Tourism’s environmental impact has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, appearing in various forms over the past few years. This subject matter is particularly relevant as how tourism can contribute to environmental degradation continues to be a global concern.
Tourism environmental impact assessment showing experts discussing environmental concerns
Let’s analyze a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question that exemplifies this theme:
Some people believe that international tourism is harmful to the environment and should be restricted. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
Question Analysis
This essay prompt requires candidates to evaluate the relationship between should there be limits on international tourism to protect the environment. A balanced approach discussing both environmental impacts and potential solutions is essential.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.0)
International tourism’s environmental impact has become a pressing concern in recent years, leading some to advocate for its restriction. While I partially agree that tourism can harm the environment, I believe that implementing sustainable practices rather than restrictions is a more effective solution.
Tourism undeniably poses significant environmental challenges. The increasing number of international flights contributes substantially to carbon emissions, while popular destinations often face issues like waste management problems and habitat destruction. For instance, the Maldives struggles with plastic pollution from resorts, threatening its delicate marine ecosystem. Similarly, historical sites like Machu Picchu face erosion from excessive foot traffic.
However, completely restricting international tourism would be impractical and counterproductive. Tourism significantly contributes to how tourism contributes to global economic development, providing essential income for many developing nations. Moreover, tourism often funds conservation efforts and raises environmental awareness among travelers.
Instead, implementing sustainable tourism practices offers a more balanced solution. This could include measures such as limiting daily visitor numbers at sensitive sites, promoting eco-friendly accommodations, and investing in renewable energy infrastructure. Countries like Costa Rica have successfully demonstrated how tourism can coexist with environmental protection through strict sustainability guidelines.
In conclusion, while tourism’s environmental impact cannot be ignored, the solution lies in sustainable management rather than restrictions. By adopting responsible practices, we can preserve both environmental integrity and the benefits of international tourism.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
These days, many people think international tourism is bad for the environment and should be controlled. I partly agree with this idea because tourism can damage nature, but I think there are also good things about it.
First, tourism can harm the environment in many ways. When too many tourists visit beautiful places, they often leave lots of garbage and damage natural areas. Also, airplanes that carry tourists make pollution in the air. For example, in my country, some beautiful beaches have become dirty because of too many tourists.
However, stopping tourism completely would not be a good idea. Many countries need money from tourism to develop their economy. Also, when people travel, they can learn about different environments and want to protect them. What are the advantages and disadvantages of international tourism shows both sides of this issue.
I think the best solution is to make tourism better, not stop it. Governments can make rules about how many people can visit natural places. They can also teach tourists to be more careful about nature. Some hotels are already using solar power and saving water to help the environment.
In conclusion, while tourism can harm nature, we should focus on making it better instead of stopping it. This way, we can protect the environment while still letting people travel and learn about different places.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.0 Essay Analysis
- Task Response: Presents clear position with fully developed arguments
- Coherence: Logical organization with clear progression
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary usage (“delicate marine ecosystem,” “conservation efforts”)
- Grammar: Complex structures used accurately
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis
- Task Response: Clear position but less developed examples
- Coherence: Basic organization with some progression
- Lexical Resource: Adequate but simpler vocabulary
- Grammar: Mix of simple and complex structures with some errors
Key Vocabulary
- environmental degradation (n) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – deterioration of the environment
- sustainable practices (n) /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈpræktɪsɪz/ – methods that don’t harm the environment
- conservation efforts (n) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn ˈefəts/ – actions to protect nature
- ecosystem (n) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – community of organisms and environment
- carbon emissions (n) /ˈkɑːbən ɪˈmɪʃnz/ – release of greenhouse gases
In conclusion, environmental impacts of tourism remain a crucial IELTS topic. Practice essays on similar themes like “mass tourism in historical sites” or “eco-tourism regulations” would be beneficial for exam preparation. Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
