In IELTS Writing Task 2, you are required to write at least 250 words within 40 minutes. This means you should aim to write around 60 to 70 words every 10 minutes to complete your essay on time.
Tourism essays are a common topic in International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Writing Task 2. This task asks you to discuss specific issues like tourism's economic benefits, environmental impact, cultural changes, and government involvement. It tests your ability to develop clear arguments, use examples, and organize your ideas logically.
Each year, over 4 million people take the IELTS, many hoping to study in the top universities in the US or the UK or settle in countries like Australia. To reach an IELTS band score of 7 or higher, strong essay skills are essential. This blog explains key tourism essay IELTS themes and shares tips to help improve your IELTS writing score.
Tourism Essay IELTS: An Overview
Writing a strong essay is crucial because the IELTS essay in Writing Task 2 makes up two-thirds (66%) of your IELTS writing score. A good IELTS score in an essay will be provided based on how well you address the question, organize your ideas, use vocabulary, and maintain clear grammar. Common essay types you may encounter in the tourism topic include:
Discussion essays: Explore different opinions on a topic and then share your own viewpoint.
Example:Some people think tourism helps the economy, while others believe it harms the environment. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Agree or disagree essays: Decide whether you agree or disagree with a statement and support your opinion with reasons.
Example:Tourism does more harm than good. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Advantages and disadvantages essays: Explain the positive and negative aspects of a situation or idea.
Example:What are the advantages and disadvantages of tourism for local communities?
Problem and solution essays: Identify one or more problems and suggest possible solutions.
Example:Overcrowding is a big issue in popular tourist destinations. What problems does this cause, and how can it be solved?
Two-part question essays: Answer two related questions within the same essay, addressing both clearly.
Example:Why do people travel for tourism? What problems can tourism cause, and how can these be prevented?
Before exploring the question samples, let's have a brief overview of the Tourism Essay in IELTS and what it should include.
Parameters
Details
Things to Include
Clear introduction
Balanced arguments
Relevant examples
Logical conclusion
Common Themes
Economic impact
Environmental effects
Cultural influence
Government policies
Common Vocabulary
Tourism industry
Sustainable tourism
Economic growth
Cultural heritage
Environmental degradation
Government regulation
Average Band Score
Band 7 or higher is needed for top universities and migration
After a brief overview of tourism essay IELTS patterns, let's look at some top samples to inspire your writing.
Tourism Essay IELTS: Top 5 Samples
The tourism essay is a key part of the IELTS syllabus, appearing in Writing Task 2 where test takers write one essay in 40 minutes. It covers topics like tourism’s effects on economies, environments, and cultures, requiring discussion of challenges, benefits, or differing viewpoints.
Argument-Based Essay: Discuss the pros and cons of tourism’s impact on the economy and culture, and give your opinion.
Opinion-Based Essay: Clearly state and support your view on a tourism-related issue.
Problem-Solution Essay: Identify problems caused by tourism and suggest ways to solve them.
Discussion Essay: Present both sides of a tourism-related argument and conclude with your own perspective.
Two-Part Questions: Explain why a tourism trend is happening and how it can be managed.
Advantages and Disadvantages Essay: Analyze the positive and negative effects of tourism as an economic strategy.
Cause and Solution Essay: Explore causes of tourism-related problems and propose solutions.
In this blog, you will explore the five most common types based on the IELTS exam pattern:
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Tourism Essay IELTS Sample 1: Advantages & Disadvantages Type
Question: Tourism is often seen as a major contributor to the economy of many countries. However, it can also lead to economic challenges. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of tourism on a country's economy and give your opinion.
Explanation: The question asks you to discuss both the positive and negative effects of tourism on a country's economy. You should explain the main advantages and disadvantages clearly, then give your own opinion on whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. Make sure to support your ideas with relevant examples.
Strategy: Structure your essay with one paragraph each for advantages, disadvantages, and a final one stating your opinion with examples.
Impact: Assesses your ability to weigh both sides of an argument and present a clear, reasoned stance.
Vocabulary: Include words like political stability, strategic management, hotspots, and economic drawbacks.
Here's an essay on tourism based on the advantages and disadvantages type:
Tourism is widely recognized as a key driver of economic growth in many nations. While it offers clear financial benefits, it can also create economic difficulties if not managed properly. This essay will explore the advantages and disadvantages of tourism on the economy and argue that, with careful planning, its benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
One major advantage of tourism is its ability to generate significant revenue. Tourist spending supports various sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and retail, which in turn boosts the overall economy. Additionally, tourism creates a wide range of jobs, from hotel staff to tour guides, which helps lower unemployment rates. The influx of foreign currency from international visitors also strengthens a country's balance of payments, contributing to economic stability.
On the other hand, tourism can sometimes have negative economic effects. For example, excessive reliance on tourism may make a country's economy vulnerable to global events like pandemics or political instability, which can suddenly reduce visitor numbers. Moreover, rising property prices in tourist hotspots can harm local residents by making housing less affordable. In some cases, profits generated by tourism might be unevenly distributed, benefiting only a small segment of the population while leaving others behind.
