The topic of managing the environmental impact of tourism in developing countries is becoming increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent trends and the growing global focus on sustainable tourism, it’s highly likely that this theme will continue to appear in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question and analyze how to craft high-scoring responses for different band levels.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that developing countries should focus on promoting tourism to boost their economies, while others argue that this can lead to environmental damage. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question falls under the “discuss both views and give your opinion” category, which is quite common in IELTS Writing Task 2. It requires you to:
- Discuss the view that developing countries should promote tourism for economic benefits
- Discuss the opposing view that tourism can cause environmental damage
- Present your own opinion on the matter
Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Tourism has become a significant economic driver for many developing nations, but its environmental implications have sparked debate. While some advocate for tourism promotion as a means of economic growth, others caution against potential ecological damage. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting a balanced viewpoint.
Proponents of tourism argue that it can substantially boost developing economies. The influx of foreign visitors generates revenue through various channels, including accommodation, transportation, and local attractions. This economic injection can lead to improved infrastructure, job creation, and enhanced living standards for local communities. For instance, countries like Thailand and Vietnam have experienced remarkable economic transformations partly due to their thriving tourism sectors.
On the other hand, critics emphasize the environmental toll of uncontrolled tourism. The rapid development of tourist facilities often leads to deforestation, habitat destruction, and increased pollution. Fragile ecosystems, particularly in coastal and mountainous regions, can suffer irreparable damage from excessive foot traffic and waste generation. The Maldives, for example, faces severe environmental challenges due to its booming tourism industry, including coral reef degradation and rising sea levels exacerbated by climate change.
In my opinion, while the economic benefits of tourism are undeniable, they should not come at the cost of environmental degradation. Developing countries can strike a balance by adopting sustainable tourism practices. This approach involves implementing strict environmental regulations, promoting eco-friendly accommodations, and educating both tourists and locals about conservation. Costa Rica serves as an excellent model, having successfully developed its tourism industry while preserving its rich biodiversity through comprehensive sustainability initiatives.
In conclusion, the key lies in responsible management that maximizes economic benefits while minimizing ecological impact. By prioritizing sustainable development, developing nations can harness tourism’s potential without compromising their natural heritage for future generations.
(Word count: 298)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Response: 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: Ideas flow logically, with each paragraph focused on a specific point. Linking words and phrases (e.g., “On the other hand,” “For instance”) are used effectively.
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Lexical Resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (e.g., “influx,” “ecological damage,” “irreparable”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Complex sentence structures are used correctly, with a mix of simple and compound sentences for clarity.
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Examples: Specific examples (Thailand, Vietnam, Maldives, Costa Rica) are provided to support arguments, enhancing the essay’s credibility.
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Balanced Argument: The essay presents a nuanced view, acknowledging both sides before offering a balanced opinion.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
Tourism is a big topic for developing countries. Some people think it’s good for the economy, but others worry about the environment. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Many people believe tourism helps developing countries’ economies. When tourists visit, they spend money on hotels, food, and activities. This creates jobs for local people and brings more money to the country. For example, in countries like Thailand, tourism has helped many people find work and earn more money.
However, there are also problems with tourism. Too many tourists can damage the environment. They might leave a lot of trash or disturb animals in natural areas. Some places build too many hotels and destroy forests or beaches. This happened in some parts of Indonesia, where beautiful beaches were ruined by too much building.
In my opinion, tourism can be good for developing countries, but they need to be careful. I think countries should try to have tourism that doesn’t harm the environment. They could make rules to protect nature and teach tourists to be respectful. Some countries are already doing this, like Costa Rica, which is famous for eco-tourism.
To conclude, I believe developing countries can benefit from tourism if they manage it well. They should focus on ways to make money from tourism without damaging their natural beauty. This way, they can improve their economy and keep their environment safe for the future.
(Word count: 252)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities but has some limitations:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but the discussion could be more developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is appropriate but less varied. Some attempts at more advanced vocabulary are made (e.g., “disturb,” “eco-tourism”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentences are generally well-formed, but there’s less variety in structure compared to the higher band essay.
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Examples: Examples are provided (Thailand, Indonesia, Costa Rica), which is good, but they could be more detailed.
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Argument: The essay presents both sides and offers an opinion, but the argument is less nuanced than in the higher band essay.
Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 on Tourism and Environment
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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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Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
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Ecosystem (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌsɪstəm/ – A biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
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Conservation (noun) – /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – The protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and important structures and buildings.
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Ecotourism (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌtʊərɪzəm/ – Tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife.
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Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃə(r)/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
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Deforestation (noun) – /diːˌfɒrɪˈsteɪʃn/ – The action of clearing a wide area of trees.
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Carbon footprint (noun) – /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.
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Habitat destruction (noun) – /ˈhæbɪtæt dɪˈstrʌkʃən/ – The process by which natural habitat is rendered functionally unable to support the species present.
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Sustainable development (noun) – /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Conclusion
The topic of managing the environmental impact of tourism in developing countries is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government in regulating tourism’s environmental impact
- Balancing economic growth and environmental protection in tourist destinations
- The pros and cons of mass tourism versus eco-tourism
- Innovative solutions for sustainable tourism in developing countries
Remember, the key to a high-scoring essay is to address all parts of the question, use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing your own essays on this topic and feel free to share them in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.