The relationship between tourism and environmental protection has become increasingly prominent in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on recent test reports and analysis of past papers, questions about sustainable tourism and environmental conservation have appeared frequently, especially in countries with growing tourism sectors like Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Let’s examine one common variation of this topic that has appeared multiple times in recent years.
Task Analysis
Some people believe that there should be limits on international tourism to protect the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on tourism restrictions
- Evaluate environmental impacts of tourism
- Consider economic implications
- Provide relevant examples and solutions
For a comprehensive understanding of tourism’s broader economic effects, you may want to explore how does global tourism impact local economies.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
While international tourism contributes significantly to global economic growth, its environmental impact has become a pressing concern. I partially agree that some limitations should be imposed, but believe that well-regulated tourism can coexist with environmental protection.
Tourism’s negative environmental effects are undeniable. Mass tourism often leads to habitat destruction, increased pollution, and strain on local resources. For instance, popular destinations like the Maldives struggle with waste management and coral reef degradation due to excessive tourist activities. Similarly, historic sites such as Machu Picchu face erosion and degradation from overwhelming visitor numbers.
However, complete restrictions on international tourism would be counterproductive. Tourism revenue often funds conservation efforts and provides economic incentives for environmental protection. In countries like Costa Rica, eco-tourism has become a model for sustainable development, where tourist dollars directly support rainforest preservation and wildlife conservation. Additionally, tourism raises environmental awareness among visitors and locals alike.
The solution lies in implementing smart regulations rather than blanket restrictions. Governments and tourism authorities should establish carrying capacities for vulnerable locations, promote sustainable practices, and invest in green infrastructure. For example, Bhutan’s “High Value, Low Impact” tourism policy successfully limits visitor numbers while maximizing economic benefits and preserving natural resources.
For more insights into government roles in sustainable tourism, consider reading about should governments promote sustainable tourism practices.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
In recent years, many people think international tourism should be limited to protect the environment. I agree with this idea because tourism can damage nature in many ways.
Firstly, too many tourists cause problems for the environment. When lots of people visit beautiful places, they make these places dirty and damage them. For example, many beaches in Thailand have too much trash because of tourists. Also, tourists use lots of water and electricity, which is bad for the environment.
However, stopping tourism completely is not good because many countries need money from tourism. Many people work in hotels and restaurants, and they will lose their jobs if there is no tourism. Also, some tourist places use money to protect nature and animals.
I think the best way is to have some limits but not stop tourism completely. Governments should make rules about how many people can visit places. They should also teach tourists to respect nature and not damage it. For example, some countries make tourists pay more money to visit special places, which helps protect these places.
To understand more about tourism’s environmental impact, you might be interested in the impact of international tourism on the environment.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Clear position with sophisticated arguments
- Excellent paragraph organization
- Advanced vocabulary and complex structures
- Relevant examples and solutions
- Cohesive device usage is sophisticated
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Basic but clear position
- Simple paragraph structure
- Limited vocabulary range
- Basic examples
- Simple linking words
Key Vocabulary
- carrying capacity (n) /ˈkæriɪŋ kəˈpæsəti/ – maximum sustainable number of visitors
- eco-tourism (n) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – environmentally responsible travel
- sustainable practices (n) /səˈsteɪnəbəl ˈpræktɪsɪz/ – methods that don’t harm environment
- degradation (n) /ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃən/ – deterioration of environmental conditions
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical systems of a country
- preservation (n) /ˌprezəˈveɪʃən/ – maintenance of natural state
- vulnerable (adj) /ˈvʌlnərəbəl/ – susceptible to damage
- incentives (n) /ɪnˈsentɪvz/ – motivating factors or rewards
Tourism management strategies for environmental protection implementation
Conclusion
This topic remains crucial for IELTS candidates as environmental protection continues to be a global concern. Practice writing essays about related topics such as:
- Tourism quotas in popular destinations
- Eco-tourism development
- Balancing economic benefits with environmental protection
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