In my view, despite these disadvantages, tourism's economic advantages are significant when policies are put in place to address its challenges. Governments should focus on diversifying their economies to reduce dependence on tourism alone. Additionally, implementing regulations to protect local housing markets and ensuring fair distribution of tourism income can help maximize benefits for the broader community.
In conclusion, tourism plays a vital role in economic development, but also brings certain risks. With strategic management and fair policies, countries can enjoy the financial rewards of tourism while minimizing its economic drawbacks.
Tourism Essay IELTS Sample 2: Problems & Solutions Type
Question: Tourism can cause serious damage to natural environments and wildlife habitats. What are the main environmental problems caused by tourism? Suggest some effective solutions to these issues.
Explanation: This question requires you to identify key environmental problems linked to tourism, such as pollution or habitat loss. Then, you need to suggest practical solutions to reduce or prevent these problems. Be sure to explain both parts clearly and support your ideas with examples.
Strategy: Begin with environmental problems in one paragraph, followed by solutions in the next, using examples for both.
Impact: Tests your ability to identify real-world issues and propose realistic, well-explained solutions.
Vocabulary: Use terms like habitat, ecosystem, littering, ecosystem, and eco-friendly.
Below is an essay based on the problems and solutions type:
Tourism is an important source of income for many countries, but it often harms natural environments and wildlife. This essay will discuss the main environmental problems caused by tourism and propose solutions to address these issues.
One major problem is pollution, which includes littering and increased waste in natural areas. Popular tourist destinations often struggle to manage the volume of garbage, which can damage ecosystems and harm animals. Another issue is habitat destruction. Building hotels, roads, and other infrastructure to support tourists frequently leads to the loss of forests, wetlands, and other habitats critical for wildlife. Additionally, excessive tourist activity can disturb animals and disrupt their natural behaviors.
To reduce these environmental impacts, governments and tourism operators must take proactive steps. First, stricter regulations on waste disposal and increased awareness campaigns can encourage tourists to behave responsibly. For example, providing more recycling bins and banning single-use plastics can make a difference. Second, limiting the number of visitors in sensitive areas can help protect fragile ecosystems. Introducing permits or timed entry systems can control crowd size. Finally, promoting eco-friendly tourism, such as guided nature tours with strict codes of conduct, can balance tourism with conservation efforts.
In conclusion, tourism poses significant risks to the environment and wildlife, but these problems can be mitigated through effective management and education. With responsible practices, it is possible to enjoy tourism while preserving natural habitats for future generations.
Question: While tourism can help preserve local traditions, it may also lead to the commercialization and loss of authentic culture. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Explanation: This question asks you to present the arguments for and against tourism’s impact on local cultures. You should explain how tourism can benefit cultural preservation while also discussing the problems it may cause. Finally, clearly state your own opinion with supporting reasons.
Strategy: Discuss one view in paragraph one, the opposing view in paragraph two, then share your opinion with reasons in the third.
Impact: Evaluates your ability to present balanced arguments and express a clear, justified opinion.
Vocabulary: Use phrases like cultural heritage, personal viewpoint, sustainable tourism, and negative consequences.
Let's have a look at the tourism essay based on the discussion type:
Tourism is often seen as a double-edged sword when it comes to local communities and their cultures. While it can bring economic and cultural benefits, it may also lead to negative consequences. This essay will discuss both perspectives before offering a personal viewpoint.
Supporters of tourism argue that it helps preserve cultural heritage. Tourist interest often encourages communities to maintain traditional festivals, arts, and customs that might otherwise fade away. Furthermore, tourism can provide financial resources to restore historical sites and promote cultural education. By attracting international visitors, tourism also fosters cross-cultural understanding and respect.
On the other hand, critics claim that tourism can harm local cultures by turning them into commercial products. When traditions are adapted or staged solely for tourists, they risk losing their authenticity. Additionally, the influx of visitors can disrupt community life and lead to cultural dilution. Over time, local values may be overshadowed by the demands and expectations of tourists.
If managed responsibly, tourism's positive effects on culture outweigh its negatives. Governments and communities must work together to protect cultural integrity while welcoming visitors. Sustainable tourism practices can help achieve this balance.
In conclusion, tourism impacts local cultures both positively and negatively. Through careful planning and respect for traditions, tourism can become a force for cultural preservation rather than erosion.
Tourism Essay IELTS Sample 4: Agree or Disagree Type
Question: Economic development through tourism often conflicts with conservation efforts, but some believe these two goals can be balanced effectively. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Explanation: This question asks you to express your opinion on whether tourism-driven economic growth and conservation goals can coexist. You should discuss the challenges of balancing these priorities and provide examples or arguments to support your view.
Strategy: Clearly state your position in the introduction, support it with 2–3 strong arguments, and address the opposing view briefly if needed.
Impact: Tests your ability to take a clear stance and defend it with logical, well-structured reasoning.
Vocabulary: Use terms like living standards, community engagement, sustainable tourism, biodiversity, and cultural landmark.
