Eco-friendly travel has become an increasingly important topic in recent years, reflecting growing concerns about environmental sustainability. This theme has appeared in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, and its relevance is likely to continue in future exams. Let’s explore some potential questions related to this topic and provide sample essays to help you prepare for the IELTS Writing Task 2.
Based on past exam trends and current environmental issues, here are some possible questions you might encounter:
Some people believe that governments should impose higher taxes on air travel to reduce its environmental impact. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Many tourist destinations are being damaged by large numbers of visitors. What can be done to solve this problem?
The growth of tourism has had negative effects on local cultures and the environment. Do you think the advantages of tourism outweigh its disadvantages?
For this article, we’ll focus on the second question, as it directly addresses the promotion of eco-friendly travel.
Analyzing the Question
Many tourist destinations are being damaged by large numbers of visitors. What can be done to solve this problem?
This question requires you to discuss solutions to the problem of over-tourism and its negative impacts on destinations. Key points to consider:
- Identify the problem: Damage to tourist destinations due to excessive visitors
- Focus on solutions: The question asks “What can be done,” so your essay should primarily discuss potential solutions
- Consider various stakeholders: Solutions may involve actions by governments, tourism industry, and individual travelers
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
The surge in global tourism has led to significant environmental and cultural degradation in many popular destinations. This essay will explore several viable solutions to mitigate the negative impacts of mass tourism and promote more sustainable travel practices.
One of the most effective measures to address this issue is the implementation of visitor caps and timed entry systems at popular attractions. For instance, Machu Picchu in Peru has successfully limited daily visitors to preserve the ancient site. This approach not only reduces physical damage to the location but also enhances the visitor experience by preventing overcrowding. Similarly, governments and local authorities could introduce dynamic pricing strategies, where entrance fees are higher during peak seasons, encouraging a more even distribution of visitors throughout the year.
Another crucial solution lies in educating both travelers and local communities about sustainable tourism practices. Travel agencies and tourism boards should prioritize promoting eco-friendly accommodations, activities, and transportation options. This could include highlighting hotels with strong environmental policies, recommending low-impact tours, and encouraging the use of public transport or bicycles. Moreover, visitors should be educated about local customs and environmental sensitivities to foster respectful behavior.
Investing in infrastructure and technology can also play a pivotal role in managing tourist flows and minimizing environmental impact. For example, the development of smart tourism applications can help distribute visitors more evenly across different attractions and times. Additionally, improving waste management systems and investing in renewable energy sources at tourist sites can significantly reduce the ecological footprint of tourism.
Lastly, promoting alternative destinations and experiences can help alleviate pressure on over-visited locations. By showcasing lesser-known attractions and encouraging off-season travel, tourism authorities can distribute the economic benefits of tourism more widely while preserving popular sites.
In conclusion, addressing the damage caused by mass tourism requires a multi-faceted approach involving regulation, education, technological innovation, and strategic promotion. By implementing these solutions, destinations can strike a balance between welcoming visitors and preserving their natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
(Word count: 309)
Eco-friendly travel promotion
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
In recent years, many famous tourist places have been damaged because too many people visit them. This is a serious problem, but there are some things we can do to solve it.
Firstly, the government can limit the number of visitors to popular tourist spots. For example, they can sell only a certain number of tickets each day. This will help protect the place from too much damage. Also, they can make tickets more expensive during busy times to encourage people to visit at other times of the year.
Secondly, it’s important to teach tourists how to be more responsible. Travel companies and hotels should give information about how to respect the local environment and culture. They can tell visitors about things like not leaving trash behind and not touching ancient buildings or coral reefs. If people understand why it’s important to be careful, they are more likely to behave well.
Another solution is to improve the facilities at tourist sites. This means having better ways to manage waste and using renewable energy like solar power. These changes can help reduce the negative impact of tourism on the environment.
Lastly, tourism boards can promote new places to visit. If they advertise less famous destinations, it can help spread tourists out and reduce pressure on the most popular places. This can also bring money to different parts of the country.
In conclusion, there are several ways to solve the problem of too many tourists damaging popular destinations. By limiting visitors, educating people, improving facilities, and promoting new places, we can help protect tourist sites for the future.
(Word count: 269)
Key Points to Note When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing different solutions, and a conclusion. The Band 8-9 essay has more sophisticated paragraph transitions and a more complex structure.
Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
Ideas: Both essays present multiple solutions, but the Band 8-9 essay explores them in more depth and with more specific examples.
Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay uses a wider range of cohesive devices and more sophisticated linking words, creating a smoother flow between ideas.
Vocabulary to Remember
- Sustainable tourism (noun) /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – Tourism that respects local communities and minimizes negative impacts on the environment
- Over-tourism (noun) /ˈəʊvə ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – The negative impact of too many tourists visiting a destination
- Ecological footprint (noun) /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The impact of human activities on the environment
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Cultural heritage (noun) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – Traditions, monuments, and artifacts passed down from previous generations
- Carbon offset (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈɒfset/ – A reduction in carbon emissions to compensate for emissions made elsewhere
- Eco-lodge (noun) /ˈiːkəʊ lɒdʒ/ – Accommodation designed to have minimal impact on the environment
- Responsible tourism (noun) /rɪˈspɒnsəbl ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – Tourism that creates better places for people to live and visit
In conclusion, promoting eco-friendly travel is a critical topic in today’s world and is likely to appear in various forms in IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the key issues and practicing with sample essays like these, you can improve your ability to write effectively on this topic. Remember to always analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use a range of vocabulary and grammar appropriate to your target band score.
For further practice, try writing your own essay on one of the other questions mentioned at the beginning of this article. You can post your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS exam.