The topic of sustainable travel has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing regularly in recent examinations. Based on analysis of past papers and current trends, questions about environmentally conscious tourism and sustainable transportation are likely to remain significant. One particularly common question format explores the balance between tourism growth and environmental protection.
The effects of air travel on climate change has become a central concern in modern society, making this topic especially relevant for IELTS candidates.
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that the growth in tourism is having a negative impact on the environment. What are the causes of this problem and what measures can be taken to solve it?
This question requires candidates to:
- Analyze causes of environmental damage from tourism
- Propose solutions to address these issues
- Structure a clear argument with supporting examples
Environmental impact analysis of modern tourism practices
Band 8-9 Sample Essay
Tourism’s environmental impact has become increasingly concerning in recent years. This essay will examine the primary causes of this issue and suggest viable solutions.
The negative environmental effects of tourism stem from several key factors. Firstly, mass tourism leads to significant carbon emissions from transportation, particularly air travel. Environmental concerns of air travel show that a single long-haul flight can generate more CO2 than an average person produces in several months. Secondly, tourist destinations often suffer from overcrowding, leading to increased waste production and strain on local resources. For instance, popular beaches in Southeast Asia face severe degradation due to excessive visitor numbers and improper waste management.
Several measures can effectively address these environmental challenges. The most crucial step is implementing strict regulations on tourism development, including limiting visitor numbers at vulnerable sites and enforcing environmental protection standards. Additionally, importance of promoting sustainable tourism through eco-friendly practices such as using renewable energy in hotels and promoting public transportation can significantly reduce tourism’s environmental footprint. Furthermore, educating tourists about responsible travel practices and encouraging them to support local conservation efforts can create more sustainable tourism models.
Band 6-7 Sample Essay
These days, many people worry about how tourism affects the environment. This essay will discuss the main causes and some possible solutions to this problem.
There are several reasons why tourism can harm the environment. One main reason is that tourists use a lot of transportation, especially airplanes, which cause pollution. Also, when too many people visit famous places, they create lots of garbage and use too much water and electricity. For example, many beautiful beaches become dirty because of too many tourists.
I think there are some good ways to solve these problems. First, governments should make rules about how many tourists can visit important places. Second, hotels and tourist companies should use more environmentally friendly practices, like saving water and using solar power. Also, it’s important to teach tourists how to be more responsible when they travel.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8-9 Essay strengths:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization with cohesive devices
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Accurate grammar and punctuation
Band 6-7 Essay characteristics:
- Simple but clear language
- Basic organization
- Some examples provided
- Occasional errors but message remains clear
Key Vocabulary
- Sustainable (adj) /səˈsteɪnəbl/ – capable of being maintained without depleting resources
- Environmental degradation (n) /ɪnˌvaɪrənˈmentl ˌdeɡrəˈdeɪʃn/ – deterioration of the environment
- Eco-friendly (adj) /ˈiːkəʊ ˈfrendli/ – not harmful to the environment
- Conservation (n) /ˌkɒnsəˈveɪʃn/ – preservation and protection of the environment
- Renewable energy (n) /rɪˈnjuːəbl ˈenədʒi/ – energy from natural sources that are constantly replenished
Advanced Sentence Structures
- Complex causative: “Mass tourism has caused local ecosystems to deteriorate rapidly.”
- Parallel structure: “Not only does sustainable tourism protect the environment, but it also promotes local economies.”
- Cleft sentence: “It is the responsibility of both tourists and local authorities to ensure environmental protection.”
Consider practicing with this topic by writing your own essay in the comments section below. Remember to focus on clear organization, specific examples, and appropriate vocabulary use.
