The topic of how tourism affects cultural preservation is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. Based on past exam trends and the growing significance of sustainable tourism, this subject is likely to appear frequently in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been featured in recent IELTS exams:
Some people think that tourism has a negative impact on local cultures. Others believe that the effect is positive. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question directly addresses the relationship between tourism and cultural preservation, making it an excellent example to analyze and practice with.
Analysis of the Question
The question presents two contrasting viewpoints on tourism’s impact on local cultures:
- Negative impact
- Positive effect
It requires candidates to:
- Discuss both perspectives
- Provide their personal opinion
A well-structured response should include:
- An introduction presenting the topic and outlining the essay’s structure
- Body paragraphs discussing the negative and positive impacts
- A conclusion summarizing the main points and stating the writer’s opinion
Now, let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Tourism, as a global phenomenon, has profound effects on local cultures worldwide. While some argue that it negatively impacts indigenous traditions, others maintain that it brings positive cultural exchange. In my opinion, tourism’s influence on local cultures is a double-edged sword, with both beneficial and detrimental consequences.
On the one hand, tourism can undoubtedly have adverse effects on local cultures. The influx of visitors often leads to the commercialization of traditional practices, reducing them to mere tourist attractions. For instance, in Bali, Indonesia, sacred rituals are sometimes performed out of context solely for tourists’ entertainment, diluting their spiritual significance. Moreover, the pressure to cater to tourists’ expectations can result in the standardization of local customs, eroding their uniqueness and authenticity. This homogenization of culture is a significant concern for many anthropologists and cultural preservationists.
On the other hand, tourism can positively contribute to cultural preservation and revitalization. The economic benefits derived from tourism often provide the necessary resources to maintain and restore cultural heritage sites. For example, the revenue generated from visitors to Angkor Wat in Cambodia has funded extensive restoration projects, ensuring the preservation of this ancient wonder for future generations. Furthermore, tourism can spark renewed interest in traditional arts, crafts, and customs among local communities, especially younger generations. This renewed focus can lead to the revival of nearly forgotten practices and a strengthened sense of cultural identity.
In my view, while the negative impacts of tourism on local cultures are undeniable, the potential for positive outcomes cannot be overlooked. The key lies in implementing sustainable tourism practices that prioritize cultural authenticity and community involvement. By educating tourists about local customs and encouraging respectful interactions, we can foster cultural exchange that enriches both visitors and host communities. Additionally, involving local people in tourism planning and management can ensure that economic benefits are equitably distributed and cultural integrity is maintained.
In conclusion, tourism’s impact on local cultures is complex and multifaceted. While it poses risks of commercialization and cultural erosion, it also offers opportunities for preservation and revitalization. By adopting a balanced approach that respects local traditions and promotes sustainable practices, we can harness tourism’s potential as a force for positive cultural exchange and preservation.
(Word count: 369)
Balancing tourism and cultural preservation
Explanation of Band 8-9 Score
This essay demonstrates the qualities of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, discussing both negative and positive views and providing a clear personal opinion.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It uses a range of cohesive devices effectively (e.g., “On the one hand,” “Moreover,” “Furthermore”).
Lexical Resource: The essay employs a wide range of vocabulary with precision (e.g., “commercialization,” “diluting,” “homogenization,” “revitalization”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: It uses a variety of complex structures accurately (e.g., “While some argue that…,” “The key lies in implementing…”).
Development and Support: Each main point is well-developed with relevant examples and explanations.
Now, let’s examine a sample essay for a mid-range band score.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Tourism has become a big part of many countries’ economies, but its effect on local cultures is debated. Some people think it harms local traditions, while others believe it helps preserve them. In this essay, I will discuss both views and give my opinion.
On the negative side, tourism can change local cultures in bad ways. When many tourists come to a place, local people might start changing their traditions to make money. For example, traditional dances might be shortened or made more exciting just to please tourists. This can make the real meaning of these traditions less important. Also, local people might start copying tourists’ behavior and lose their own way of life.
However, tourism can also have good effects on local cultures. It can bring money to help preserve old buildings and traditions. For instance, in some countries, the money from tourism is used to repair ancient temples. Tourism can also make local people proud of their culture and want to keep it alive. When tourists are interested in local customs, it can encourage young people to learn about their own traditions.
In my opinion, tourism can be both good and bad for local cultures. It depends on how it is managed. If tourism is done in a way that respects local traditions and involves local people, it can help preserve culture. But if it’s only focused on making money, it can harm local traditions.
To make tourism better for local cultures, I think governments and tourism companies should work with local communities. They should make rules to protect important traditions and teach tourists about respecting local customs. This way, tourism can bring money to local people while also helping to keep their culture alive.
In conclusion, tourism affects local cultures in both positive and negative ways. While it can lead to the loss of some traditions, it can also help preserve others. The key is to find a balance between making money from tourism and protecting local cultures.
(Word count: 329)
Tourist learning about local culture
Explanation of Band 6-7 Score
This essay demonstrates the characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:
Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, discussing both views and providing a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure with introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. It uses some cohesive devices, but they are less sophisticated than in the Band 8-9 essay.
Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate for the task, but lacks the precision and sophistication of higher band scores. Some attempts at less common vocabulary are made (e.g., “preserve,” “ancient”).
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentences with generally good control, though there are some errors and limitations in range.
Development and Support: Main points are supported with examples, but these could be more specific and detailed.
Key Vocabulary
Here are some important vocabulary items from the essays, along with their definitions and pronunciations:
Preservation (noun) /ˌprezərˈveɪʃən/: The act of maintaining something in its original state or preventing it from being damaged.
Commercialization (noun) /kəˌmɜːrʃəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/: The process of managing or running something principally for financial gain.
Indigenous (adjective) /ɪnˈdɪdʒənəs/: Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.
Diluting (verb) /daɪˈluːtɪŋ/: Making something weaker in force, content, or value.
Homogenization (noun) /həˌmɒdʒənaɪˈzeɪʃən/: The process of making things uniform or similar.
Revitalization (noun) /ˌriːvaɪtəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/: The action of giving new life or vigor to something.
Authenticity (noun) /ˌɔːθenˈtɪsəti/: The quality of being authentic or genuine.
Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/: Having many different aspects or features.
Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/: Able to be maintained at a certain rate or level.
Equilibrium (noun) /ˌiːkwɪˈlɪbriəm/: A state of balance between different forces or aspects.
These vocabulary items can significantly enhance the quality and precision of your IELTS Writing Task 2 essays, particularly when discussing topics related to tourism and cultural preservation.
Conclusion
The topic of how tourism affects cultural preservation is likely to remain relevant in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The role of government in balancing tourism development and cultural protection
- The impact of mass tourism on traditional ways of life
- Strategies for promoting cultural tourism while maintaining authenticity
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your points with specific examples. As a practice exercise, try writing your own essay on the question provided in this article and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
The influence of cultural globalization on traditional festivals is another closely related topic that you might find interesting to explore. Additionally, understanding the impact of tourism on local economies in developing nations can provide valuable context for this discussion. For a broader perspective, you may also want to consider how global migration affects cultural diversity, as it often intersects with tourism-related cultural changes.