IELTS HUBIELTS Positive-Negative Essay on Travel & Culture & World
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Nowadays many people travel to foreign countries for pleasure. Some believe this travel has a negative impact on the countries traveled to.
To what extent Do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Introduce the trend of international leisure travel and the debate about its negative impact. State the author's opinion that the drawbacks for visited countries are greater.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Discuss the positive impacts of tourism (counter-arguments). Topic sentence: Tourism can enhance the economy and culture. Point 1: Economic benefits (income, development for local businesses). Point 2: Cultural exchange (enriching local culture, promoting unity).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Discuss the negative impacts of tourism (the author's main point). Topic sentence: Negative effects are more noticeable. Point 1: Environmental harm (littering, overuse of resources causing permanent damage). Point 2: Cultural loss (adapting to tourist tastes leading to loss of traditional ways and identity).
Conclusion
Summarize the points discussed (economic/cultural benefits vs. environmental/cultural negatives). Restate the opinion that the negatives represent a bigger burden for host countries. Add a final thought about responsible tourism.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
In today's world, more and more people are choosing to travel abroad for leisure. Although this trend has some benefits, I believe the drawbacks for the countries being visited are greater.
On the upside, tourism can greatly enhance the economy of the destination country. The arrival of tourists often means more income for local businesses, promoting economic development. Also, the cultural exchange that comes with these visitors is another key benefit. Tourists bring their own customs and traditions, enriching the local culture and promoting a sense of worldwide unity.
However, despite these advantages, the negative effects of tourism on the host countries are more noticeable. A major concern is the environmental harm that often comes with mass tourism. Tourist behaviors, like littering and overuse of natural resources, can cause permanent damage to the local environment. Also, the influx of tourists can lead to cultural loss. The need to adapt to the tourists' tastes may push local communities to leave their traditional ways, leading to a loss of cultural identity.
In summary, while tourism can drive economic growth and encourage cultural exchange, the negative effects on the environment and local culture make it a bigger burden for the host countries. Therefore, it's essential to encourage responsible tourism to lessen these negative impacts.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
In the current era, an increasing number of individuals are opting to explore foreign lands for recreational purposes. While this trend has its merits, I am of the opinion that the detriments to the visited countries outweigh the benefits.
On the positive side, tourism can significantly boost the economy of the host country. The influx of tourists often translates into increased revenue for local businesses, thereby stimulating economic growth. Furthermore, cultural exchange is another advantage that cannot be overlooked. Visitors bring with them their customs and traditions, enriching the local culture and fostering a sense of global unity.
However, despite these benefits, the negative impacts of tourism on the host countries are more pronounced. One of the primary concerns is the environmental degradation that often accompanies mass tourism. Tourist activities, such as littering and excessive use of natural resources, can lead to irreversible damage to the local environment. Additionally, the influx of tourists can lead to cultural erosion. The pressure to cater to the tastes and preferences of tourists may cause local communities to abandon their traditional practices, resulting in a loss of cultural identity.
In conclusion, while tourism can stimulate economic growth and promote cultural exchange, the negative impacts on the environment and local culture make it a heavier burden for the host countries. Therefore, it is crucial to promote responsible tourism to mitigate these adverse effects.