fuller concessive structure.

    Band 7.5

    Opens with the literary metaphor 'outrun forgetting' and closes with a dash-led reflective clause, using the vivid phrase 'on a mission'.

    I think travel photography is really an attempt to outrun forgetting - to pin down a place you know you'll probably never stand in again. At Ba Na Hills with my colleagues last spring, phones barely left people's hands; my teammate Linh, in particular, was on a mission, posing by the Golden Bridge, chasing shots of street performers, photographing our food before anyone had touched a fork. She admitted afterwards that flipping back through those photos was what let her relive the trip properly, especially given how rarely our packed schedules let us see each other outside the office. Sure, some people are photographing for an audience on social media, but for most of us, I suspect, it's a quieter thing - just trying to hold onto something that would otherwise slip away.

    Why this band

    • FC“I think travel photography is really an attempt to outrun forgetting - to pin down a place you know you'll probably never stand in again” — An abstract, literary framing ('outrun forgetting') that goes well beyond the direct claims at 6.5 and 7.0.
    • LR“my teammate Linh, in particular, was on a mission, posing by the Golden Bridge, chasing shots of street performers” — The phrase 'on a mission' and verb 'chasing' are more vivid and dynamic than the plainer verb choices at the lower bands.
    • GRA“Sure, some people are photographing for an audience on social media, but for most of us, I suspect, it's a quieter thing - just trying to hold onto something that would otherwise slip away.” — A longer sentence with an embedded hedge ('I suspect') and a dash-led explanatory clause, more structurally ambitious than the simpler contrasts at 6.5 and 7.0.

17. 17. What are the downsides of constantly taking photos while travelling?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    States the downside plainly and lists missed details simply, closing with a short 'but' contrast.

    I think one clear downside is that you can get so focused on getting the perfect photo that you miss the actual experience. For example, last summer I visited the Marble Mountains with some colleagues, and one of them, Minh, kept stopping every few minutes to set up his tripod and take photos from different angles. He ended up with some great photos, but he barely joined our conversations or noticed small things, like the smell of incense or the monks chanting. Photos can help preserve memories, but sometimes they can also pull you out of the moment.

    Why this band

    • FC“I think one clear downside is that you can get so focused on getting the perfect photo that you miss the actual experience.” — A plain, direct claim, less conceptual than 7.5's framing of the camera 'swapping places with' the experience.
    • LR“he barely joined our conversations or noticed small things, like the smell of incense or the monks chanting” — Plain, functional listing, compared to 7.5's more sensory 'the incense, the chanting drifting down from the temple'.
    • GRA“Photos can help preserve memories, but sometimes they can also pull you out of the moment.” — A simple 'but' contrast, less developed than 7.5's closing sentence about a 'checklist'.

    Band 7.0

    Adds the natural hedge 'To be fair' and slightly more specific detail, giving a touch more conversational flow.

    Honestly, I think one clear downside is that people can get so focused on capturing the perfect shot that they end up missing the actual experience. Last summer, for example, I visited the Marble Mountains with a few colleagues, and one of them, Minh, kept stopping every few minutes to set up his tripod and take multiple angles of the same spot. While he ended up with some genuinely impressive photos, he barely joined the group conversations or noticed smaller details, like the incense smell or the sound of the monks chanting. To be fair, photos do help preserve memories, but I do think they can sometimes pull you out of the moment entirely.

    Why this band

    • FC“Honestly, I think one clear downside is that people can get so focused on capturing the perfect shot that they end up missing the actual experience.” — Adds 'Honestly' and the phrase 'end up missing' for slightly more natural phrasing than 6.5, though still literal next to 7.5's abstract reframing.
    • LR“he barely joined the group conversations or noticed smaller details, like the incense smell or the sound of the monks chanting” — Marginally more specific ('smaller details', 'sound of') than 6.5's plainer version, though less vivid than 7.5's 'drifting down from the temple'.
    • GRA“To be fair, photos do help preserve memories, but I do think they can sometimes pull you out of the moment entirely.” — Adds the natural hedge 'To be fair' and emphatic 'entirely', a step up from 6.5's plainer contrast sentence.

    Band 7.5

    Opens with the paradoxical image of the camera 'swapping places with' the experience and closes with the extended metaphor of a 'checklist'.

    I think the real downside is that the camera can quietly swap places with the experience it's supposed to be recording - you end up travelling to produce photos, rather than photographing to remember travelling. Last summer at the Marble Mountains, my colleague Minh illustrated this perfectly: he kept stopping every few minutes to set up his tripod for yet another angle of the same view, and while the resulting photos were genuinely impressive, he barely registered the group's conversations or the small sensory details around him, the incense, the chanting drifting down from the temple. Photos do preserve memories, I won't deny that, but constant photography can quietly turn an adventure into something closer to a checklist, ticked off one frame at a time.

