IELTS Writing Task 2 Tourism Economy: Positive Negative Band 6/7/8/9 Model Answers

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The Prompt

Topic: Some people believe tourism brings economic benefits to a country, while others argue it causes environmental damage. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Model Answers

Band 6.0 Answer

Some people think tourism is good for economy. Others say it harms nature. I will discuss both sides.

First, tourism brings money. When people travel, they spend on hotels, food, and souvenirs. This creates jobs in these industries. For example, Thailand earns much from tourists. Many people work in tourism there.

However, tourism damages the environment. Many tourists leave trash. They also use too much water and electricity. In some places, buildings are built for tourists, which harms nature. For example, coral reefs in the Maldives are damaged by too many tourists.

In my opinion, tourism is generally good. The money it brings helps the economy. But governments should protect nature at the same time. They can make rules to reduce pollution and protect natural places.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 5 (Presents a position but with limited development)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 5 (Uses basic linking words but with some unclear references)
• Lexical Resource: Band 6 (Uses some less common vocabulary but with some repetition and errors)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 6 (Uses simple and some complex sentences but with frequent errors)

Band 7.0 Answer

The economic benefits of tourism are often highlighted, yet its environmental impacts cannot be ignored. This essay will examine both perspectives.

On one hand, tourism contributes significantly to economic growth. It generates revenue through accommodation, dining, and transportation services. Countries like Spain and France, known for their tourism sectors, have seen considerable economic benefits. Moreover, tourism creates employment opportunities, from hotel staff to tour guides, supporting local communities.

On the other hand, the environmental consequences of tourism are concerning. Increased tourist activity leads to pollution, deforestation, and habitat destruction. For instance, popular destinations such as Bali and the Great Barrier Reef face severe environmental degradation due to over-tourism. Additionally, the construction of tourist infrastructure often disrupts natural ecosystems.

Personally, I believe that while tourism provides economic advantages, it is crucial to implement sustainable practices. Governments should enforce regulations to minimize environmental harm, such as limiting tourist numbers and promoting eco-friendly tourism.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 7 (Presents a clear position with some extended and supported ideas)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 7 (Uses a mix of simple and complex cohesive devices effectively)
• Lexical Resource: Band 7 (Uses a mix of appropriate and less accurate vocabulary)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7 (Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors)

Band 8.0 Answer

The debate surrounding tourism's economic benefits versus its environmental impact is a contentious one. This essay will explore both viewpoints and present a balanced conclusion.

Proponents of tourism argue that it stimulates economic growth. It fosters the development of infrastructure, creates jobs, and attracts foreign investments. For example, countries like the Maldives and Dubai have transformed their economies through tourism. Additionally, tourism promotes cultural exchange and understanding, enhancing global harmony.

Conversely, opponents highlight the environmental degradation caused by tourism. Mass tourism leads to pollution, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity. The construction of hotels and resorts often results in deforestation and habitat destruction. For instance, the construction of resorts in Thailand has led to the destruction of mangrove forests, which are crucial for coastal protection.

In my view, the economic benefits of tourism outweigh its environmental costs, provided that sustainable practices are implemented. Governments should invest in eco-friendly infrastructure and promote responsible tourism to mitigate environmental harm.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 8 (Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported arguments)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 8 (Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression of ideas)
• Lexical Resource: Band 8 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with some less common lexical items)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 8 (Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with some errors)

Band 9.0 Answer

The economic advantages of tourism have been widely acknowledged, but its environmental repercussions are equally significant. This essay will delve into both perspectives and offer a nuanced conclusion.

Advocates of tourism contend that it bolsters economic development. It spurs the growth of ancillary industries, generates employment, and facilitates cultural exchange. For instance, Italy's tourism sector has significantly contributed to its economic prosperity. Moreover, tourism promotes international cooperation and understanding, fostering global harmony.

Conversely, detractors emphasize the environmental degradation caused by tourism. Uncontrolled tourist activity leads to pollution, habitat destruction, and resource depletion. For example, the construction of resorts in the Caribbean has resulted in the destruction of coral reefs, which are vital for marine ecosystems. Additionally, the carbon footprint of international travel exacerbates climate change.

In my opinion, while tourism offers substantial economic benefits, it is imperative to adopt sustainable practices. Governments should enforce stringent environmental regulations, promote eco-tourism, and invest in renewable energy sources to mitigate the environmental impact of tourism.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response: Band 9 (Presents a clear position with fully extended and supported arguments, using a mix of overtly stated and subtly suggested opinions)
• Coherence and Cohesion: Band 9 (Uses cohesive devices effectively with a clear progression of ideas and a strong logical flow)
• Lexical Resource: Band 9 (Uses a wide range of vocabulary with considerable flexibility and precision)
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 9 (Uses a wide range of complex sentence forms with rare errors)

Key Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 Tourism Economy Essay

1. Economic growth - The increase in the production of goods and services in an economy.

• *Collocation: Sustainable economic growth, robust economic growth

1. Environmental impact - The effects that human activities have on the natural world.

• *Collocation: Minimize environmental impact, assess environmental impact

1. Ancillary industries - Supporting industries that provide goods and services to the main industry.

• *Collocation: Boost ancillary industries, growth of ancillary industries

1. Cultural exchange - The sharing of ideas, values, and traditions between different cultures.

• *Collocation: Promote cultural exchange, enriching cultural exchange

1. Habitat destruction - The process by which natural habitats are destroyed or rendered uninhabitable.

• *Collocation: Mitigate habitat destruction, prevent habitat destruction

1. Resource depletion - The exhaustion of natural resources due to overexploitation.

• *Collocation: Address resource depletion, combat resource depletion

1. Eco-tourism - A form of tourism that emphasizes environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.

• *Collocation: Promote eco-tourism, support eco-tourism

1. Carbon footprint - The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities.

• *Collocation: Reduce carbon footprint, minimize carbon footprint

1. Infrastructure - The basic physical and organizational structures needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.

• *Collocation: Develop infrastructure, invest in infrastructure

1. Sustainable practices - Methods of operation that do not deplete resources or cause environmental harm.

• *Collocation: Adopt sustainable practices, promote sustainable practices

1. Ancillary industries - Supporting industries that provide goods and services to the main industry.

• *Collocation: Boost ancillary industries, growth of ancillary industries

1. Deforestation - The action of clearing large areas of forest, typically for agricultural or industrial use.

• *Collocation: Combat deforestation, prevent deforestation

1. Biodiversity - The variety of life at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels.

• *Collocation: Preserve biodiversity, protect biodiversity

1. Cohesive devices - Words or phrases that link ideas and sentences together, making the text easier to follow.

• *Collocation: Use cohesive devices, effective cohesive devices

1. Lexical items - Words or phrases that are specific to a particular topic or subject area.

• *Collocation: Use lexical items, appropriate lexical items

Common Mistakes in IELTS Writing Task 2 Tourism Economy Essays

1. Lack of Clear Position: Many students fail to present a clear position on the topic, leading to a lower Task Response score.

1. Overgeneralization: Students often make broad statements without providing specific examples or evidence.

1. Poor Vocabulary Use: Using repetitive or inaccurate vocabulary can lower the Lexical Resource score.

1. Grammatical Errors: Frequent grammatical mistakes can detract from the overall quality of the essay.

1. Lack of Cohesion: Poor use of cohesive devices can make the essay difficult to follow and lower the Coherence and Cohesion score.

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