Tourism to extreme environments has become an increasingly popular trend in recent years. From Antarctica’s icy expanses to the blazing deserts of the Sahara, more and more tourists are seeking adventure in some of the world’s harshest climates. This phenomenon is often discussed in IELTS Writing Task 2, making it a significant topic for candidates to be well-prepared for.
Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams, this topic frequently arises due to its relevance and capacity to generate diverse viewpoints. The chances of encountering similar themes in future tests remain high as environmental issues and travel impacts are persistent exam staples.
Common IELTS Writing Task 2 Topics Related to “Tourists Visiting Extreme Environments”
- More tourists are visiting places where conditions are difficult, such as the Sahara desert or the Antarctic. What are the benefits and disadvantages for locals?
- Some people think that tourism in extreme environments is good for scientific research and environmental awareness. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
- Extreme tourism is gaining popularity. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
In this article, we will focus on composing an exemplary essay for the third topic, which corresponds closely to previous IELTS writing task patterns.
Choosing a Task:
Let’s proceed with the following IELTS Writing Task 2 topic:
Extreme tourism is gaining popularity. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.
Analyzing the Prompt
Breakdown:
- Instruction word: Discuss
- Topic: Extreme tourism
- Requirement: Analyze both advantages and disadvantages
Key Points to Address:
- Define extreme tourism and provide examples.
- Discuss the benefits of extreme tourism (e.g., economic gain, awareness of environmental issues).
- Discuss the drawbacks (e.g., environmental damage, risk to human life).
- Provide a balanced view, supported by evidence and examples.
Model Essay
In recent years, extreme tourism has gained considerable popularity. From trekking in the freezing wilderness of Antarctica to exploring the scorching sand dunes of the Sahara, thrill-seekers are increasingly drawn to such destinations. While extreme tourism offers several advantages, it also poses notable disadvantages that must be carefully weighed.
On the one hand, extreme tourism can bring significant economic benefits. Many remote and underdeveloped areas can experience a positive economic impact from tourism-related revenue. For instance, countries like Iceland and Nepal have seen a surge in tourist numbers, boosting local businesses and creating job opportunities. Furthermore, extreme tourism can raise awareness about environmental and conservation issues. Visitors often become more conscientious of the fragility of these unique ecosystems, potentially fostering a greater global commitment to environmental preservation.
On the other hand, the disadvantages of extreme tourism should not be ignored. One major concern is the environmental impact. Increased foot traffic in fragile environments can lead to degradation, such as soil erosion and habitat destruction. The influx of tourists can also introduce pollutants, endangering local wildlife. Additionally, extreme tourism poses risks to human safety. Environments like high-altitude mountains or deep-sea diving spots are inherently dangerous, and insufficient preparation or abrupt weather changes can lead to life-threatening scenarios. There have been numerous incidents where tourists have suffered injuries or even lost their lives due to the perilous nature of these activities.
In conclusion, while extreme tourism offers economic benefits and the potential to foster environmental awareness, the accompanying environmental damage and risk to human life cannot be overlooked. Therefore, a balanced approach is required to maximize the benefits while minimizing the adverse effects. Responsible tourism practices and stringent regulations are essential to ensure that these extraordinary destinations can be enjoyed by future generations.
Word count: 291
Notes on Writing:
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Vocabulary and Grammar:
- Sophisticated Vocabulary: Utilize terms like “economic impact,” “environmental degradation,” “conscientious,” “ecosystems,” and “stringent regulations.”
- Grammar Structures: Employ advanced grammar structures, such as relative clauses, conditional sentences, and varied sentence structures to enhance the complexity and coherence of the essay.
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Effective Use of Examples:
- Provide concrete examples to support arguments, such as citing specific countries or scenarios where extreme tourism either benefits or harms.
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Balanced Viewpoint:
- Ensure the essay addresses both sides of the argument equally to provide a comprehensive discussion as required by the prompt.
Difficult Vocabulary and Phrases:
- Economic Impact (noun) [iˈkanəmik ˈimpakt]: The effect of an activity on the economy.
- Environmental Degradation (noun) [inˌvīrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdāSH(ə)n]: The deterioration of the environment.
- Conscientious (adjective) [ˌkän(t)SHēˈen(t)SHəs]: Wishing to do what is right, attentive and careful.
- Ecosystems (noun) [ˈēkōˌsistəmz]: Biological communities interacting with the environment.
- Stringent regulations (phrase) [ˈstrinjənt ˈreɡyəˌlāSH(ə)ns]: Strict and precise rules.
Conclusion:
Tourism in extreme environments, while adventurous and profitable, carries a blend of advantages and disadvantages. This essay underscores the importance of balanced, environmentally responsible tourism practices. Future IELTS candidates should anticipate similar topics, ensuring they can articulate both sides of the argument with clear examples and advanced vocabulary.
Future Prediction Tasks:
- The popularity of space tourism is on the rise. Discuss the pros and cons.
- As more people travel to remote natural areas, what might be the advantages and disadvantages for those areas?
By preparing thoroughly on this topic, candidates can enhance their readiness for the Writing Task 2 section of the IELTS exam.