Eco-friendly tourism for environmental protection is a topic that has gained significant traction in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. This theme aligns with global concerns about sustainability and responsible travel, making it a highly relevant and frequently appearing subject in the test. Based on an analysis of past exam patterns and current environmental trends, we can expect this topic to continue featuring prominently in future IELTS tests.
Let’s examine a recent IELTS Writing Task 2 question that exemplifies this theme:
Some people believe that tourists should be charged more for visiting certain natural attractions in order to protect the environment. Do you agree or disagree?
Analyzing the Question
This question tackles the intersection of tourism and environmental protection. It requires candidates to consider the economic aspect of conservation efforts and its impact on tourism. Key points to address include:
- The potential benefits of increased charges for natural attractions
- The possible drawbacks of higher fees for tourists
- Alternative methods for environmental protection in tourist areas
Now, let’s explore sample essays for different band scores, followed by detailed analyses.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Tourism and environmental conservation often find themselves at odds, with popular natural attractions facing degradation due to excessive visitation. The proposition of charging tourists higher fees to access certain natural sites is a contentious yet potentially effective solution to this dilemma. In my opinion, I strongly agree with this approach, as it can contribute significantly to environmental protection while promoting more responsible tourism practices.
Implementing higher fees for natural attractions can provide crucial funding for conservation efforts. These additional resources can be directed towards maintaining the site, conducting research, and implementing protective measures. For instance, the Galápagos Islands have successfully used this model, where higher entrance fees have funded critical conservation projects, helping to preserve the unique ecosystem that draws visitors in the first place. Moreover, increased charges can act as a deterrent to overcrowding, naturally limiting the number of visitors and reducing the environmental impact on sensitive areas.
However, it is important to acknowledge that higher fees might make these natural wonders inaccessible to some travelers, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds. This could be seen as creating an unfair system where only the wealthy can enjoy nature’s marvels. To mitigate this issue, a tiered pricing system could be implemented, offering discounts for local residents, students, or off-peak visits. This approach maintains the benefits of higher charges while ensuring broader access.
Furthermore, increased fees should be coupled with educational initiatives to maximize their effectiveness. Visitors paying premium prices are likely to be more invested in their experience and more receptive to learning about conservation. Parks and reserves could use the additional funds to develop comprehensive educational programs, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment and encouraging visitors to become advocates for conservation long after their visit.
In conclusion, while charging higher fees for natural attractions may seem exclusionary at first glance, it presents a practical and effective method for protecting our environment. By carefully implementing this strategy alongside equitable access measures and robust educational programs, we can strike a balance between tourism and conservation, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the world’s natural wonders.
(Word count: 339)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
- Task Response: The essay directly addresses the question, presenting a clear position with well-developed arguments.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas flow logically, with effective use of paragraphing and cohesive devices.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complex sentence structures are employed with a high degree of accuracy.
Key strengths:
- Clear introduction with a well-defined thesis statement
- Each paragraph focuses on a specific point, developing it fully
- Concrete examples (e.g., Galápagos Islands) support the arguments
- Consideration of counterarguments and proposed solutions
- Strong conclusion that reinforces the main points
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, there has been a debate about whether tourists should pay more to visit natural attractions to protect the environment. I agree with this idea because it can help preserve these places for future generations.
One main reason for charging higher fees is that it can provide money for conservation efforts. Many natural sites need a lot of care to stay beautiful and healthy. With more money from tourists, park managers can hire more staff, buy better equipment, and do more to protect plants and animals. For example, if a popular beach charges more, they might be able to clean it more often and protect sea turtles that nest there.
Another benefit of higher prices is that it might reduce the number of visitors. Too many people can damage natural places by leaving trash, making noise, or stepping on fragile plants. If it costs more to visit, fewer people might come, which can be good for the environment. It’s like when a popular restaurant raises prices and becomes less crowded – the experience might be better for those who do come.
However, some people might say it’s not fair to charge more because it means only rich people can enjoy nature. This is a valid concern. To solve this, maybe local people or students could get discounts. Or there could be some days when the price is lower. This way, the site can still get more money overall but not exclude everyone who can’t pay high prices.
In conclusion, I believe charging more for natural attractions is a good idea to protect the environment. It can provide money for conservation and reduce overcrowding. While we need to be careful about fairness, with some smart planning, this approach can help keep our natural wonders safe for everyone to enjoy in the future.
(Word count: 298)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates good control of language with some areas for improvement:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the main points of the question, but the ideas could be more fully developed.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but transitions between ideas could be smoother.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used, with some attempts at less common words.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentences is used, with generally good control.
Key strengths:
- Clear position stated in the introduction
- Each paragraph focuses on a distinct point
- Some examples are provided to support arguments
- Consideration of a counterargument
- Conclusion restates the main points
Areas for improvement:
- More sophisticated vocabulary and expressions could be used
- Arguments could be more fully developed with additional details or examples
- More complex sentence structures could be employed for variety
Key Vocabulary
- Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒn.səˈveɪ.ʃən/ – The protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and important structures and things
- Degradation (noun) /ˌdeɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/ – The process in which the beauty or quality of something is destroyed or spoiled
- Ecosystem (noun) /ˈiː.kəʊˌsɪs.təm/ – All the living things in an area and the way they affect each other and the environment
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – Causing little or no damage to the environment and therefore able to continue for a long time
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪt.ɪ.ɡeɪt/ – To make something less harmful, unpleasant, or bad
- Overcrowding (noun) /ˌəʊ.vəˈkraʊ.dɪŋ/ – The state of having too many people or things in one place
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪ.əʊ.daɪˈvɜː.sə.ti/ – The number and types of plants and animals that exist in a particular area
- Preservation (noun) /ˌprez.əˈveɪ.ʃən/ – The act of keeping something in its original state or in good condition
- Ecotourism (noun) /ˈiː.kəʊˌtʊə.rɪ.zəm/ – Tourism to places having unspoiled natural resources, with minimal impact on the environment
- Sustainability (noun) /səˌsteɪ.nəˈbɪl.ə.ti/ – The quality of being able to continue over a period of time
Eco-friendly tourism practices
Conclusion
The topic of eco-friendly tourism for environmental protection is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore related themes such as:
- The role of technology in promoting sustainable tourism
- Balancing economic development with environmental conservation in tourist destinations
- The responsibility of tourists in maintaining the ecological balance of the places they visit
To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on these topics, focusing on developing well-structured arguments supported by relevant examples. Remember to balance your discussion of environmental concerns with considerations of economic and social factors.
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 refine your writing skills and receive feedback from others preparing for the IELTS exam.