Tourism plays a crucial role in many countries’ economies, and it’s no surprise that this topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on past exam trends and the current global focus on economic recovery, we can expect to see more questions related to tourism and its economic impact in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you prepare for this important topic.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that tourism is beneficial for a country’s economy, while others argue that it can have negative impacts. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question asks you to examine both positive and negative aspects of tourism’s impact on the economy. It’s a classic two-sided argument essay that requires you to:
- Discuss the benefits of tourism for the economy
- Explore potential negative impacts
- Provide your own perspective on the issue
Let’s look at two sample essays addressing this question, targeting different band scores.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Tourism is often hailed as a powerful driver of economic growth, yet its impacts are not always straightforward. This essay will examine both the positive and negative economic effects of tourism before presenting my own view on the matter.
On the one hand, tourism can significantly boost a country’s economy in several ways. Firstly, it generates substantial foreign exchange earnings, which can be crucial for developing nations seeking to improve their balance of payments. Additionally, tourism creates numerous job opportunities, not only in the hospitality sector but also in related industries such as transportation, retail, and cultural services. This employment growth can lead to increased tax revenues and improved living standards for local communities. Moreover, tourism often stimulates infrastructure development, benefiting both visitors and residents alike through improved roads, airports, and public facilities.
However, critics argue that tourism can also have detrimental economic effects. One major concern is the phenomenon of economic leakage, where a significant portion of tourism revenue flows out of the host country to international hotel chains, airlines, and tour operators. This can limit the actual economic benefits for local communities. Furthermore, over-reliance on tourism can make an economy vulnerable to external shocks, such as global economic downturns, natural disasters, or health crises, as vividly demonstrated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, tourism development can lead to increased living costs for locals, particularly in popular destinations where property prices and everyday expenses may rise dramatically.
In my opinion, while the potential negative impacts of tourism should not be ignored, its overall effect on a country’s economy is largely positive when managed sustainably. The key lies in implementing policies that maximize local economic benefits while mitigating potential drawbacks. This could include promoting community-based tourism initiatives, encouraging partnerships between international and local businesses, and diversifying the economy to reduce over-dependence on the tourism sector.
In conclusion, tourism’s role in boosting the economy is significant but complex. By acknowledging both its benefits and challenges, countries can harness tourism’s economic potential while safeguarding against its potential pitfalls.
(Word count: 323)
Economic Impact of Tourism
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Tourism is a big topic when we talk about a country’s economy. Some people think it’s very good, while others see problems. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
There are many good things about tourism for the economy. First, it brings in money from other countries. When tourists visit, they spend money on hotels, food, and souvenirs. This helps local businesses and the country’s economy. Also, tourism creates jobs. Many people can work in hotels, restaurants, and as tour guides. This means more people have jobs and can earn money. Tourism also helps improve a country’s buildings and roads. When more tourists come, the government often builds better airports and roads, which are good for everyone.
However, tourism can also cause problems. Sometimes, big international companies take most of the money, and local people don’t get much benefit. Another problem is that if a country depends too much on tourism, it can be in trouble if something happens to stop tourists from coming, like a natural disaster or a global health problem. Lastly, tourism can make things more expensive for local people. In popular tourist places, prices for houses and food can go up a lot.
In my opinion, tourism is mostly good for a country’s economy, but it needs to be managed carefully. Governments should make sure that local people benefit from tourism and not just big companies. They should also try to develop other parts of the economy so they don’t depend only on tourism.
To conclude, tourism can really help a country’s economy grow, but it’s important to be aware of the possible problems and try to solve them.
(Word count: 276)
Writing Tips for Different Band Scores
For Band 8-9:
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Vocabulary: Use sophisticated vocabulary and phrases relevant to economics and tourism. Examples from the essay include “foreign exchange earnings,” “balance of payments,” “economic leakage,” and “infrastructure development.”
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Grammar: Employ a variety of complex sentence structures. For instance, “By acknowledging both its benefits and challenges, countries can harness tourism’s economic potential while safeguarding against its potential pitfalls.”
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Cohesion: Use advanced cohesive devices to link ideas smoothly. Examples include “On the one hand,” “However,” “Furthermore,” and “In conclusion.”
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Task Response: Fully address all parts of the question with well-developed ideas and a clear position.
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Critical Thinking: Demonstrate in-depth analysis and nuanced understanding of the topic.
For Band 6-7:
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Vocabulary: Use a mix of common and some less common vocabulary related to the topic. Examples include “souvenirs,” “tour guides,” and “natural disaster.”
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Grammar: Use a combination of simple and complex sentences. Accuracy is important, but occasional errors are acceptable if they don’t impede understanding.
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Cohesion: Use basic cohesive devices like “First,” “Also,” “However,” and “Lastly” to organize ideas.
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Task Response: Address all parts of the question, but ideas may be less fully developed compared to higher band scores.
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Critical Thinking: Show some analysis of the topic, but it may be more straightforward and less nuanced than higher band scores.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Tourism industry (n.) /ˈtʊərɪzəm ˈɪndəstri/ – The various businesses that provide services for tourists.
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Economic growth (n.) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɡrəʊθ/ – An increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time.
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Foreign exchange (n.) /ˈfɒrɪn ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/ – The system of trading one country’s currency for another.
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Infrastructure (n.) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
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Sustainable (adj.) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
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Diversification (n.) /daɪˌvɜːsɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – The action of diversifying a business or country’s economy.
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Economic leakage (n.) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈliːkɪdʒ/ – The process whereby part of the foreign exchange earnings generated by tourism leaks out of the destination country.
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Over-reliance (n.) /ˌəʊvərɪˈlaɪəns/ – Excessive dependence on someone or something.
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Community-based tourism (n.) /kəˈmjuːnəti beɪst ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – A form of tourism where local residents invite tourists to visit their communities.
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Global economic downturn (n.) /ˈɡləʊbl ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈdaʊntɜːn/ – A period of economic decline affecting many countries around the world at the same time.
Conclusion
Understanding The Role Of Tourism In Boosting The Economy is crucial for IELTS Writing Task 2 success. This topic allows you to showcase your knowledge of economic concepts while demonstrating your ability to analyze complex issues. As you prepare for your IELTS exam, consider practicing with similar questions, such as:
- To what extent should governments invest in tourism as a means of economic development?
- Some argue that mass tourism is more harmful than beneficial to local economies. Do you agree or disagree?
- Discuss the economic impacts of eco-tourism compared to traditional forms of tourism.
Remember, the key to excelling in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you refine your skills and gain valuable feedback. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
If you found this article helpful, you might also be interested in our related pieces on the role of cultural events in promoting tourism and the role of public transportation in promoting economic development.
