IELTS HUBIELTS Agree Disagree Essay on Travel & Culture & World
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some believe that tourism does more to create tension between countries rather than helping individuals better understand other cultures.
To what extent Do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase the idea that tourism creates tension. State a strong disagreement with this view.
Body Paragraph 1 Argument 1 For Opinion
Topic sentence: Tourism encourages cultural exchange and understanding. Explanation/Example: Experiencing cultures breaks stereotypes (e.g., Japan tea ceremony).
Body Paragraph 2 Argument 2 For Opinion
Topic sentence: Tourism leads to economic interdependence. Explanation/Example: Tourist spending boosts economy, creates mutual interest in peace (e.g., India/Nepal).
Body Paragraph 3 Argument 3 For Opinion
Topic sentence: Tourism promotes environmental conservation. Explanation/Example: Economic benefits encourage preservation, fostering cooperation (e.g., African wildlife).
Conclusion
Summarize the key positive roles of tourism (cultural understanding, economic links, environmental conservation). Reiterate the strong belief that tourism acts as a link promoting cooperation, not tension.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
Many people think that tourism increases tension between different nations rather than promoting understanding. I strongly disagree with this view.
My first point is that tourism encourages cultural exchange, leading to better understanding between people. When people travel, they experience different cultures, traditions, and lifestyles, which can help break down stereotypes and misunderstandings. For example, a tourist who visits Japan might come back with a deep appreciation for the Japanese tea ceremony, thus gaining a better understanding of Japanese culture.
Secondly, tourism can lead to economic interdependence, which can decrease the chances of conflict. Tourists spend money on lodging, food, and local attractions, which boosts the economy of the host country. This economic link can create a mutual interest in maintaining peaceful relations. For instance, the economic advantages of tourism have helped keep peace between historically rival countries like India and Nepal.
Thirdly, tourism promotes environmental conservation, a common global issue that goes beyond national borders. When countries see the economic benefits of their natural resources, they are more likely to invest in preserving them. This mutual dedication to environmental conservation can encourage international cooperation, as seen in the collective efforts of African countries to protect endangered wildlife through sustainable tourism.
In conclusion, I strongly believe that tourism, instead of causing tension, plays a key role in enhancing cultural understanding, promoting economic interdependence, and supporting environmental conservation. Therefore, it acts as a link between nations, promoting dialogue and cooperation rather than conflict.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
It is a widely held belief that tourism, rather than fostering understanding among diverse cultures, exacerbates tension between nations. I wholeheartedly disagree with this perspective.
My first contention is that tourism promotes cultural exchange, which is a catalyst for mutual understanding. When individuals travel, they are exposed to different customs, traditions, and ways of life, which can help dispel stereotypes and misconceptions. For instance, a tourist visiting Japan may return home with a newfound appreciation for the Japanese tea ceremony, thereby fostering a more nuanced understanding of Japanese culture.
Secondly, tourism can serve as a conduit for economic interdependence, thereby reducing the likelihood of conflict. As tourists spend money on accommodation, food, and local attractions, they contribute to the economic prosperity of the host nation. This economic interdependence can create a vested interest in maintaining peaceful relations. For example, the economic benefits of tourism have helped to maintain peace between historically contentious neighbors, such as India and Nepal.
Thirdly, tourism encourages environmental conservation, which is a shared global concern that transcends national boundaries. As countries recognize the economic value of their natural assets, they are more likely to invest in their preservation. This shared commitment to environmental conservation can foster international cooperation, as seen in the joint efforts of African nations to protect the continent's endangered wildlife through sustainable tourism.
In conclusion, I firmly believe that tourism, rather than inciting tension, plays a pivotal role in promoting cultural understanding, fostering economic interdependence, and encouraging environmental conservation. Thus, it serves as a bridge between nations, facilitating dialogue and cooperation rather than discord.