International tourism is one of the most common topics in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing frequently in both Academic and General Training modules. Similar to advantages and disadvantages of globalization on local cultures, this topic tests candidates’ ability to analyze both positive and negative aspects of global phenomena.
International tourism and its impacts on modern society
Recent IELTS Exam Question
International tourism has brought enormous benefit to many places. At the same time, there is concern about its impact on local inhabitants and the environment. Do the advantages of international tourism outweigh its disadvantages?
Question Analysis
- Topic: International tourism
- Task: Evaluate advantages and disadvantages
- Key focus: Impact on local communities and environment
- Opinion: Must state whether benefits outweigh drawbacks
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The global tourism industry has experienced unprecedented growth in recent decades, leading to significant debate about its merits and drawbacks. While I acknowledge there are some concerns, I firmly believe that the benefits of international tourism substantially outweigh its negative aspects.
The primary advantage of international tourism lies in its economic impact. Tourism generates substantial revenue through various channels, including accommodation, transportation, and local businesses. For instance, in countries like Thailand and Vietnam, tourism contributes significantly to GDP and creates numerous employment opportunities for locals. Additionally, like how sports events promote cultural exchange, international tourism facilitates cultural understanding and appreciation between different nationalities.
However, there are legitimate concerns about tourism’s impact. Mass tourism can lead to environmental degradation, with popular destinations often struggling with waste management and ecosystem damage. Moreover, some communities face cultural dilution as they adapt to cater to tourist preferences, similar to how role of art and music in promoting cultural awareness can sometimes lead to commercialization of traditional practices.
Nevertheless, these challenges can be effectively managed through proper planning and regulation. Many destinations have successfully implemented sustainable tourism practices, such as limiting visitor numbers and promoting eco-friendly activities. Furthermore, tourism income often funds conservation efforts and helps preserve cultural heritage sites that might otherwise deteriorate due to lack of resources.
In conclusion, while international tourism presents certain challenges, its economic and cultural benefits far outweigh these drawbacks when properly managed. The key lies in implementing sustainable practices that maximize benefits while minimizing negative impacts.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
International tourism is very important in today’s world. It has good points and bad points, and I will discuss both of them in this essay.
First, tourism brings many good things to countries. It helps make money for local people because tourists spend money in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Also, it helps people learn about different cultures. When tourists visit places, they can see how other people live and understand their customs better.
However, tourism also has some problems. Sometimes too many tourists can damage the environment. For example, popular beaches become dirty with trash, and historic places get damaged. Also, some local people’s lives become harder because prices go up when many tourists come to their area.
But I think these problems can be solved. If governments make good rules and tourists are more careful, tourism can be better. Like how social media promotes cultural awareness and exchange, tourism can help people understand each other better.
In my opinion, international tourism has more advantages than disadvantages. While there are some problems, the benefits for the economy and cultural understanding are more important.
Band Score Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Clear position, fully developed arguments
- Coherence/Cohesion: Logical organization, effective paragraphing
- Lexical Resource: Sophisticated vocabulary use
- Grammar: Complex structures, high accuracy
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Task Response: Clear but simple arguments
- Coherence/Cohesion: Basic organization
- Lexical Resource: Limited but adequate vocabulary
- Grammar: Mix of simple and complex structures
Key Vocabulary
- unprecedented (adj) /ʌnˈpres.ɪ.den.tɪd/ – never having happened before
- sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – able to continue over time
- cultural dilution (n) /ˈkʌl.tʃər.əl daɪˈluː.ʃən/ – weakening of traditional culture
- ecosystem (n) /ˈiː.kəʊ.sɪs.təm/ – all living things in an area
- degradation (n) /ˌdeɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/ – process of becoming worse
Practice Suggestions
For further practice, try writing essays on these related topics:
- Mass tourism’s effect on historical sites
- The role of technology in modern tourism
- Sustainable tourism development strategies
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
