IELTS Writing Task 2: Tourism Economy Discussion - Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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Full Prompt

Some people believe that tourism has a negative impact on the economy, while others claim it brings significant benefits. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

The tourism industry is bad for economy because it can cause unemployment and environmental problems. But it also has many advantages.

Tourism can be bad for the economy because sometimes it creates seasonal jobs. Many workers only have jobs during certain times of the year, making it hard to have stable income. Also, tourism can harm the environment. For example, many tourists create a lot of waste and pollution that can damage natural places. These problems can make tourism seem like a bad thing for the economy.

However, tourism also has many good things. One main advantage is that it brings money to local businesses. Hotels, restaurants, and shops can make more money from tourists. This helps the economy grow. Additionally, tourism can create jobs for people in many different areas. Not just in hotels or restaurants, but also in transportation, entertainment, and other services. This can help reduce unemployment and improve people's lives.

In my opinion, the benefits of tourism are greater than the problems. While there are some negative effects, the economic advantages are more important. Governments should focus on managing tourism in a way that minimizes the bad effects while maximizing the good ones.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (5.0): Presents a position but presents it in an inconsistent manner. Provides some supporting ideas but developments are limited.
• Coherence and Cohesion (5.0): Uses some cohesive devices but these are often mechanical or overused. There may be some unclear referencing.
• Lexical Resource (5.0): Uses some less common vocabulary but this may be inaccurate or inappropriately used. There are some errors in word choice and word formation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (5.0): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms but makes frequent grammatical errors. Punctuation may be inconsistent.

Band 7.0 Answer

The economic impact of tourism is a contentious issue, with proponents arguing for its benefits and critics highlighting its drawbacks.

On one hand, tourism can have negative economic consequences. One of the primary concerns is the seasonal nature of tourism jobs. Many positions in the hospitality industry are temporary, leading to income instability for workers. Additionally, tourism can place a significant burden on local infrastructure and resources. The influx of tourists can strain transportation systems, healthcare facilities, and public services, leading to increased costs for residents. Environmental degradation is another critical issue, as tourism often results in pollution, habitat destruction, and the depletion of natural resources.

On the other hand, tourism can bring substantial economic benefits. It is a major source of revenue for many countries, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and government tax income. The tourism industry also creates a wide range of job opportunities, from hotel management to tour guiding, benefiting various sectors of the economy. Furthermore, tourism can stimulate the growth of related industries, such as transportation, retail, and agriculture, as these sectors often expand to meet the demands of tourists.

In my view, the positive economic impacts of tourism outweigh the negative ones. While it is essential to address the challenges associated with tourism, such as environmental protection and job stability, the economic benefits it brings to local communities and nations are significant. Governments should implement policies that maximize these benefits while mitigating the drawbacks.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (7.0): Presents a clear position throughout the response. Presents, extends, and supports main ideas, but there may be some irrelevant or less relevant points.
• Coherence and Cohesion (7.0): Uses a mix of cohesive devices appropriately, though there may be some under- or over-use. There is a clear progression of ideas and information.
• Lexical Resource (7.0): Uses a sufficient range of vocabulary to convey ideas, though there may be some less precise word choices or errors in word formation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (7.0): Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some flexibility. There may be some errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling, but these do not impede communication.

Band 8.0 Answer

The economic implications of tourism are multifaceted, encompassing both advantages and disadvantages that warrant careful consideration.

Critics of tourism often cite its economic drawbacks. One notable concern is the phenomenon of leakage, where a significant portion of tourist expenditure flows out of the host country to international corporations. This reduces the net economic benefit to the local economy. Furthermore, tourism can exacerbate income inequality, as high-paying jobs often go to expatriates or skilled workers, while low-paying positions are filled by local residents. Additionally, the environmental costs of tourism can be substantial, with issues such as overdevelopment, pollution, and the loss of natural habitats posing long-term threats to local ecosystems and communities.

Proponents of tourism, however, highlight its numerous economic benefits. Tourism is a vital source of foreign exchange earnings, which can be used to finance development projects and reduce a country's dependency on other economic sectors. The industry also generates employment opportunities across various skill levels, from unskilled labor in hotels and restaurants to highly skilled positions in tour operations and marketing. Moreover, tourism can foster cultural exchange and understanding, promoting global cooperation and mutual respect.

In my opinion, the economic benefits of tourism generally outweigh its drawbacks. While it is crucial to address the challenges associated with tourism, such as environmental degradation and income inequality, the industry's potential to drive economic growth, create jobs, and promote cultural exchange makes it an invaluable component of many economies. Governments should prioritize sustainable tourism practices to maximize these benefits while minimizing the negative impacts.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (8.0): Presents a clear position throughout the response. Presents, extends, and supports main ideas with relevant, specific, and supported ideas.
• Coherence and Cohesion (8.0): Uses cohesive devices effectively, though there may be some occasional lapses. There is a clear progression of ideas and information, with logical sequencing.
• Lexical Resource (8.0): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with flexibility and precision. There may be occasional less precise word choices or errors in word formation, but these are rare.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (8.0): Uses a wide range of sentence forms with flexibility and accuracy. There may be occasional errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling, but these are rare and do not impede communication.

