Tourism’s environmental impact in developing countries has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms over the past few years. As how tourism impacts the environment in developing nations continues to be a global concern, understanding this topic is crucial for IELTS candidates.
Recent Exam Question Analysis
Some people believe that tourism in developing countries damages the environment. Others say that it helps protect it. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Examine both positive and negative environmental impacts of tourism
- Present balanced arguments for both perspectives
- Provide a clear personal stance
- Support arguments with relevant examples
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
Tourism’s impact on the environment in developing nations is a complex issue that warrants careful consideration of both its destructive and protective influences. While I acknowledge tourism’s potential for environmental preservation, I believe its current form predominantly causes environmental degradation.
Tourism often inflicts significant environmental damage in developing countries through multiple mechanisms. The construction of hotels and resorts frequently leads to deforestation and habitat destruction, as exemplified by the clearing of mangrove forests in coastal areas of Thailand for beachfront developments. Moreover, mass tourism generates substantial waste management challenges, with many developing nations lacking adequate infrastructure to handle increased garbage and sewage from tourist facilities.
However, proponents argue that tourism can contribute to environmental protection. Tourism revenue often funds conservation efforts and wildlife sanctuaries, as seen in sustainable tourism practices for developing countries. For instance, Rwanda’s gorilla tourism generates essential income for protecting endangered mountain gorillas and their habitats. Additionally, tourism can raise environmental awareness among both visitors and local communities.
In my view, while tourism’s potential for environmental protection exists, the current reality in most developing nations shows its destructive impact outweighing the benefits. The immediate economic pressures often lead to prioritizing short-term gains over long-term environmental sustainability. Nevertheless, with proper planning and regulation, tourism could become a more positive force for environmental conservation.
Sustainable eco-tourism practices protecting natural environment
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Nowadays, tourism in developing countries has both good and bad effects on the environment. Some people think it damages nature, but others believe it helps protect it. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On the negative side, tourism can harm the environment in many ways. First, when many tourists come to a place, they make lots of garbage and pollution. For example, in beach areas, tourists leave plastic bottles and bags that hurt marine life. Also, building hotels and restaurants destroys natural areas and animals’ homes.
However, tourism can also help protect the environment. When tourists pay money to visit natural places, this money can be used to protect animals and plants. For example, in some countries, tourists pay to see wild animals in national parks, and this money helps keep the parks running. Also, when people visit beautiful natural places, they learn why it’s important to protect nature.
I think tourism causes more damage than protection to the environment in developing countries. This is because many poor countries don’t have good rules to control tourism development. They need money quickly, so they don’t think about long-term environmental problems.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay
- Task Response (9.0): Thoroughly addresses all parts with well-developed arguments
- Coherence & Cohesion (8.5): Clear progression with effective use of cohesive devices
- Lexical Resource (8.5): Sophisticated vocabulary with natural and precise usage
- Grammar (8.0): Wide range of structures with good control and flexibility
Band 6.5 Essay
- Task Response (6.5): Addresses main points but with less development
- Coherence & Cohesion (6.5): Basic organization with some cohesive devices
- Lexical Resource (6.5): Adequate vocabulary but limited range
- Grammar (6.5): Mix of simple and complex structures with some errors
Key Vocabulary
- environmental degradation (n) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/: sự suy thoái môi trường
- habitat destruction (n) /ˈhæbɪtæt dɪˈstrʌkʃn/: sự phá hủy môi trường sống
- conservation efforts (n) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn ˈefəts/: nỗ lực bảo tồn
- sustainability (n) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/: tính bền vững
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃə/: cơ sở hạ tầng
For further insights into environmental concerns related to travel, you may want to explore Air travel and environmental concerns: potential solutions.
Practice Suggestion
Try writing your own essay about how how tourism contributes to environmental degradation in your country. Share your essay in the comments section for feedback and discussion with other learners.
