IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Tourism’s Economic Impact in Developing Countries (Band 6-9)

Tourism’s impact on developing economies is a popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant due to its global significance. Let’s explore a real IELTS question on this subject and analyze sample essays for different band scores.

Some people think that tourism is beneficial for developing countries, while others think that tourism does more harm than good. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analysis of the Question

This question requires candidates to:

1. Discuss the positive impacts of tourism on developing countries
2. Explore the potential negative effects of tourism
3. Provide a balanced argument considering both viewpoints
4. Express a personal opinion with supporting reasons

Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Tourism can be a double-edged sword for developing nations, bringing both opportunities and challenges. While some argue that it stimulates economic growth and cultural exchange, others contend that it leads to environmental degradation and social disruption. In my opinion, the benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks if managed sustainably.

Proponents of tourism highlight its positive economic impact on developing countries. Tourism generates foreign exchange earnings, creates jobs, and stimulates investment in infrastructure. For instance, countries like Thailand and Indonesia have seen significant economic growth due to their thriving tourism industries. Moreover, tourism can promote cultural preservation and intercultural understanding, as visitors often seek authentic experiences and local traditions.

However, critics argue that tourism can have detrimental effects on developing nations. Uncontrolled tourism development may lead to environmental degradation, as seen in the overexploitation of natural resources and pollution in popular destinations. Additionally, the influx of tourists can disrupt local communities, leading to cultural commodification and loss of traditional ways of life. There are also concerns about economic leakage, where a significant portion of tourism revenue flows back to developed countries through multinational corporations.

In my view, while the concerns raised by critics are valid, the potential benefits of tourism for developing countries are too significant to ignore. The key lies in implementing sustainable tourism practices that balance economic growth with environmental conservation and social responsibility. Governments and local communities should work together to develop tourism strategies that prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term gains. This approach can help mitigate the effects of climate change on the global economy while maximizing the positive impacts of tourism.

In conclusion, tourism can be a powerful driver of economic development for developing countries if managed responsibly. By addressing the potential negative impacts through careful planning and sustainable practices, nations can harness the benefits of tourism while preserving their natural and cultural heritage for future generations.

(Word count: 309)

Tourism's economic impact on developing countries

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Tourism is a big topic for developing countries. Some people think it’s good, while others say it’s bad. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.

On the positive side, tourism brings money to poor countries. Tourists spend money on hotels, restaurants, and souvenirs, which helps the local economy. It also creates jobs for local people, like tour guides and hotel staff. For example, in Bali, Indonesia, many people work in tourism and earn money from it. Tourism can also help preserve local cultures because tourists want to see traditional dances and crafts.

However, there are also negative effects of tourism. Sometimes, too many tourists can damage the environment. They produce a lot of waste and use up natural resources like water. This can be a problem for small islands or fragile ecosystems. Another issue is that tourism can change local cultures. Some places become too touristy and lose their original character. Also, big international companies often make more money from tourism than local people.

In my opinion, tourism can be good for developing countries if it’s managed well. Governments should make rules to protect the environment and local cultures. They should also make sure that local people benefit from tourism, not just big companies. If done right, tourism can help poor countries develop without causing too much harm.

To conclude, tourism has both good and bad effects on developing countries. While it can bring money and jobs, it can also damage the environment and change local cultures. I believe that with careful planning, the benefits of tourism can outweigh the drawbacks.

(Word count: 268)

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Tourism is a big issue for poor countries. Some people say it’s good, others say it’s bad. I will talk about both sides.

Good things about tourism:

• Brings money to poor countries
• Makes jobs for local people
• Helps people learn about other cultures

Bad things about tourism:

• Can hurt the environment
• Changes local culture
• Big companies take most of the money

I think tourism is mostly good for poor countries. It helps them get money and jobs. But they need to be careful about the environment and local culture. Governments should make rules to protect these things.

For example, in my country, tourism helps many people get jobs in hotels and restaurants. But some beaches are getting dirty because of too many tourists. The government needs to clean the beaches and teach tourists to be more careful.

In conclusion, tourism can help poor countries if they manage it well. They need to think about both good and bad effects. If they do this, tourism can be very helpful for developing countries.

(Word count: 160)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
• Presents a clear position throughout the essay
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately
• Organizes ideas coherently with clear progression
• Uses examples effectively to support arguments

Band 6-7 Essay:

• Addresses all parts of the task, though some aspects may be more fully covered than others
• Presents a relevant position, but the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary and grammar with some errors that do not impede communication
• Arranges information coherently with clear overall progression
• Uses some examples, but they may not always be clearly relevant or explained

Band 5-6 Essay:

• Addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas
• Expresses a position but the development is not always clear
• Uses a limited range of vocabulary and simple grammatical structures
• Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
• May use examples, but they are often not well-developed or clearly relevant

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Economic impact (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈɪmpækt/ – The effect on the economy
2. Cultural preservation (noun phrase) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˌprezəˈveɪʃən/ – Maintaining traditional customs and practices
3. Environmental degradation (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃən/ – The deterioration of the environment
4. Sustainable practices (noun phrase) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈpræktɪsɪz/ – Methods that do not deplete resources
5. Economic leakage (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈliːkɪdʒ/ – When tourism revenue leaves the host country
6. Cultural commodification (noun phrase) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl kəˌmɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃən/ – Treating cultural practices as products for sale
7. Infrastructure development (noun phrase) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Improving basic physical systems
8. Intercultural understanding (noun phrase) – /ˌɪntəˈkʌltʃərəl ˌʌndəˈstændɪŋ/ – Mutual comprehension between different cultures

Sustainable tourism practices infographic

Conclusion

The impact of tourism on developing economies is a complex and nuanced topic that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. To excel in this task, candidates should be prepared to discuss both the positive and negative aspects of tourism, provide relevant examples, and express a well-reasoned opinion. Practice writing essays on related topics such as the impact of air travel on public health or globalization’s effect on local businesses to further enhance your skills.

For additional practice, consider writing an essay on the following potential future topics:

1. The role of ecotourism in preserving biodiversity in developing countries
2. The impact of mass tourism on local housing markets in popular destinations
3. The effectiveness of tourism as a tool for poverty alleviation in rural areas

We encourage you to write your own essay based on the question provided in this article and share it in the comments section below. This practice will help you improve your writing skills and receive feedback from fellow learners.