Sustainable tourism practices have become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 essays. This subject has appeared in various forms over the past few years, and its relevance is likely to grow as environmental concerns continue to shape global policies. Based on recent trends, we can expect to see more questions related to the importance of sustainable tourism practices in future IELTS exams. Let’s examine a real IELTS question on this topic and analyze sample responses for different band scores.
Analyzing the IELTS Writing Task 2 Question
Some people believe that tourism is harmful to local cultures and the environment, while others think it can benefit local communities. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to discuss two contrasting viewpoints on tourism’s impact and provide their personal stance. It’s crucial to address both perspectives equally before presenting a well-reasoned opinion.
Sample Essay for Band 8-9
Tourism is a double-edged sword that can either devastate or enrich local communities and their surroundings. While some argue that it poses significant threats to indigenous cultures and ecosystems, others contend that it can be a powerful catalyst for economic growth and cultural preservation. In my opinion, well-managed tourism can indeed yield substantial benefits, but only if stringent measures are implemented to mitigate its potential negative effects.
Those who view tourism negatively often point to its destructive impact on local traditions and the environment. Mass tourism can lead to the commodification of culture, where sacred rituals and artifacts are reduced to mere tourist attractions, losing their original significance. Moreover, the influx of visitors can strain local resources, leading to pollution, habitat destruction, and the displacement of wildlife. For instance, the once-pristine beaches of Boracay in the Philippines were temporarily closed to tourists in 2018 due to severe environmental degradation caused by unregulated tourism.
On the other hand, proponents of tourism highlight its potential to boost local economies and promote cultural exchange. Tourism can create job opportunities, stimulate infrastructure development, and provide a market for local goods and services. It can also foster a sense of pride in local heritage, encouraging communities to preserve and showcase their unique traditions. For example, the ancient city of Petra in Jordan has seen significant economic growth and increased efforts in historical preservation since becoming a popular tourist destination.
In my view, the key to harnessing the positive aspects of tourism while minimizing its drawbacks lies in implementing sustainable practices. This involves setting limits on visitor numbers, enforcing strict environmental regulations, and ensuring that a substantial portion of tourism revenue is reinvested in local communities and conservation efforts. Education plays a crucial role in this process, both for tourists and local residents, to promote responsible behavior and mutual respect.
In conclusion, while tourism can indeed pose threats to local cultures and environments, its potential benefits cannot be overlooked. By adopting a balanced approach that prioritizes sustainability and community involvement, we can transform tourism into a force for positive change, enriching both visitors and host communities alike.
Sample Essay for Band 6-7
Tourism is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it is bad for local cultures and the environment, while others believe it can help local communities. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On the negative side, tourism can harm local cultures and the environment. When too many tourists visit a place, it can change the way local people live. For example, traditional customs might be changed to please tourists, and this can make the local culture less authentic. Also, tourists can damage the environment by leaving trash or disturbing wildlife. This has happened in many beautiful places around the world.
However, tourism can also bring good things to local communities. It can create jobs for local people in hotels, restaurants, and as tour guides. This helps the local economy grow. Tourism can also make people proud of their culture and want to preserve it. For instance, when tourists come to see historical sites, it can encourage the government to protect these places better.
In my opinion, tourism can be good if it is managed well. We need to find a balance between welcoming tourists and protecting local cultures and the environment. This can be done by having rules for tourists and teaching them about the local culture and how to respect the environment. Local people should also be involved in making decisions about tourism in their area.
To conclude, while tourism can have some negative effects, I believe that it can benefit local communities if it is done in a responsible way. Both tourists and local people need to work together to make sure tourism is sustainable and respectful.
Sample Essay for Band 5-6
Tourism is a big topic that people talk about a lot. Some people think it is bad for local places and nature, but others think it can help local people. I will talk about both ideas and say what I think.
First, some people say tourism is bad. They think it can hurt local culture because tourists change how people live. For example, local people might change their traditions to make tourists happy. Also, tourists can make places dirty and hurt animals. This is not good for the environment.
But other people say tourism is good. It can give jobs to local people in hotels and restaurants. This helps people earn money. Tourism can also make people proud of their culture. When tourists come to see old buildings, it can make the government want to take care of these places.
I think tourism can be good if we do it carefully. We need to have rules for tourists so they don’t hurt local culture or nature. We should also teach tourists about the places they visit. Local people should help decide how tourism works in their area.
In the end, I believe tourism can help local communities if we do it in a good way. Tourists and local people need to work together to make sure tourism is good for everyone.
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay:
This essay demonstrates excellent command of language with a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. It presents a well-developed argument, addressing both viewpoints thoroughly before offering a nuanced personal opinion. The essay uses relevant examples and demonstrates a sophisticated approach to the topic.
Band 6-7 Essay:
This essay shows a good grasp of the topic and addresses all parts of the question. The language used is generally clear, with some attempts at more complex structures. While it lacks the sophistication of the Band 8-9 essay, it presents a coherent argument with some supporting examples.
Band 5-6 Essay:
This essay demonstrates a basic understanding of the topic and attempts to address the question. The language is simple and repetitive, with limited use of complex structures. Ideas are presented, but they lack depth and detailed examples. The essay structure is basic but clear.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to continue over time without damaging the environment
- Indigenous (adjective) /ɪnˈdɪdʒənəs/ – belonging to a particular place rather than coming to it from somewhere else
- Commodification (noun) /kəˌmɒdɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ – the act of treating something as a product that can be bought and sold
- Preservation (noun) /ˌprezəˈveɪʃn/ – the act of keeping something in its original state or in good condition
- Degradation (noun) /ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – the process of becoming worse or less good
- Mitigation (noun) /ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/ – the act of reducing how harmful, unpleasant, or bad something is
- Influx (noun) /ˈɪnflʌks/ – the arrival of large numbers of people or things
- Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/ – something that causes an important change or event to happen more quickly
In conclusion, the topic of sustainable tourism practices is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. Future questions might explore specific aspects such as how tourism can contribute to environmental degradation or the impact of tourism on historical sites. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as eco-tourism, cultural preservation through tourism, or balancing economic benefits with environmental protection. We encourage you to try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments for feedback and discussion.