In the Academic IELTS Writing section, tourism-related essay topics often explore the impact of tourism on economies, cultures, and the environment. Common subtopics may include: the benefits and drawbacks of mass tourism, sustainable tourism practices and the effect of tourism on local cultures, the role of tourism in economic development, the environmental impact of tourism, and the influence of social media on travel trends.
Find useful IELTS vocabulary on tourism here.
Use Benchmark IELTS Writing Correction service to write error-free IELTS Essays, Letters & Reports.
Task 1
Today tourism is one of the world’s biggest industries and many poorer countries are spending more and more on tourism for their economy. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of having a large number of tourists visiting a country? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Step 1 – Understand the Question:
Identify the focus: advantages and disadvantages of a high volume of tourism in a country.
Step 2 – Brainstorm Ideas:
Think of economic, cultural, and environmental effects — both good and bad.
Step 3 – Structure Body Paragraphs:
| Advantages of Tourism | Disadvantages of Tourism |
|---|
• Exposure to diverse cultures for tourists
• Promotes cultural heritage and local crafts
• Boosts economic growth and job creation
• Improves living standards in developing countries | • Environmental damage (e.g., pollution, harm to natural landscapes)
• Host community discontent due to careless tourist behavior
• Inflation of local prices, affecting residents during peak seasons
• Tarnished country image may reduce future tourism |
Step 4 – Stay Balanced & Specific:
Use real or imagined examples and keep tone formal and objective.
Model Answer
Tourism continues to play an integral role in the economies of numerous countries. While the influx of tourists presents several advantages, it also brings a range of challenges to host nations. This essay will discuss both aspects.
Tourism undoubtedly brings numerous benefits to both the countries that are visited and the tourists themselves. Firstly, foreign visitors gain invaluable exposure to diverse cultures, allowing them to appreciate the rich tapestry of ethnicities and perspectives that exist globally. At the same time, host countries capitalize on this opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage, which, in turn, stimulates economic growth through the sale of artisanal products such as handmade crafts, carpets, and pottery. An increase in tourist numbers also leads to the creation of additional jobs and a rise in income levels, enabling economically disadvantaged nations to foster development and improve living standards.
However, this phenomenon is not without its drawbacks. Some tourists neglect their surroundings, resulting in damage to natural landscapes and pollution of oceans. This environmental degradation can lead to disillusionment among local communities, who may become less inclined to warmly welcome visitors. Not only does this tarnish the image of the country, but it may also deter potential travelers from considering these destinations. Additionally, as the number of tourists rises, local residents often respond by inflating prices, particularly during peak seasons, which can adversely affect the financial well-being of the local populace who are also forced to pay high prices.
In conclusion, while tourism has become an indispensable component of many countries’ economies, it is essential to recognize that it can yield both positive and negative outcomes for the host nations and their visitors.
- Introduction
- Clarity: Yes – the topic is introduced clearly and directly.
- Thesis: Yes – the essay clearly states that both pros and cons will be discussed.
Body Paragraphs
- Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):
- Advantages:
- Cultural exposure
- Economic boost (crafts, job creation)
- Improved living standards
- Disadvantages:
- Environmental damage
- Local resentment
- Inflation affecting residents
- Coherence:
- Both sides well-developed
- Clear paragraphing and transitions
- Logical flow throughout
Conclusion
- Summary:
- Effectively summarizes both sides
- Balanced, with no extreme opinion
Vocabulary & Grammar
- High-Level Vocabulary:
- Integral – essential
- Invaluable – extremely useful
- Degradation – decline/damage
- Disillusionment – disappointment
- Artisanal – handmade, traditional
- Academic Phrases:
- “This essay will discuss…”
- “In turn, stimulates economic growth…”
- “It is essential to recognize that…”
- Complex Sentences:
- “Not only does this tarnish the image of the country, but it may also deter potential travellers…”
- “…host countries capitalize on this opportunity to showcase their cultural heritage, which, in turn, stimulates economic growth…”
Task 2
Due to the low cost of flights, many people are choosing to holiday abroad rather than have holidays in their own country. What are the advantages and disadvantages to this?
Understand the Task: Identify the topic (low-cost flights ? more people holidaying abroad) and recognize it asks for both advantages and disadvantages.
Plan Paragraphs:
| Advantages of International Travel | Disadvantages of International Travel |
|---|
• Exposure to diverse cultures and traditions
• Broader worldview and enhanced understanding
• More affordable due to reduced airfare
• Mental refreshment for working adults | • Can be financially burdensome for families with limited budgets
• Disruption to children’s academic schedules during exam periods
• Reduced time with extended family, especially elderly relatives
• Weakening of family bonds due to prolonged absences |
Stay Balanced: Give equal weight to both sides and use examples where relevant.
Conclude Clearly: Summarize both sides and suggest careful consideration when planning holidays.
Model Answer
In recent times, an increasing number of individuals are opting to travel abroad for their holidays rather than spending their leisure time within their own countries. This growing trend has sparked mixed opinions, with many acknowledging that there are both significant advantages and disadvantages to this phenomenon.
Proponents of international travel argue that venturing abroad can offer families a multitude of benefits. By immersing themselves in diverse cultures, traditions, and religions, travelers can broaden their perspectives and enhance their understanding of the world. The reduction in airfare costs has made it feasible for less affluent families to afford vacations in foreign countries, providing them with memorable experiences that may otherwise be unattainable. For working adults, such trips can serve as a much-needed respite from the rigors of their professional lives, allowing them to return to work refreshed and energized.
However, there are several drawbacks to consider. From a financial perspective, embarking on an overseas journey may not be a prudent choice for families operating on tight budgets, as a single international trip can impact their savings. Additionally, for children, the academic implications of traveling abroad can be significant; lengthy holidays may disrupt their study schedules, particularly when exams are imminent. Furthermore, it is essential for family members to maintain connections with older relatives who may reside in remote areas and are often unable to travel. Spending quality time with these family members during extended breaks is crucial, as it fosters familial bonds that can be weakened by prolonged absences.
In conclusion, while international holidays offer cultural exposure and relaxation, they can also pose financial and familial challenges. Families should weigh these factors carefully to ensure their travel choices align with their needs and priorities.
Essay Question: Due to the low cost of flights, many people are choosing to holiday abroad rather than have holidays in their own country. What are the advantages and disadvantages to this?
- Introduction
- Clarity: Clear introduction of the topic; mentions the growing trend of traveling abroad.
- Thesis: Effectively states that both advantages and disadvantages will be discussed.
Body Paragraphs
- Main Ideas (Pros/Cons):
- Pros: Cultural exposure, affordable vacations for low-income families, and mental refreshment for working adults.
- Cons: Financial strain, disruption to children’s studies, and lack of time with elderly relatives.
- Coherence: Balanced coverage of both sides; smooth transitions between pros and cons; well-organized.
Conclusion
- Summary: Concisely restates the main ideas (cultural benefits, financial challenges) and reinforces the need for families to carefully evaluate their choices.
Vocabulary & Grammar
- High-Level Vocabulary:
- Immersing: Engaging deeply in another culture.
- Feasible: Possible or practical to do.
- Prudent: Wise, showing good judgment.
- Familial: Related to family.
- Academic Phrases:
- “It is essential for…”
- “From a financial perspective…”
- Complex Sentences:
- “The reduction in airfare costs has made it feasible for less affluent families to afford vacations in foreign countries.”
- “Spending quality time with these family members during extended breaks is crucial, as it fosters familial bonds that can be weakened by prolonged absences.”
