Sustainable tourism has become an increasingly common topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations, appearing roughly 2-3 times annually since 2018. Based on analysis of past exam questions, this theme frequently appears in both Discussion and Opinion type essays. Let’s explore one of the most representative questions from recent tests.
As the world increasingly recognizes The importance of sustainable tourism practices, understanding how to write effectively about this topic is crucial for IELTS candidates.
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that governments should focus on developing sustainable tourism to protect the environment, while others think economic growth through conventional tourism is more important. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss advantages of sustainable tourism for environmental protection
- Examine benefits of conventional tourism for economic growth
- Present and justify their own stance
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
The debate between prioritizing importance of sustainable tourism in protecting natural resources versus maximizing economic benefits through traditional tourism presents a significant challenge for policymakers. While both approaches have their merits, I firmly believe that sustainable tourism should take precedence.
Proponents of conventional tourism emphasize its substantial economic contributions. Mass tourism generates immediate revenue through hotel bookings, restaurant visits, and various tourist activities, creating numerous employment opportunities for local communities. For instance, in Thailand, traditional tourism contributed approximately 20% to the country’s GDP before the pandemic, supporting millions of jobs directly and indirectly.
However, sustainable tourism offers more long-term benefits while addressing Tourism: economic impact and sustainability. This approach ensures environmental preservation, maintains cultural authenticity, and creates more stable, long-lasting economic opportunities. Consider Costa Rica’s success in eco-tourism, where sustainable practices have not only preserved rainforests but also created a premium tourism market that generates higher per-visitor revenue than mass tourism models.
Furthermore, sustainable tourism promotes Cultural tourism impacts on local communities?. It encourages responsible visitor behavior, limits environmental degradation, and ensures that tourism benefits are distributed more equitably among local populations. The Galapagos Islands exemplify how controlled, sustainable tourism can protect unique ecosystems while still supporting local economies.
In conclusion, while conventional tourism offers immediate economic gains, sustainable tourism provides a more balanced approach that protects environmental resources while ensuring long-term economic viability. Governments should therefore prioritize sustainable tourism development through appropriate policies and regulations.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
Many people argue about whether governments should support sustainable tourism or normal tourism. This essay will discuss both sides and give my opinion.
On one side, normal tourism can make a lot of money quickly. When many tourists come to a place, they spend money on hotels, food, and shopping. This helps create jobs and improve the local economy. For example, in my country, many cities depend on regular tourism for their income.
However, sustainable tourism is better for the environment. It helps protect nature and wild animals by limiting the number of tourists and teaching them to respect the environment. Also, it helps local people keep their traditional culture. Some places like Bhutan show how sustainable tourism can work well.
Moreover, sustainable tourism can also make money, just in a different way. Tourists often pay more money for eco-friendly hotels and activities. They want to have special experiences that don’t harm nature. This means sustainable tourism can be profitable too.
In my opinion, governments should focus more on sustainable tourism because it protects nature while still making money. Though it might make less money at first, it will be better for the future of our planet.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “take precedence,” “substantial economic contributions”
- Complex sentence structures
- Clear and logical organization
- Strong examples and evidence
- Coherent argument development
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Some development of ideas
- Limited use of examples
- Less sophisticated argument presentation
Key Vocabulary
- Sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪ.nə.bəl/ – capable of continuing without causing environmental problems
- Conventional (adj) /kənˈven.ʃən.əl/ – traditional and ordinary
- Degradation (n) /ˌdeɡ.rəˈdeɪ.ʃən/ – the process of becoming worse or less quality
- Equitable (adj) /ˈek.wɪ.tə.bəl/ – fair and reasonable
- Preservation (n) /ˌprez.əˈveɪ.ʃən/ – the act of keeping something in its original state
Consider practicing with these additional prompts:
- “Mass tourism in historical sites: benefits versus preservation”
- “Local communities and tourism development: finding the right balance”
- “Environmental protection versus tourism development in coastal areas”
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.