    Why this band

    • FC“the camera can quietly swap places with the experience it's supposed to be recording - you end up travelling to produce photos, rather than photographing to remember travelling” — An abstract, almost paradoxical framing built on a role-reversal image, well beyond the literal claims at 6.5 and 7.0.
    • LR“the incense, the chanting drifting down from the temple” — A fragment-style sensory list that's more evocative than the fuller but plainer sentences at the lower bands.
    • GRA“constant photography can quietly turn an adventure into something closer to a checklist, ticked off one frame at a time” — A compact metaphor ('checklist') extended with a trailing modifying phrase, more structurally ambitious than the simple contrast sentences at 6.5 and 7.0.

18. 18. Why do people like uploading their photos to social media?

    Sep–Dec 2026
    Compare Band 6.5 / 7.0 / 7.5 for this question

    Band 6.5

    States the reason plainly and closes with a simple 'but' contrast, using everyday phrasing like 'feel more special'.

    I think a lot of people share their photos on social media because it makes them feel connected to others. For example, my colleague Vy always posts her weekend trips on Instagram or Zalo, whether it's a sunrise at My Khe Beach or a new café near Tran Phu street. She told me that seeing friends react to her photos makes those moments feel more special, and it helps her stay in touch with people she doesn't see often, like her cousins in Hanoi. Of course, there's also some social pressure to keep up, but I think mostly it's about connection.

    Why this band

    • FC“I think a lot of people share their photos on social media because it makes them feel connected to others.” — A plain, direct claim, less conceptual than 7.5's framing of photos as 'a kind of currency'.
    • LR“seeing friends react to her photos makes those moments feel more special” — Plain phrasing, compared to 7.5's 'watching friends react is part of what makes the moment feel real to her'.
    • GRA“Of course, there's also some social pressure to keep up, but I think mostly it's about connection.” — A simple 'but' contrast, less layered than 7.5's closing sentence with 'curate a good life'.

    Band 7.0

    Adds a small extra reason ('validation too') and a personal qualifier for a slightly more natural close.

    Honestly, I think a lot of people share their photos on social media because it gives them a sense of connection, and maybe a bit of validation too. My colleague Vy, for example, always posts her weekend adventures on Instagram or Zalo, whether it's a beach sunrise at My Khe or a new café near Tran Phu street. She once told me that seeing friends react makes those moments feel like they matter more, and it also lets her stay in touch with cousins she rarely sees in Hanoi. Of course, there's some social pressure involved too, but personally I'm a bit more private about it.

    Why this band

    • FC“Honestly, I think a lot of people share their photos on social media because it gives them a sense of connection, and maybe a bit of validation too.” — Adds 'and maybe a bit of validation too' as a small elaboration beyond 6.5's single-reason claim, though still less abstract than 7.5's 'currency' metaphor.
    • LR“seeing friends react makes those moments feel like they matter more” — Slightly more natural phrasing than 6.5's flatter version, though less precise than 7.5's 'part of what makes the moment feel real to her'.
    • GRA“Of course, there's some social pressure involved too, but personally I'm a bit more private about it.” — Adds the qualifier 'personally' and 'about it' for a more natural close, a step up from 6.5's plainer sentence.

    Band 7.5

    Opens with the economic metaphor 'currency' and closes with the idiom 'putting mine out there', showing precise, abstract phrasing.

    I think social media has quietly turned photos into a kind of currency - proof that a moment happened, and an invitation for other people to confirm it mattered. My colleague Vy is a good case study: her weekend adventures, a sunrise at My Khe, a new café near Tran Phu street, go straight onto Instagram and Zalo, and she's admitted that watching friends react is part of what makes the moment feel real to her, alongside the more practical upside of staying in touch with cousins she rarely sees in Hanoi. There's undeniably a bit of social pressure baked into all this too, the quiet competition to keep up or curate a good life. I get the appeal, though I've always stayed a little more guarded about putting mine out there.

    Why this band

    • FC“social media has quietly turned photos into a kind of currency - proof that a moment happened, and an invitation for other people to confirm it mattered” — An abstract, economic metaphor ('currency') that reframes the whole question, well beyond the direct claims at 6.5 and 7.0.
    • LR“the quiet competition to keep up or curate a good life” — The verb 'curate' and phrase 'quiet competition' are more precise and idiomatic than the plainer descriptions at the lower bands.
    • GRA“I get the appeal, though I've always stayed a little more guarded about putting mine out there.” — Uses the idiom 'putting mine out there' and a concessive structure, more sophisticated than the simple 'but' contrasts at 6.5 and 7.0.