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IELTS Writing Task 2:
Tourism Economy - Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

Get a Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on tourism economy. Full breakdown with scoring, vocabulary, and common mistakes.

IELTS Writing Task 2: Tourism Economy - Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown | English AIdol Blog

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Get a Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 sample answer on tourism economy. Full breakdown with scoring, vocabulary, and common mistakes.

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IELTS Writing Task 2: Tourism Economy - Band 7.5 Sample with Full Breakdown

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Prompt

Some people believe that tourism is beneficial to a country's economy, while others think it causes more harm than good. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Tourism is good for economy because it brings money. People from other countries come and spend money on hotels, food and shopping. This helps businesses and creates jobs. For example, in Thailand, many people work in tourism industry. But tourism can also be bad. Too many tourists can damage environment. They leave trash and use too much water. Also, tourists sometimes disrespect local culture. In some places, locals are unhappy with tourists. In my opinion, tourism is good if it is controlled. Governments should make rules to protect environment and culture.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 5.0 - Presents a position but with limited development.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 5.5 - Uses some cohesive devices but with frequent lapses.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 5.5 - Uses some less common vocabulary but with errors.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent errors.

Band 7.5 Answer

The economic benefits of tourism are undeniable, as it generates substantial revenue and employment opportunities. Countries like Spain and France have long capitalized on tourism, with the sector contributing significantly to their GDP. Moreover, tourism fosters cultural exchange, promoting understanding and tolerance among diverse populations. However, the negative impacts cannot be overlooked. Over-tourism can lead to environmental degradation, as seen in Venice, where the influx of visitors has caused significant damage to the city's infrastructure and ecosystem. Additionally, the economic benefits often disproportionately favor foreign investors rather than local communities. In my view, while tourism can be a powerful economic driver, it must be carefully managed to mitigate its detrimental effects.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 7.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.5 - Uses cohesive devices effectively, though there may be some lapses.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 7.5 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.5 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent errors.

Band 8.0 Answer

Tourism's economic advantages are manifold, acting as a catalyst for economic growth and development. It stimulates investment in infrastructure, creates jobs, and generates foreign exchange earnings. For instance, the Maldives, a nation heavily reliant on tourism, has seen remarkable economic progress due to its thriving tourism industry. Furthermore, tourism promotes cultural exchange, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation among different societies. However, the downsides are equally significant. Environmental degradation, cultural commodification, and socio-economic disparities are pressing concerns. The environmental impact is particularly alarming, with popular destinations like the Great Barrier Reef facing severe ecological threats due to mass tourism. To strike a balance, governments should implement sustainable tourism practices and invest in community-based tourism initiatives. In my opinion, tourism can be a force for good if managed responsibly and ethically.

Scoring Breakdown

  • Task Response (TR): 8.0 - Presents a clear position with relevant, extended, and supported ideas.
  • Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0 - Uses cohesive devices effectively, though there may be some lapses.
  • Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0 - Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items.
  • Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0 - Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with frequent errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

  1. Economic benefits (noun phrase) - Advantages related to money and trade.
  • Example: The economic benefits of tourism are undeniable.
  1. Revenue (noun) - Income generated from business activities.
  • Example: Tourism generates substantial revenue.
  1. Employment opportunities (noun phrase) - Jobs available in the market.
  • Example: Tourism creates employment opportunities.
  1. Environmental degradation (noun phrase) - Deterioration of the natural environment.
  • Example: Over-tourism can lead to environmental degradation.
  1. Infrastructure (noun) - Basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society.
  • Example: Tourism stimulates investment in infrastructure.
  1. Cultural exchange (noun phrase) - The sharing of cultural practices between different groups.
  • Example: Tourism promotes cultural exchange.
  1. Mutual understanding (noun phrase) - A shared comprehension between parties.
  • Example: Tourism fosters mutual understanding.
  1. Sustainable tourism (noun phrase) - Tourism that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
  • Example: Governments should implement sustainable tourism practices.
  1. Community-based tourism (noun phrase) - Tourism that is planned, developed, and managed by the local community.
  • Example: Invest in community-based tourism initiatives.
  1. Economic growth (noun phrase) - An increase in the production of goods and services in an economy.
  • Example: Tourism acts as a catalyst for economic growth.
  1. Foreign exchange earnings (noun phrase) - Income earned from international trade.
  • Example: Tourism generates foreign exchange earnings.
  1. Cultural commodification (noun phrase) - The process of turning cultural practices into marketable products.
  • Example: Cultural commodification is a pressing concern.
  1. Socio-economic disparities (noun phrase) - Differences in income, wealth, and access to resources.
  • Example: Socio-economic disparities are a pressing concern.
  1. Ecological threats (noun phrase) - Dangers to the natural environment.
  • Example: The Great Barrier Reef faces severe ecological threats.
  1. Responsibly and ethically (adverbial phrase) - In a manner that is morally correct and considerate of others.
  • Example: Tourism can be a force for good if managed responsibly and ethically.

Common Mistakes

  1. Overgeneralization - Making sweeping statements without sufficient evidence or examples.
  2. Lack of Balance - Failing to address both sides of the argument equally.
  3. Poor Vocabulary Choice - Using vague or inappropriate words that do not convey the intended meaning.
  4. Grammatical Errors - Making frequent mistakes in sentence structure and verb forms.
  5. Inadequate Cohesion - Failing to use cohesive devices effectively, leading to a disjointed response.

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FAQs

What is the word count for IELTS Writing Task 2?

The recommended word count for IELTS Writing Task 2 is 250-270 words. Responses that are too short or too long may be penalized.

How is IELTS Writing Task 2 scored?

IELTS Writing Task 2 is scored based on four criteria: Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Each criterion is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9.

What are some common topics for IELTS Writing Task 2?

Common topics for IELTS Writing Task 2 include education, technology, environment, society, and global issues. The prompt may ask you to discuss both views, present a problem and solution, or argue a point of view.

How can I improve my IELTS Writing Task 2 score?

To improve your IELTS Writing Task 2 score, practice writing under timed conditions, use a wide range of vocabulary, vary your sentence structures, and ensure your response is well-organized and cohesive. Additionally, familiarize yourself with common topics and prompts.

What is the difference between IELTS Writing Task 1 and Task 2?

IELTS Writing Task 1 requires you to describe visual information, such as a graph, chart, or diagram, in at least 150 words. Task 2 requires you to write a discursive essay in response to a prompt, in at least 250 words. Task 2 carries more weight in the overall Writing score.

How long should I spend on IELTS Writing Task 2?

You should spend about 40 minutes on IELTS Writing Task 2, leaving 20 minutes for Task 1. This ensures you have enough time to plan, write, and review your response.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in IELTS Writing Task 2?

Common mistakes to avoid in IELTS Writing Task 2 include overgeneralization, lack of balance, poor vocabulary choice, grammatical errors, and inadequate cohesion. Additionally, ensure your response is well-structured and addresses the prompt directly.

How can I practice for IELTS Writing Task 2?

To practice for IELTS Writing Task 2, use sample prompts and time yourself to simulate test conditions. Review model answers to understand what a high-scoring response looks like. Additionally, seek feedback on your writing from teachers or peers.

What is the passing score for IELTS Writing Task 2?

There is no official passing score for IELTS Writing Task 2. However, most universities and organizations require a minimum band score of 6.0 or 6.5 for admission or employment. Aim for a band score of 7.0 or higher to be competitive.

Stats Callouts

70% of test-takers

Source: Cambridge Assessment English

60% of high-scoring responses

Source: ETS

80% of Band 7.5 responses

Source: IELTS Official Practice Materials

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