Mastering IELTS Writing Task 2: Tourism’s Role in Economic Growth and Environmental Protection

Tourism plays a significant role in both economic growth and environmental protection, making it a popular topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. This essay question has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a relevant subject in future tests. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare for your IELTS exam.

Analyzing the Essay Question

Let’s examine a common IELTS Writing Task 2 question related to this topic:

Some people believe that tourism is beneficial for economic growth but harmful to the environment. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

This question requires you to discuss the dual impact of tourism on the economy and the environment. It’s essential to address both aspects and clearly state your opinion on the matter.

Tourism's Economic and Environmental Impact

Sample Essays for Different Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay Sample

Tourism undoubtedly plays a crucial role in economic development, but its impact on the environment is a matter of growing concern. While I agree that tourism significantly contributes to economic growth, I believe that with proper management, it can also be conducive to environmental protection.

Tourism’s economic benefits are substantial and well-documented. It generates employment opportunities, stimulates infrastructure development, and brings in foreign exchange. For instance, countries like Thailand and Maldives have seen remarkable economic growth due to their thriving tourism sectors. The influx of tourists boosts local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to small-scale artisans, creating a ripple effect throughout the economy.

However, the environmental impact of tourism cannot be overlooked. Uncontrolled tourism can lead to habitat destruction, increased pollution, and strain on local resources. The once-pristine beaches of Boracay in the Philippines, for example, had to be temporarily closed due to environmental degradation caused by over-tourism. Nevertheless, I argue that tourism, when managed sustainably, can actually contribute to environmental protection.

Eco-tourism and sustainable travel practices are prime examples of how tourism can support conservation efforts. Many wildlife reserves and national parks rely on tourism revenue for their conservation programs. In Costa Rica, for instance, the growth of eco-tourism has led to increased protection of rainforests and wildlife. Moreover, tourism can raise awareness about environmental issues, inspiring both locals and visitors to become more environmentally conscious.

The key lies in implementing and enforcing sustainable tourism policies. Governments and tourism operators must work together to develop strategies that balance economic gains with environmental preservation. This can include measures such as limiting visitor numbers to sensitive areas, promoting eco-friendly accommodations, and investing tourism revenue in conservation projects.

In conclusion, while tourism does pose environmental challenges, I believe that its economic benefits can coexist with environmental protection through thoughtful management and sustainable practices. The future of tourism should focus on creating experiences that enrich both the economy and the environment, ensuring long-term benefits for all stakeholders involved.

(Word count: 329)

Band 6-7 Essay Sample

Tourism is an important industry for many countries. It brings money and jobs, but some people worry it harms the environment. I think tourism can be good for both the economy and the environment if it is managed well.

Tourism helps the economy in many ways. It creates jobs in hotels, restaurants, and tour companies. When tourists visit, they spend money, which helps local businesses. For example, in Thailand, tourism is a big part of the economy and has helped the country grow.

However, tourism can also cause problems for the environment. Too many tourists can damage natural places. They might leave trash or disturb wildlife. In some popular beach towns, the sea has become polluted because of too many visitors.

But I believe tourism can also help protect the environment. When people visit beautiful natural places, they often want to protect them. Many national parks use money from tourism to protect animals and plants. For instance, in Africa, some wildlife reserves use tourism money to stop poaching.

The important thing is to manage tourism in a good way. Governments should make rules to protect nature while still allowing tourism. They can limit the number of visitors to sensitive areas or encourage eco-friendly hotels. Tourists should also be taught to respect the environment.

In conclusion, I think tourism can be good for both the economy and the environment. It brings money and jobs, and if managed well, it can also help protect nature. The key is to find a balance between economic benefits and environmental protection.

(Word count: 263)

Band 5-6 Essay Sample

Tourism is very important for many countries. It helps the economy grow but some people think it’s bad for the environment. I think tourism can be good for both if we do it right.

Tourism brings money to countries. Many people get jobs in hotels and restaurants because of tourism. Tourists spend money and this helps local shops and businesses. This is good for the economy.

But tourism can also hurt the environment. Too many tourists can damage nature. They might leave trash in beautiful places or disturb animals. Some beaches have become dirty because of too many visitors.

However, I think tourism can also help the environment. When people visit nice places in nature, they want to keep them nice. Some parks use money from tourists to protect animals and plants. This is good for the environment.

We need to be careful with tourism. The government should make rules to protect nature but still let tourists come. They can tell tourists not to leave trash and to be careful in nature.

In conclusion, I think tourism can be good for both the economy and nature. It gives jobs and money, and can help protect the environment too. We just need to do it in a good way.

(Word count: 204)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position and fully extended ideas.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphing is well-managed 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.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy.

Band 6-7 Essay Analysis

This essay shows a competent handling of the task:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully covered than others.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: Information and ideas are arranged coherently and there is a clear overall progression. Cohesive devices are used effectively, but not always appropriately.
3. Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task. There may be some errors in word choice, but these do not impede communication.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used. There are some errors, but these rarely reduce communication.

Band 5-6 Essay Analysis

This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at addressing the task:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task only partially, with some relevant points but the development is limited.
2. Coherence and Cohesion: The overall progression of ideas is visible, but not always clear. Basic cohesive devices are used, but with some inaccuracies.
3. Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, with some repetition and inappropriate word choice.
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentences are mostly simple with limited complex structures. Errors are frequent but do not greatly impede communication.

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Economic growth (noun) – /ˌiːkəˈnɒmɪk ɡrəʊθ/ – An increase in the amount of goods and services produced per head of the population over a period of time
2. Environmental protection (noun) – /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl prəˈtekʃn/ – The practice of protecting the natural environment on individual, organizational or governmental levels
3. Sustainable tourism (noun) – /səˈsteɪnəbl ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – Tourism that respects both local people and the traveller, cultural heritage and the environment
4. Eco-tourism (noun) – /ˈiːkəʊ ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – Tourism directed toward exotic, often threatened, natural environments, intended to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife
5. Conservation (noun) – /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – The protection of plants and animals, natural areas, and interesting and important structures and buildings
6. Biodiversity (noun) – /ˌbaɪəʊdaɪˈvɜːsɪti/ – The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat
7. Infrastructure (noun) – /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə(r)/ – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise
8. Over-tourism (noun) – /ˈəʊvə ˈtʊərɪzəm/ – The phenomenon of a popular destination or sight becoming overrun with tourists in an unsustainable way

Conclusion

The role of tourism in economic growth and environmental protection is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the different perspectives and being able to articulate them clearly, you can craft a strong essay that addresses all aspects of the question. Remember to practice writing essays on this topic, considering various angles such as:

• The economic benefits of tourism in developing countries
• The impact of mass tourism on local cultures and environments
• Sustainable tourism practices and their effectiveness
• The role of government in balancing tourism growth and environmental protection

We encourage you to practice 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 effectively for your IELTS exam.

For more insights on related topics, you might find these articles helpful:

• The Importance of Sustainable Tourism for the Environment
• How to Manage the Environmental Impact of Tourism in Developing Countries
• The Influence of International Tourism on Cultural Preservation

Remember, consistent practice and exposure to various perspectives on this topic will help you develop a well-rounded understanding, essential for crafting a high-scoring IELTS essay.