Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Sample Essays on Sustainable Tourism’s Environmental Impact

Sustainable tourism and its environmental impact is a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years. As an IELTS examiner, I’ve noticed an increasing frequency of this theme appearing in Writing Task 2 questions. Given the global focus on environmental issues and responsible travel, it’s highly likely that we’ll continue to see questions related to sustainable tourism in future IELTS exams.

Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in past IELTS exams:

Some people think that governments should focus on reducing environmental damage when promoting economic development, while others believe that governments should prioritize economic growth. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

This question, while not explicitly mentioning sustainable tourism, touches on the core issues that sustainable tourism addresses – balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Let’s analyze this question and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Analyzing the Question

This question requires you to:

1. Discuss the view that governments should focus on reducing environmental damage while promoting economic development.
2. Discuss the opposing view that governments should prioritize economic growth.
3. Give your own opinion on which approach you think is better.

Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your own view.

Sample Essays

Band 9 Essay

Economic development and environmental protection have long been viewed as conflicting goals. While some argue that governments should prioritize reducing environmental damage when promoting economic growth, others believe that economic progress should take precedence. In my opinion, a balanced approach that considers both aspects is crucial for sustainable development.

Those who advocate for prioritizing environmental protection argue that economic growth at the expense of the environment is ultimately unsustainable. They contend that the long-term costs of environmental degradation far outweigh short-term economic gains. For instance, deforestation for immediate economic benefit can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and climate change, which in turn can negatively impact agriculture and tourism – key economic sectors for many countries. Moreover, preserving natural resources ensures their availability for future generations, aligning with the principles of sustainable development.

On the other hand, proponents of prioritizing economic growth argue that a strong economy is necessary to fund environmental protection efforts. They believe that technological advancements and innovations driven by economic progress can lead to more efficient and environmentally friendly practices. For example, investments in renewable energy technologies, which require significant financial resources, can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, they contend that poverty is a significant driver of environmental degradation in many developing countries, and economic growth is essential to alleviate this issue.

In my view, the most effective approach is to strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection. Governments should aim for sustainable economic growth that does not compromise the environment’s integrity. This can be achieved through policies that incentivize green technologies, promote responsible resource management, and enforce environmental regulations. For instance, governments could offer tax breaks for companies that adopt eco-friendly practices or invest in research and development of clean technologies.

Moreover, integrating environmental considerations into economic planning can create new opportunities for growth. The burgeoning eco-tourism industry is a prime example of how environmental conservation can drive economic development. Countries that preserve their natural beauty and biodiversity can attract tourists and create jobs while also protecting their ecosystems.

Sustainable Tourism – Eco-Tourism

In conclusion, while both economic growth and environmental protection are crucial, they need not be mutually exclusive. By adopting a balanced approach that promotes sustainable development, governments can ensure long-term prosperity without sacrificing the planet’s health. This holistic strategy is not only beneficial for the current generation but also safeguards the interests of future ones.

(Word count: 398)

Band 7 Essay

Some people believe that governments should focus on minimizing environmental damage while promoting economic development, while others think economic growth should be the priority. Both viewpoints have their merits, and I will discuss them before presenting my own opinion.

Those who advocate for prioritizing environmental protection argue that our planet’s resources are finite and must be preserved. They believe that economic growth that damages the environment is unsustainable in the long run. For example, deforestation for agricultural expansion may provide short-term economic benefits but can lead to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity, which can negatively impact the economy in the future. Moreover, environmental degradation can lead to health issues, which can burden healthcare systems and reduce workforce productivity.

On the other hand, supporters of prioritizing economic growth argue that a strong economy is necessary to fund environmental protection efforts. They believe that technological advancements driven by economic progress can lead to more environmentally friendly practices. For instance, investments in renewable energy technologies require significant financial resources but can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, they contend that poverty often leads to environmental degradation, and economic growth is essential to address this issue.

In my opinion, a balanced approach that considers both economic development and environmental protection is crucial. Governments should aim for sustainable economic growth that does not compromise the environment’s health. This can be achieved through policies that promote green technologies, responsible resource management, and enforce environmental regulations. For example, offering incentives for companies that adopt eco-friendly practices or investing in research and development of clean technologies can drive both economic growth and environmental protection.

In conclusion, while both economic growth and environmental protection are important, they should not be seen as mutually exclusive. By adopting a balanced approach that promotes sustainable development, governments can ensure long-term prosperity without sacrificing the planet’s health.

(Word count: 309)

Band 6 Essay

There are different opinions about whether governments should focus on reducing environmental damage or prioritize economic growth. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Some people think that governments should focus on protecting the environment while promoting economic development. They believe that if we damage the environment too much, it will cause problems in the future. For example, cutting down forests for farming might give us money now, but it can cause problems like soil erosion later. Also, pollution from factories can make people sick, which is bad for the economy because sick people can’t work well.

Other people think that economic growth should be the main focus. They say that we need money to protect the environment. If a country is poor, it can’t afford to invest in clean energy or protect nature. They also think that as countries get richer, they can develop better technologies that are good for the environment. For example, rich countries can afford to research and use solar power.

In my opinion, I think governments should try to do both. They should try to grow the economy in ways that don’t hurt the environment too much. For example, they could give rewards to companies that use clean energy or punish those that pollute a lot. This way, we can have economic growth and also protect nature.

To conclude, while both economic growth and environmental protection are important, I believe governments should try to balance both. This will help make sure we have a good economy now and a healthy planet in the future.

(Word count: 252)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 9 Essay Explanation

This essay demonstrates all the qualities of a Band 9 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a well-developed response with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.

3. Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features. Examples include “conflicting goals,” “unsustainable,” “long-term costs,” “environmental degradation,” and “alleviate.”

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy. Complex structures are frequent and error-free.

Band 7 Essay Explanation

This essay demonstrates the qualities of a Band 7 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with relevant main ideas. However, some aspects are not as fully developed as in the Band 9 essay.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, and cohesive devices are used effectively, although not as sophisticatedly as in the Band 9 essay.

3. Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, with some attempts at less common words. However, it lacks the sophistication of the Band 9 essay.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A variety of complex structures is used with good control. There are no significant errors, but the range is not as wide as in the Band 9 essay.

Band 6 Essay Explanation

This essay demonstrates the qualities of a Band 6 response:

1. Task Achievement: The essay addresses the task, but some aspects are not fully developed. The conclusion is relevant but simple.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some cohesive devices are overused or inadequate.

3. Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. Errors in word choice and spelling occur but do not impede communication.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. While there are some errors, they do not impede communication.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Sustainable development (noun) /səˈsteɪnəbl dɪˈveləpmənt/ – Development that meets current needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their needs.

2. Environmental degradation (noun) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – The deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems.

3. Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsəti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or on earth as a whole.

4. Eco-friendly (adjective) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – Not harmful to the environment.

5. Renewable energy (noun) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – Energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power.

6. Economic prosperity (noun) /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk prɒˈsperəti/ – The state of having a strong, thriving economy.

7. Resource management (noun) /rɪˈsɔːs ˈmænɪdʒmənt/ – The efficient and effective deployment and allocation of an organization’s resources when and where they are needed.

8. Carbon footprint (noun) /ˈkɑːbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/ – The amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of a particular individual, organization, or community.

In conclusion, the topic of sustainable tourism and its environmental impact is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:

• The role of individuals vs. governments in environmental protection
• The impact of mass tourism on local environments and economies
• Balancing economic development with conservation in developing countries

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Writing Task 2 is practice. Try writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice will help you improve your writing skills and prepare you for success in the IELTS exam.