Tourism’s environmental impact is a recurring topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing approximately 2-3 times annually. Based on historical exam data, this theme frequently emerges in both advantages/disadvantages and problem/solution essay formats. Let’s analyze a recent exam question:
Tourism often has negative effects on the environment of tourist destinations. What can be done to minimize these impacts while maintaining the benefits of tourism?
Analysis of Question
- Topic: Environmental impacts of tourism
- Task: Propose solutions while acknowledging tourism’s benefits
- Key requirements: Discuss both mitigation strategies and preservation of tourism benefits
Tourist crowds and waste on a tropical beach showing environmental impact
Band 8 Sample Essay (295 words)
Tourism’s detrimental effects on the environment have become increasingly apparent, yet there are several effective measures that can help minimize these impacts while preserving tourism’s economic advantages.
The most crucial step is implementing strict environmental regulations and enforcing them rigorously. Governments should establish carrying capacities for popular destinations and limit daily visitor numbers to prevent overcrowding and ecosystem damage. For instance, Maya Bay in Thailand has successfully recovered its marine ecosystem by restricting tourist access and implementing designated recovery periods.
Another vital approach is promoting sustainable tourism practices through economic incentives. Tour operators and hotels that adopt eco-friendly measures such as using renewable energy, minimizing waste, and supporting local conservation efforts should receive tax benefits or preferential licensing. This encourages the industry to self-regulate while maintaining profitability.
Furthermore, educational initiatives can play a significant role in environmental preservation. Tourists should be required to attend brief orientation sessions about local ecosystems and proper environmental conduct before visiting sensitive areas. This approach has proven effective in places like the Galapagos Islands, where visitor education has helped protect unique wildlife.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay (273 words)
The negative effects of tourism on the environment is a big problem nowadays, but there are some ways to solve this while keeping tourism’s good points.
First, the government needs to make strong rules about protecting the environment. They should tell hotels and tour companies what they can and cannot do. For example, they can stop people from throwing rubbish on beaches and make sure hotels don’t dump waste in the sea. This will help keep tourist places clean.
Also, tourist companies should use more eco-friendly ways of doing business. They can use less plastic, save water, and use solar power. When they do this, maybe the government can give them some benefits like paying less tax. This will make other companies want to do the same thing.
Another important thing is teaching tourists about the environment. Before they visit natural places, they should learn about how to protect them. This will make them more careful when they visit these places.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8 Essay Strengths:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization with logical progression
- Specific examples and detailed solutions
- Professional academic tone
Band 6.5 Essay Limitations:
- Simpler vocabulary and basic sentence structures
- Less detailed examples
- More informal tone
- Limited use of complex grammatical structures
Key Vocabulary
- carrying capacity (n) /ˈkæriɪŋ kəˈpæsəti/ – maximum sustainable population
- ecosystem (n) /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – biological community of organisms
- sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – environmentally maintainable
- rigorous (adj) /ˈrɪɡərəs/ – extremely thorough and careful
- preservation (n) /ˌprezəˈveɪʃn/ – protection from harm
Conclusion
Practice by writing your own essay addressing similar environmental tourism topics:
- Mass tourism’s impact on historical sites
- Balancing economic growth with environmental protection in tourism
- Sustainable tourism development in developing countries
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and improvement suggestions.