Band 9.0 Answer

The economic impact of tourism is a complex issue, with both proponents and critics presenting compelling arguments that demand nuanced analysis.

Those who view tourism as an economic burden often point to its potential for exacerbating social and environmental issues. One pressing concern is the phenomenon of over-tourism, where popular destinations experience an influx of visitors that overwhelms local infrastructure and degrades the quality of life for residents. This can lead to increased living costs, traffic congestion, and the erosion of local cultures as communities adapt to cater to tourists. Furthermore, the economic benefits of tourism are often unevenly distributed, with a disproportionate share of revenue accruing to multinational corporations and wealthy elites, while marginalized communities see little improvement in their economic circumstances.

Conversely, the economic advantages of tourism are well-documented and substantial. Tourism is a significant contributor to GDP in many countries, generating revenue through tax contributions, foreign exchange earnings, and investment in infrastructure. The industry creates a diverse range of employment opportunities, from entry-level positions in hospitality to specialized roles in eco-tourism and heritage preservation. Additionally, tourism can drive innovation and diversification in local economies, fostering the growth of ancillary industries such as agriculture, crafts, and technology.

In my view, the economic benefits of tourism are considerable and often outweigh its drawbacks. However, achieving these benefits requires careful planning and sustainable management. Governments and local communities must work together to develop tourism strategies that prioritize environmental protection, cultural preservation, and equitable economic growth. By doing so, they can harness the full potential of tourism as a driver of prosperity and development.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (9.0): Presents a clear position throughout the response. Presents, extends, and supports main ideas with relevant, specific, and supported ideas. Concludes with a clear summary that may include a recommendation or prediction.
• Coherence and Cohesion (9.0): Uses cohesive devices effectively and flexibly. There is a clear progression of ideas and information, with logical sequencing and clear referencing.
• Lexical Resource (9.0): Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precision, flexibility, and sophistication. There are no errors in word choice or word formation.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (9.0): Uses a wide range of sentence forms with full flexibility and precision. There are no errors in grammar, punctuation, or spelling.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Contentious (adj.): Causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial.

• Example: The economic impact of tourism is a contentious issue.

1. Proponents (n.): A person who advocates for a cause or supports an idea.

• Example: Proponents of tourism highlight its numerous economic benefits.

1. Drawbacks (n.): A disadvantage or inconvenience.

• Example: Critics of tourism often cite its economic drawbacks.

1. Leakage (n.): The loss of money from an economy due to payments to foreign companies or individuals.

• Example: One notable concern is the phenomenon of leakage.

1. Exacerbate (v.): To make a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling worse.

• Example: Tourism can exacerbate income inequality.

1. Multifaceted (adj.): Having many different aspects or features.

• Example: The economic implications of tourism are multifaceted.

1. Overdevelopment (n.): The excessive or uncontrolled development of land or resources, often leading to environmental degradation.

• Example: Issues such as overdevelopment, pollution, and the loss of natural habitats pose long-term threats.

1. Ancillary (adj.): Providing necessary support to the primary activities or operations of an organization.

• Example: Tourism can drive innovation and diversification in local economies, fostering the growth of ancillary industries.

1. Nuanced (adj.): Characterized by subtle distinctions or variations in meaning, tone, or expression.

• Example: The economic impact of tourism is a complex issue that demands nuanced analysis.

1. Over-tourism (n.): The excessive number of tourists visiting a particular destination, leading to overcrowding and environmental degradation.

• Example: One pressing concern is the phenomenon of over-tourism.

1. Infrastructure (n.): The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, and power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.

• Example: The influx of tourists can strain local infrastructure and resources.

1. Disproportionate (adj.): Too large or too small in comparison with something else.

• Example: The economic benefits of tourism are often unevenly distributed, with a disproportionate share of revenue accruing to multinational corporations.

1. Accrue (v.): To accumulate or receive something over time.

• Example: A disproportionate share of revenue accrues to multinational corporations.

1. Marginalized (adj.): Treated as insignificant or peripheral.

• Example: Marginalized communities see little improvement in their economic circumstances.

1. Harness (v.): To control and use something, especially natural resources, to produce energy.

• Example: By doing so, they can harness the full potential of tourism as a driver of prosperity and development.

1. Prosperity (n.): The state of being successful and wealthy.

• Example: Tourism can be a driver of prosperity and development.

1. Preservation (n.): The action of keeping something in its original state or in good condition.

• Example: Governments and local communities must work together to develop tourism strategies that prioritize environmental protection and cultural preservation.

1. Equitable (adj.): Fair and impartial.

• Example: Tourism strategies that prioritize equitable economic growth.

Common Mistakes

1. Ignoring Task Requirements: Failing to address both sides of the argument or not providing a clear opinion. Always ensure you discuss both views and state your position clearly.

1. Weak Supporting Points: Providing vague or unsupported examples. Use specific, relevant, and well-developed examples to support your arguments.

1. Poor Vocabulary Choice: Using informal or inappropriate language. Aim for sophisticated, academic vocabulary that enhances your arguments.

1. Grammatical Errors: Making frequent grammatical mistakes that hinder understanding. Practice using a variety of sentence structures and ensure grammatical accuracy.

1. Lack of Cohesion: Failing to connect ideas logically. Use cohesive devices effectively to ensure a smooth flow of ideas throughout your response.

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