Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: The Benefits of Sustainable Tourism – Sample Essays and Analysis for Band 6-9

Sustainable tourism has become an increasingly important topic in recent years, reflecting growing global concerns about environmental protection and cultural preservation. This theme has appeared in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, making it a crucial subject for test-takers to understand and be prepared to write about.

Based on past IELTS exams and current trends, we can expect questions related to sustainable tourism to appear with moderate frequency in future tests. Let’s examine some potential question types that have appeared or could appear in IELTS Writing Task 2:

1. Some people believe that tourism harms local cultures and the environment. Others think it can be beneficial. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

2. Eco-tourism is becoming increasingly popular. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this trend?

3. Many countries rely heavily on tourism as a source of income. How can these countries develop their tourism industry in a sustainable way?

For this article, we’ll focus on the first question, as it encompasses a broad range of issues related to sustainable tourism and allows for a comprehensive discussion of the topic.

Sustainable Tourism Infographic

Analyzing the Question

Let’s break down our chosen question:

Some people believe that tourism harms local cultures and the environment. Others think it can be beneficial. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the negative impacts of tourism on local cultures and the environment
2. Explore the potential benefits of tourism
3. Present your own perspective on the issue

Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced argument before stating your opinion.

Sample Essay for Band 8-9

Here’s a high-quality sample essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:

Tourism has become a global phenomenon, with millions of people traveling across borders each year. While some argue that this mass movement of people can be detrimental to local cultures and ecosystems, others contend that it brings significant benefits. In my opinion, while tourism does pose certain risks, its advantages can outweigh the drawbacks if managed sustainably.

Those who criticize tourism often point to its negative impact on local cultures and the environment. Cultural degradation can occur when traditional ways of life are commercialized or altered to cater to tourists’ expectations. For instance, sacred rituals may be turned into performative spectacles, losing their original meaning and significance. Environmentally, the influx of visitors can lead to pollution, habitat destruction, and the depletion of natural resources. The construction of tourist facilities, such as hotels and resorts, often encroaches on natural habitats, while increased foot traffic in fragile ecosystems can cause long-term damage.

On the other hand, proponents of tourism argue that it can bring substantial benefits to local communities and even contribute to environmental conservation. Economically, tourism can be a significant source of income and employment, particularly for developing countries or regions with limited industries. This economic boost can lead to improved infrastructure, healthcare, and education for local populations. Moreover, when managed responsibly, tourism can actually promote cultural preservation by creating incentives to maintain traditions and heritage sites. Environmentally, eco-tourism initiatives can raise awareness about conservation issues and generate funds for protecting natural areas.

In my view, the key to harnessing the benefits of tourism while mitigating its negative impacts lies in the implementation of sustainable tourism practices. This approach emphasizes responsible travel that minimizes environmental impact, respects local cultures, and contributes positively to local economies. For example, limiting visitor numbers to sensitive areas, promoting locally-owned businesses, and educating tourists about cultural norms can help strike a balance between tourism development and preservation of local values and ecosystems.

In conclusion, while tourism does present challenges to local cultures and the environment, I believe that its potential benefits are significant when managed properly. By adopting sustainable tourism practices, we can create a model of travel that enriches both visitors and host communities while protecting the natural and cultural heritage that makes destinations worth visiting in the first place.

(Word count: 379)

Sample Essay for Band 6-7

Here’s a sample essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:

Tourism is a big industry today, with many people traveling to different countries. Some people think it’s bad for local cultures and the environment, while others see it as helpful. I think tourism can be good if it’s done in the right way.

Tourism can harm local cultures and the environment in several ways. When too many tourists come to a place, they can change how local people live. For example, traditional festivals might become more like shows for tourists, losing their real meaning. Also, tourists can damage nature by leaving trash or disturbing animals in their habitats. Building hotels and roads for tourists can also destroy natural areas.

However, tourism can also bring good things to a place. It can create jobs for local people and bring money to the area. This can help improve things like schools and hospitals. Sometimes, tourism can even help protect nature and culture. For example, if tourists come to see animals or old buildings, the government might spend more money to protect these things.

I believe that tourism can be good if it’s managed carefully. This means making rules to protect the environment and local culture. For instance, limiting the number of tourists in sensitive areas or teaching visitors about local customs can help. It’s also important to make sure that local people benefit from tourism, not just big companies.

In conclusion, while tourism can cause problems, I think it can bring more benefits if it’s done in a responsible way. By being careful about how we develop tourism, we can help local communities and protect the environment at the same time.

(Word count: 269)

Key Considerations When Writing About This Topic

When addressing the topic of sustainable tourism in IELTS Writing Task 2, keep the following points in mind:

For Band 8-9:

1. Vocabulary: Use a wide range of precise vocabulary related to tourism and sustainability. For example:

   • “cultural degradation”
   • “commercialization of traditions”
   • “habitat destruction”
   • “eco-tourism initiatives”
   • “sustainable tourism practices”

2. Grammar: Employ a variety of complex structures accurately. For instance:

   • Conditional sentences: “If managed responsibly, tourism can actually promote cultural preservation.”
   • Passive voice: “Traditional ways of life are commercialized or altered to cater to tourists’ expectations.”
   • Relative clauses: “…protecting the natural and cultural heritage that makes destinations worth visiting.”

3. Coherence and Cohesion: Use a range of cohesive devices and organize ideas logically. For example:

   • “On the other hand…” to introduce contrasting viewpoints
   • “Moreover…” to add supporting points
   • “In conclusion…” to signal the end of the essay

For Band 6-7:

1. Vocabulary: Use some less common vocabulary related to the topic, but with occasional errors in word choice or form. For example:

   • “traditional festivals”
   • “protect nature and culture”
   • “sensitive areas”

2. Grammar: Use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with some errors that do not impede communication. For instance:

   • “I think tourism can be good if it’s done in the right way.”
   • “Building hotels and roads for tourists can also destroy natural areas.”

3. Coherence and Cohesion: Use basic cohesive devices and show a clear overall progression of ideas. For example:

   • “However…” to introduce contrasting ideas
   • “For example…” to provide illustrations
   • “In conclusion…” to signal the end of the essay

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Sustainable tourism (noun): Tourism that respects local communities, culture, and the environment.
   Pronunciation: /səˈsteɪnəbəl ˈtʊərɪzəm/

2. Cultural preservation (noun): The protection and maintenance of traditional customs and practices.
   Pronunciation: /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˌprezəˈveɪʃən/

3. Eco-tourism (noun): Tourism directed toward natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts.
   Pronunciation: /ˈiːkəʊ ˈtʊərɪzəm/

4. Biodiversity (noun): The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
   Pronunciation: /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/

5. Indigenous (adjective): Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.
   Pronunciation: /ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs/

6. Commercialization (noun): The process of managing or running something primarily for financial gain.
   Pronunciation: /kəˌmɜːʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

7. Heritage (noun): Valued objects and qualities such as cultural traditions that have been passed down from previous generations.
   Pronunciation: /ˈherɪtɪdʒ/

8. Conservation (noun): The protection of plants, animals, and natural areas from damage or destruction.
   Pronunciation: /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃən/

In conclusion, the topic of sustainable tourism is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of government in promoting sustainable tourism
• Balancing economic development and environmental protection in tourist destinations
• The impact of mass tourism on small communities

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and feel free to share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.