The topic of balancing tourism development with environmental protection is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam trends and the growing global focus on sustainable tourism, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through a carefully selected question that closely resembles those found in actual IELTS exams.
Balancing Tourism and Environment
Analyzing the Task 2 Question
Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this topic:
Some people believe that governments should focus on developing tourism to boost economic growth, while others argue that this can lead to environmental damage. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Question Breakdown:
- Topic: The conflict between tourism development and environmental protection
- Task: Discuss both viewpoints and provide your personal opinion
- Key areas to address:
- Economic benefits of tourism
- Potential environmental impacts
- Possible solutions or balance between the two
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9 Response
Tourism has become a significant contributor to many countries’ economies, yet its rapid growth often comes at the cost of environmental degradation. While some advocate for prioritizing tourism development to stimulate economic growth, others emphasize the need to protect the environment. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of tourism development argue that it is a powerful economic driver. Tourism can create numerous job opportunities, from hospitality and transportation to local crafts and services. Moreover, it brings in foreign currency, which can be crucial for developing nations. Countries like Thailand and the Maldives have seen substantial economic growth due to their thriving tourism sectors, improving the living standards of their citizens.
On the other hand, critics point out the severe environmental consequences of uncontrolled tourism. Overcrowding in popular destinations can lead to pollution, habitat destruction, and strain on local resources. For instance, Venice, Italy, has been grappling with the negative impacts of over-tourism, including water pollution and damage to historical structures. Similarly, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia faces threats from increased boat traffic and coastal development related to tourism.
In my opinion, it is crucial to strike a balance between tourism development and environmental protection. Sustainable tourism practices can offer a solution to this dilemma. Governments and tourism operators should implement strict regulations to minimize environmental impact, such as limiting visitor numbers in sensitive areas, promoting eco-friendly accommodations, and investing in renewable energy sources. Costa Rica serves as an excellent example of a country that has successfully balanced tourism with conservation efforts, resulting in both economic benefits and environmental preservation.
Furthermore, educating tourists about responsible travel and involving local communities in tourism management can foster a more sustainable approach. By doing so, countries can harness the economic potential of tourism while safeguarding their natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
In conclusion, while tourism undoubtedly offers significant economic advantages, its development should not come at the expense of the environment. By adopting sustainable practices and finding innovative ways to balance growth with conservation, countries can enjoy the benefits of tourism while protecting their precious ecosystems.
(Word count: 345)
Essay Analysis:
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 8-9 response:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and clearly presenting a personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
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Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used accurately and appropriately. Examples include “economic driver,” “habitat destruction,” and “sustainable tourism practices.”
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately. Complex sentences are employed effectively, such as “By doing so, countries can harness the economic potential of tourism while safeguarding their natural and cultural heritage for future generations.”
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Examples and Evidence: The essay provides specific, relevant examples (Venice, Great Barrier Reef, Costa Rica) to support the arguments.
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7 Response
Tourism is important for many countries’ economies, but some people worry about its impact on the environment. This essay will look at both sides of this issue and give my opinion.
People who support tourism development say it brings many benefits to a country’s economy. It creates jobs in hotels, restaurants, and tour companies. Tourists also spend money, which helps local businesses and brings in foreign currency. For example, countries like Thailand have seen their economies grow because of tourism.
However, others argue that tourism can harm the environment. Too many tourists can cause pollution and damage natural areas. Popular beaches can become dirty, and wildlife habitats can be destroyed to build hotels. For instance, some beautiful islands have been spoiled by too much development for tourists.
I believe that it’s possible to have tourism without destroying the environment, but it needs careful planning. Governments should make rules to protect nature while still allowing tourism. They could limit the number of tourists in some areas or encourage eco-friendly hotels. Tourists should also be taught to respect the environment and local culture.
Some countries are already doing this well. For example, Bhutan only allows a limited number of tourists each year to protect its culture and environment. This shows that it’s possible to balance tourism and environmental protection.
In conclusion, while tourism is important for economic growth, it shouldn’t come at the cost of damaging the environment. With good planning and management, countries can benefit from tourism while also protecting their natural beauty.
(Word count: 269)
Essay Analysis:
This essay demonstrates characteristics of a Band 6-7 response:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting both views and offering a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized, with clear paragraphing. Some cohesive devices are used, but they could be more sophisticated.
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Lexical Resource: There is a sufficient range of vocabulary, with some attempts at less common words (e.g., “eco-friendly”). However, the language is sometimes repetitive.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures. There are some errors, but they do not impede communication.
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Examples: The essay provides some examples (Thailand, Bhutan) to support arguments, but they could be more detailed.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Sustainable tourism (noun) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – Tourism that respects both local people and the traveler, cultural heritage and the environment.
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Economic driver (noun phrase) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ˈdraɪvə/ – A factor or industry that has a major impact on the overall economy.
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Environmental degradation (noun phrase) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃn/ – The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems.
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Overcrowding (noun) – /ˌəʊvəˈkraʊdɪŋ/ – The state of having too many people or things in one place.
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Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – Not harmful to the environment.
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Conservation efforts (noun phrase) – /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn ˈefəts/ – Actions taken to protect and preserve the natural environment.
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Habitat destruction (noun phrase) – /ˈhæbɪtæt dɪˈstrʌkʃn/ – The process by which natural habitats are damaged or destroyed, making them unsuitable for the species that live there.
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Renewable energy sources (noun phrase) – /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi ˈsɔːsɪz/ – Sources of energy that are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, or tides.
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Cultural heritage (noun phrase) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations.
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Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
Conclusion
Balancing tourism development with environmental protection is a critical issue that is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- The impact of mass tourism on local cultures
- Sustainable tourism practices in developing countries
- The role of government regulations in protecting natural resources from tourism impacts
- Eco-tourism as a solution to environmental concerns
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:
- The Impact of Climate Change on Tourism in Tropical Regions
- The Role of Tourism in Economic Growth and Environmental Protection
- How to Manage the Environmental Impact of Tourism in Developing Countries
Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
