IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays: Community-Driven Tourism with Detailed Analysis (Band 6-9)

The topic of community-driven tourism has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams, particularly since 2019. Based on analysis of past exam papers and expert predictions, this theme appears approximately once every four months, often in combination with economic development, environmental protection, or cultural preservation aspects.

Analysis of Question Types

Recent IELTS exams have featured this topic in various formats, most commonly as discussion or advantage/disadvantage essays. Let’s examine one frequently appearing question type:

Some people believe that tourism should benefit local communities directly rather than being controlled by international companies. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?

Question Analysis

• Topic: Community-driven vs. corporate tourism
• Task: Agree/Disagree essay
• Key points to address:
  • Economic impact on local communities
  • Quality of tourism services
  • Environmental and cultural preservation
  • Sustainable development

Local community members selling traditional crafts to tourists in asian market

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)

Tourism development should fundamentally serve local communities rather than being dominated by international corporations. I strongly agree with this viewpoint and will explain my position through several key arguments.

First and foremost, community-driven tourism creates direct economic benefits for local residents. When local people manage tourism activities, the revenue flows directly into the community rather than being extracted by external corporations. For instance, in traditional villages of Northern Thailand, where locals operate homestays and cultural tours, the income generated helps sustain traditional livelihoods and improve living standards within the community.

Moreover, local management of tourism ensures authentic cultural experiences. Communities have intimate knowledge of their traditions, customs, and heritage sites, allowing them to present these elements more genuinely than commercial tour operators. The success of community-based tourism in Bali, Indonesia, demonstrates how local control helps preserve cultural integrity while providing meaningful experiences for visitors.

Additionally, community-controlled tourism promotes environmental sustainability. Local residents, having a vested interest in their environment’s long-term health, typically implement more sustainable practices. For example, indigenous communities in Peru’s Sacred Valley have developed eco-friendly trekking routes that minimize environmental impact while maximizing visitor experience.

However, it’s important to acknowledge that international companies can contribute expertise in marketing and professional management. The ideal approach might be a balanced partnership where communities maintain primary control while benefiting from corporate expertise in specific areas.

In conclusion, community-driven tourism offers superior benefits in terms of economic fairness, cultural authenticity, and environmental protection. While international companies can play a supporting role, the primary control and benefits should remain with local communities.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)

I agree that tourism should help local communities more than big companies. This essay will discuss why this is important and give some examples.

The main reason is that local people need money from tourism. When international companies control tourism, they take most of the money. But when local people manage tourism, they can earn more money. For example, in my country, villages that run their own tourist activities make more money than those working for big companies.

Also, local people know more about their culture. They can show tourists real traditions and customs better than foreign companies. Tourists can learn more about local life when they stay with local people. This helps them understand the culture better.

Another point is that local people care more about protecting nature. They live there, so they want to keep their environment clean and safe. Big companies sometimes don’t care about environmental damage because they don’t live in these places.

But there are some problems too. Local people might not know how to advertise well or manage big groups of tourists. They might need help from bigger companies sometimes.

In conclusion, I think tourism should mostly benefit local communities because it helps the economy, culture, and environment. However, some help from big companies can be useful too.

Vocabulary Analysis

1. community-driven (adj) /kəˈmjuːnəti ˈdrɪvən/ – managed or controlled by local people
2. authenticity (n) /ɔːθenˈtɪsəti/ – the quality of being genuine or real
3. indigenous (adj) /ɪnˈdɪdʒɪnəs/ – originating naturally in a place
4. sustainability (n) /səˌsteɪnəˈbɪləti/ – ability to maintain at a certain level without depleting resources
5. vested interest (n) /ˈvestɪd ˈɪntrəst/ – personal stake in something

Consider practicing with these similar topics:

• The role of eco-tourism in preserving local cultures
• Balancing tourism development with environmental protection
• The impact of mass tourism on local communities

Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.