Sustainable tourism and its role in protecting natural resources is a crucial topic that has gained significant attention in recent years. This theme has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, reflecting its importance in global discussions. Based on past exam trends and current environmental concerns, we can expect this topic to appear frequently in future IELTS tests. Let’s explore a relevant question and provide sample essays to help you prepare for this potential exam topic.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that tourism is harmful to the environment and local cultures, while others argue that it can benefit communities and protect natural resources. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question asks you to consider two contrasting viewpoints on tourism’s impact:
- Tourism is harmful to the environment and local cultures.
- Tourism can benefit communities and protect natural resources.
You need to discuss both perspectives and then provide your own opinion on the matter. This type of question requires a balanced approach, presenting arguments for both sides before concluding with your personal stance.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Here’s a high-quality essay that would likely score in the Band 8-9 range:
Tourism has become a global phenomenon, sparking debates about its effects on the environment and local communities. While some argue that tourism poses significant threats, others contend that it can be a force for good, particularly in protecting natural resources. In my opinion, well-managed, sustainable tourism can indeed offer substantial benefits to both communities and the environment.
Those who view tourism negatively often point to its potential for environmental degradation. Mass tourism can lead to overcrowding, pollution, and habitat destruction in popular destinations. For instance, the beautiful beaches of Thailand have suffered from excessive plastic waste and coral reef damage due to uncontrolled tourist activities. Moreover, tourism can disrupt local cultures, as traditional ways of life may be commercialized or abandoned in favor of catering to visitors’ expectations.
However, proponents of tourism argue that it can be a powerful tool for conservation and community development when properly managed. Sustainable tourism practices can generate income for local communities, providing them with economic incentives to protect their natural and cultural heritage. For example, wildlife conservation efforts in African countries like Kenya have been largely funded by eco-tourism, allowing for the protection of endangered species and their habitats. Furthermore, tourism can promote cross-cultural understanding and raise awareness about environmental issues, fostering a global commitment to conservation.
In my view, the key lies in implementing sustainable tourism models that prioritize environmental protection and community involvement. By adopting responsible practices such as limiting visitor numbers, promoting eco-friendly accommodations, and involving local communities in decision-making processes, tourism can become a positive force. The revenue generated from tourism can be reinvested in conservation efforts and local infrastructure, creating a virtuous cycle of environmental protection and community development.
In conclusion, while the negative impacts of poorly managed tourism are undeniable, I believe that sustainable tourism holds immense potential for protecting natural resources and benefiting local communities. The future of tourism should focus on balancing visitor experiences with environmental conservation and cultural preservation, ensuring that the beauty and diversity of our planet can be enjoyed by generations to come.
(Word count: 329)
Sustainable Tourism Infographic
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Here’s an essay that would likely score in the Band 6-7 range:
Tourism is a big industry today, and people have different opinions about its effects on the environment and local cultures. Some think it’s bad, while others say it can help protect nature and benefit communities. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On one hand, tourism can harm the environment and local cultures. When too many tourists visit a place, it can cause pollution and damage to natural areas. For example, popular beaches often have a lot of trash left by visitors. Also, local people might change their traditional way of life to please tourists, which can make them lose their culture.
On the other hand, tourism can be good for communities and help protect nature. When tourists come to see beautiful places or animals, it can make money for local people. This money can be used to protect these areas and animals. For instance, in some African countries, tourism helps pay for protecting elephants and lions. Tourism can also teach people about different cultures and make them care more about the environment.
In my opinion, tourism can be good if it’s done in the right way. We need to make sure that tourism doesn’t harm nature or local cultures. This can be done by having rules about how many tourists can visit a place and teaching them to respect the environment and local customs. If we do this, tourism can help protect natural resources and benefit local communities.
To conclude, while tourism can have some negative effects, I believe it can be positive if managed properly. We should focus on making tourism sustainable so that it helps protect nature and supports local people.
(Word count: 275)
Key Writing Tips
When addressing this topic in your IELTS Writing Task 2 essay, keep the following points in mind:
For Band 8-9:
- Use sophisticated vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to tourism and environmental conservation.
- Develop complex arguments: Present nuanced viewpoints and consider multiple aspects of the issue.
- Use varied sentence structures: Include a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
- Provide specific examples: Use real-world cases to support your arguments.
- Maintain coherence: Ensure smooth transitions between paragraphs and ideas.
For Band 6-7:
- Use clear language: Express your ideas in straightforward terms.
- Present both sides: Discuss advantages and disadvantages of tourism.
- Use basic examples: Provide simple illustrations to support your points.
- Use some complex sentences: Mix simple and compound-complex sentences.
- Stay on topic: Ensure all your points relate directly to the question.
Vocabulary to Remember
Here are some useful words and phrases related to sustainable tourism and environmental protection:
Sustainable tourism (noun) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – Tourism that respects both local people and the traveler, cultural heritage and the environment.
Eco-friendly (adjective) – /ˌiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – Not harmful to the environment.
Conservation (noun) – /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – The protection of plants, animals, and natural areas.
Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat.
Cultural heritage (noun) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society.
Responsible travel (noun) – /rɪˈspɒnsəbl ˈtrævl/ – Travel that minimizes negative social, economic and environmental impacts.
Overcrowding (noun) – /ˌəʊvəˈkraʊdɪŋ/ – The state of having too many people or things in one place.
Environmental degradation (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdegrəˈdeɪʃn/ – The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources.
Habitat destruction (noun) – /ˈhæbɪtæt dɪˈstrʌkʃn/ – The process by which natural habitat is damaged or destroyed to the point that it no longer supports its native species.
Ecotourism (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊˌtʊərɪzəm/ – Tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife.
Conclusion
The importance of sustainable tourism in protecting natural resources is a critical topic that is likely to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. By understanding the key issues and practicing with sample essays, you can prepare yourself to tackle this subject effectively in your exam.
To further improve your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related themes such as:
- The role of governments in promoting sustainable tourism
- Balancing economic development and environmental protection in tourist destinations
- The impact of technology on sustainable tourism practices
Remember to practice regularly and focus on developing your vocabulary, grammar, and argument structure. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!