The topic of international tourism’s impact on the environment is a recurring theme in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on past exam patterns and current global trends, it’s highly likely that this subject will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s explore a typical question on this topic and analyze sample essays for different band scores.
Analyzing the Question
Some people believe that international tourism is harmful to the environment. Others say it can be beneficial. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the negative impacts of international tourism on the environment
- Discuss the potential benefits of international tourism for the environment
- Provide your personal opinion on the issue
Remember to address all parts of the question and support your arguments with relevant examples.
Sample Essay 1: Band 8-9
International tourism has become a contentious issue in recent years, with some arguing that it poses significant threats to the environment, while others believe it can have positive effects. In my opinion, while international tourism does present some environmental challenges, its benefits can outweigh these drawbacks if managed properly.
On the one hand, there are valid concerns about the negative impact of international tourism on the environment. The influx of tourists to popular destinations often leads to increased pollution, both from transportation methods such as airplanes and cruise ships, and from the waste generated by visitors. For example, the beautiful beaches of Thailand have suffered from plastic pollution and coral reef damage due to mass tourism. Additionally, the construction of hotels and resorts to accommodate tourists can result in habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity in ecologically sensitive areas.
However, proponents argue that international tourism can also bring environmental benefits. Tourism can raise awareness about environmental issues and promote conservation efforts. Many eco-tourism initiatives, for instance, educate visitors about local ecosystems and contribute financially to preservation projects. The Galapagos Islands in Ecuador is a prime example, where carefully managed tourism helps fund conservation efforts and scientific research. Furthermore, the economic benefits of tourism can provide incentives for local communities to protect their natural resources, as these become valuable assets for attracting visitors.
In my view, while the environmental risks of international tourism are significant, they can be mitigated through responsible management and sustainable practices. Governments and tourism operators should implement strict regulations to minimize ecological damage, such as limiting visitor numbers to fragile areas and promoting eco-friendly transportation options. Moreover, a portion of tourism revenue should be allocated to environmental conservation and restoration projects. By striking a balance between economic benefits and environmental protection, international tourism can become a positive force for global ecological awareness and conservation.
In conclusion, although international tourism poses some environmental challenges, I believe that with proper management and a focus on sustainability, its potential benefits for both the environment and local communities can be substantial. The key lies in developing responsible tourism practices that prioritize environmental conservation alongside economic growth.
(Word count: 340)
Analysis of Band 8-9 Essay
This essay demonstrates excellent qualities that justify a high band score:
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Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both negative and positive views and clearly stating the writer’s opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words (“On the one hand”, “However”, “In my view”).
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (“contentious issue”, “influx of tourists”, “habitat destruction”, “eco-tourism initiatives”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly (“while international tourism does present”, “can be mitigated through”, “should be allocated to”).
Sample Essay 2: Band 6-7
International tourism is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some think it is bad for the environment, while others believe it can be good. I will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
Firstly, international tourism can harm the environment in several ways. When many tourists visit a place, it can cause pollution. For example, airplanes and cars used by tourists produce a lot of carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming. Also, tourists often leave behind trash in beautiful natural places, which damages the environment. In some popular beach destinations, the coral reefs are being destroyed because of too many tourists.
On the other hand, international tourism can also help the environment. When people visit natural places, they can learn about the importance of protecting nature. This can make them more likely to support environmental conservation. Additionally, money from tourism can be used to protect natural areas. For instance, some national parks use money from visitors to protect endangered animals and plants.
In my opinion, international tourism can be both good and bad for the environment. It depends on how it is managed. If governments and tourism companies take steps to protect the environment, like limiting the number of visitors to fragile areas and educating tourists about conservation, then tourism can be more beneficial. However, if these measures are not taken, tourism can cause a lot of damage to nature.
To conclude, while international tourism does pose some risks to the environment, I believe that it can also bring benefits if it is managed responsibly. The key is to find a balance between allowing people to enjoy nature and protecting it for future generations.
(Word count: 283)
Analysis of Band 6-7 Essay
This essay demonstrates good qualities that justify a mid-range band score:
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Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and providing a personal opinion. However, the ideas could be more fully developed.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with clear paragraphing. It uses some basic linking words (“Firstly”, “On the other hand”, “To conclude”), but could use more sophisticated cohesive devices.
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Lexical Resource: The essay uses a reasonable range of vocabulary, with some attempts at less common words (“contributes to global warming”, “environmental conservation”). However, there is some repetition and the range could be wider.
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures with generally good accuracy. There are some attempts at more complex structures, but the range could be broader.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Contentious (adjective) /kənˈtenʃəs/ – causing or likely to cause disagreement
- Influx (noun) /ˈɪnflʌks/ – the arrival of large numbers of people or things
- Biodiversity (noun) /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/ – the variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat
- Eco-tourism (noun) /ˈiːkəʊ ˌtʊərɪzəm/ – tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make less severe, serious, or painful
- Conservation (noun) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – prevention of wasteful use of a resource
- Sustainable (adjective) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – able to be maintained at a certain rate or level
- Fragile (adjective) /ˈfrædʒaɪl/ – easily destroyed or threatened
- Incentive (noun) /ɪnˈsentɪv/ – a thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something
- Ecological (adjective) /ˌiːkəˈlɒdʒɪkl/ – relating to or concerned with the relation of living organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings
Conclusion
The impact of international tourism on the environment is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare for potential questions on this theme, consider practicing with variations such as:
- Discuss the environmental impacts of mass tourism versus eco-tourism.
- Should governments impose limits on international tourism to protect the environment?
- How can technology be used to minimize the environmental impact of international tourism?
Remember to structure your essay clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare effectively for the IELTS exam.