IELTS Writing Task 2: Tourism Economy - Band 7.0 Sample with Full Breakdown
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The Prompt
Some people believe that tourism is beneficial to a country's economy, while others argue that it causes more harm than good. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Band 6.0 Sample Answer
Tourism is very important for many countries. It brings money and jobs, but it also has negative effects. I think the benefits are greater than the problems.
Firstly, tourism helps the economy. Countries like Thailand and Spain earn a lot of money from tourists. This money can be used for schools and hospitals. Also, tourism creates jobs for local people. In my country, many people work in hotels and restaurants because of tourists.
However, tourism can cause problems. Too many tourists can damage the environment. For example, beaches become dirty, and animals are disturbed. Also, some people think that tourism changes the culture of a place. Traditional buildings are replaced with modern hotels, and local customs are forgotten.
In conclusion, I believe that tourism is generally good for a country's economy. The problems can be solved if we manage tourism carefully. Governments should make rules to protect the environment and culture while still encouraging tourists to visit.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development. Some ideas are relevant but not fully extended.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0 - Ideas are logically organized but with some unclear progression. Some cohesive devices are used, but there are frequent errors.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0 - Uses a mix of appropriate and limited vocabulary. Some attempts at less common vocabulary but with some errors.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but with frequent grammatical errors.
Band 7.0 Sample Answer
The economic impact of tourism is a contentious issue, with proponents highlighting its financial benefits and critics pointing to its environmental and cultural drawbacks. I firmly believe that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
On the one hand, tourism significantly boosts a nation's economy. For instance, countries like France and the United States generate substantial revenue from international visitors. This influx of capital can be channeled into infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. Additionally, tourism creates employment opportunities. In my home country, the hospitality industry employs a considerable portion of the workforce, directly and indirectly supporting local livelihoods.
On the other hand, tourism can have detrimental effects. Over-tourism can lead to environmental degradation. Popular destinations often struggle with pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction. Moreover, the influx of tourists can erode local cultures. Historic sites may be commercialized, and traditional practices may be diluted to cater to tourist expectations. For example, in some Asian countries, traditional festivals have been modified to appeal to foreign visitors, losing their original significance.
In conclusion, while tourism does present some challenges, its economic benefits are undeniable. With proper planning and sustainable practices, the negative impacts can be mitigated. Governments should implement regulations to ensure that tourism development is balanced with environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas. Covers all parts of the task.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0 - Uses a clear progression of ideas with effective use of cohesive devices. Logical organization is evident.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey precise meanings. Some less common lexical items are used appropriately.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent grammatical errors but still conveys meaning clearly.
Band 8.0 Sample Answer
The role of tourism in economic development is a multifaceted issue, encompassing both opportunities and challenges. While it undeniably stimulates economic growth, it also poses significant threats to the environment and cultural integrity. I contend that the benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks, provided it is managed responsibly.
Proponents of tourism argue that it is a vital driver of economic growth. For example, nations like Spain and Italy rely heavily on tourism for their GDP. The revenue generated from tourism can be reinvested in public services, such as education and healthcare, thereby improving the quality of life for residents. Furthermore, tourism creates a myriad of job opportunities, from hospitality and retail to transportation and tourism services. In my country, the tourism sector employs a substantial number of people, both directly and indirectly, contributing to poverty alleviation and economic stability.
Conversely, the negative impacts of tourism are equally compelling. Environmental degradation is a pressing concern, as popular tourist destinations often suffer from overcrowding, pollution, and habitat destruction. The natural beauty that attracts tourists in the first place can be irreparably damaged. Additionally, the cultural impact of tourism is profound. Local traditions and customs may be commercialized or diluted to cater to tourist expectations, leading to a loss of cultural authenticity. For instance, in some parts of Asia, traditional festivals have been adapted to appeal to foreign visitors, often losing their original significance in the process.
In conclusion, while tourism presents both opportunities and challenges, its economic benefits are undeniable. However, these benefits must be balanced with sustainable practices to mitigate environmental and cultural impacts. Governments should enact policies that promote responsible tourism, ensuring that the economic gains are not achieved at the expense of the environment and cultural heritage.
Scoring Breakdown
- Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas. Covers all parts of the task with a clear progression and development.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses a clear progression of ideas with effective use of cohesive devices. Logical organization is evident, and paragraphs are well-structured.
- Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary to convey precise meanings. Less common lexical items are used appropriately and effectively.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent grammatical errors but still conveys meaning clearly. Sentence structures are varied and sophisticated.
Vocabulary Highlights
- Contentious (adj.): Debatable, controversial.
- Example: The economic impact of tourism is a contentious issue.
- Proponents (n.): Supporters, advocates.
- Example: Proponents of tourism argue that it is a vital driver of economic growth.
- Influx (n.): A sudden or continuous arrival of people or things.
- Example: The influx of tourists can erode local cultures.
- Erode (v.): Gradually destroy or diminish.
- Example: The influx of tourists can erode local cultures.
- Commercialized (adj.): Made suitable for or involving in commerce.
- Example: Historic sites may be commercialized to cater to tourist expectations.
- Diluted (adj.): Made weaker or less effective by mixing with other elements.
- Example: Traditional practices may be diluted to cater to tourist expectations.
- Mitigated (v.): Made less severe, serious, or painful.
- Example: The negative impacts can be mitigated with proper planning.
- Reinvested (v.): Invested again or anew.
- Example: The revenue generated from tourism can be reinvested in public services.
- Myriad (adj.): Countless or extremely numerous.
- Example: Tourism creates a myriad of job opportunities.
- Alleviation (n.): The act of making something less severe or more bearable.
- Example: Tourism contributes to poverty alleviation and economic stability.
- Enact (v.): Make (a law, rule, or official arrangement) legally valid.
- Example: Governments should enact policies that promote responsible tourism.
- Authenticity (n.): The quality of being genuine or real.
- Example: The cultural impact of tourism is profound, leading to a loss of cultural authenticity.
- Pressing (adj.): Requiring immediate action or attention.
- Example: Environmental degradation is a pressing concern.
- Irreparably (adv.): In a way that cannot be repaired or rectified.
- Example: The natural beauty that attracts tourists can be irreparably damaged.
- Balanced (adj.): Having a sense of proportion or symmetry.
- Example: The benefits of tourism must be balanced with sustainable practices.
- Enact (v.): Make (a law, rule, or official arrangement) legally valid.
- Example: Governments should enact policies that promote responsible tourism.
- Integrity (n.): The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles.
- Example: The cultural impact of tourism is profound, leading to a loss of cultural integrity.
- Stimulates (v.): Encourages or provokes something to increase or develop.
- Example: Tourism stimulates economic growth.
- Revenue (n.): Income generated from a particular source.
- Example: The revenue generated from tourism can be reinvested in public services.
- Substantial (adj.): Of considerable importance, size, or worth.
- Example: The tourism sector employs a substantial number of people.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position in their response, making it difficult to score well in Task Response.
- Insufficient Development of Ideas: Students often present ideas but do not develop them sufficiently, leading to a lower score in Coherence and Cohesion.
- Limited Vocabulary: Using a limited range of vocabulary can result in a lower score in Lexical Resource. Students should aim to use a variety of vocabulary to convey precise meanings.
- Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical errors can detract from the overall quality of the response, affecting the score in Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
- Poor Organization: A poorly organized response can make it difficult for the examiner to follow the argument, leading to a lower score in Coherence and Cohesion.
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