Now, let's explore the agree and disagree type of essay on tourism:
Tourism plays a significant role in boosting the economy of many countries by creating jobs, generating revenue, and encouraging infrastructure development. However, there is often a perceived conflict between the pursuit of economic growth through tourism and the need to conserve natural and cultural resources. While some believe that these goals are mutually exclusive, I strongly agree that with thoughtful planning and policies, tourism development and conservation can coexist successfully.
Economic growth from tourism is vital, especially for developing regions that depend on tourist spending to improve living standards. The industry supports many sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and local crafts, providing income and employment opportunities. Without tourism, some communities would struggle to fund essential services or protect their heritage. However, rapid or poorly managed tourism development can strain local ecosystems and cultural sites, leading to degradation and loss.
Despite these challenges, many countries have found ways to balance economic and conservation goals. Implementing sustainable tourism practices, such as restricting visitor numbers in sensitive areas, enforcing environmental regulations, and promoting eco-friendly accommodations, helps protect resources while still allowing for growth. For example, national parks often use permit systems to control tourist flow, preserving biodiversity and cultural landmarks. Additionally, involving local communities in tourism planning ensures that economic benefits support conservation efforts and respect cultural values.
In conclusion, economic development and conservation do not have to be at odds with tourism. With effective governance, responsible business practices, and community engagement, it is possible to foster tourism that supports both economic prosperity and the preservation of valuable natural and cultural assets.
IELTS Writing Task: Essay on Tourism Bonus: Two-Part Question Type
Question: How has technology changed the way people plan and experience tourism? What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of relying on technology in the tourism industry?
Explanation: This question has two parts. First, explain how technology has transformed tourism planning and experiences. Then, discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of this technological dependence in tourism. Support your points with examples and clear reasoning.
Strategy: Answer each question in a separate paragraph, ensuring both parts are fully explained with examples.
Impact: Tests your ability to address multiple aspects of a topic with clarity and depth.
Vocabulary: Use words like online booking, virtual reality, tech-savvy, unbiased, digital tools, and authentic.
Here's an essay on tourism based on the two-part question type:
Technology has revolutionized the tourism industry by changing how travelers plan their trips and how they experience destinations. From online booking platforms to virtual reality tours, technology offers unprecedented convenience and accessibility. However, while these innovations bring many benefits, they also present certain challenges that cannot be overlooked.
One of the most significant changes technology has introduced is the ease of planning travel. Online booking websites and mobile apps allow users to compare prices, read reviews, and make reservations instantly from anywhere in the world. This has made tourism more accessible to a broader audience and increased competition among service providers, often resulting in better prices and options for travelers. Additionally, virtual reality (VR) tours provide an immersive preview of destinations, helping travelers make informed choices and inspiring interest in lesser-known locations.
Despite these advantages, there are drawbacks to relying heavily on technology in tourism. For example, the overuse of online reviews can sometimes mislead travelers, as not all feedback is genuine or unbiased. Furthermore, VR tours, while engaging, cannot fully replace real experiences, potentially reducing the incentive to visit places physically. Another concern is that technology can widen the gap between tech-savvy travelers and those less comfortable with digital tools, creating inequality in access to tourism opportunities.
In conclusion, technology has profoundly reshaped the tourism industry by simplifying trip planning and enhancing the experience through tools like online bookings and virtual tours. While these advancements offer clear benefits, it is important to recognize and address their limitations to ensure tourism remains inclusive and authentic.
The above samples, based on IELTS Writing Task 2 topics, can guide you on structuring essays and writing impactful answers. Now, let's explore common vocabulary you can use in your essay.
Vocabulary List for Tourism Essay IELTS
IELTS expects about 10–15% of your vocabulary to be advanced or less common words to make a strong impression. Using precise and varied vocabulary can increase your IELTS band score by up to 1 band.
Below are some common vocabulary words to enhance the quality of IELTS writing task: Essay on tourism:
Term
Meaning
Contextual Usage
Sustainable
Able to be maintained over the long term without harm
With an understanding of common vocabulary for the “IELTS Writing Task 2: Essay on Tourism,” let's examine some common mistakes that can affect your scores.
Common Mistakes in IELTS Writing Task: Essay on Tourism
IELTS evaluators expect essays to be error-free, which means your writing should be both grammatically correct and well-structured. Research shows that frequent grammatical errors, such as subject-verbagreement mistakes, can reduce your Writing band score by up to 0.5 points.
This can push your overall score below 7.0, which can impact your admission to top universities like Harvard, Stanford or Oxford.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid while preparing for the IELTS writing task: essay on tourism.
Avoid Using Contractions in IELTS Essays Contractions like “don’t” or “can’t” make your writing sound informal and reduce its academic tone, which IELTS examiners may flag. Example: Use “do not” instead of “don't.”
Limit Personal Pronouns Like I, Me, My Using too many personal pronouns makes your essay subjective and less formal, which is not suitable for IELTS academic writing. Example: Instead of “I think tourism is good,” write “Tourism provides several benefits.”
Steer Clear of Emotive Language Words with strong emotional meanings, such as “disgusting” or “fantastic,” can weaken the objective tone required for IELTS essays. Example: Replace “disgusting” with “harmful” when describing pollution.
Avoid Personal Examples Relying solely on personal experiences limits the strength of your argument and may not convince the examiner. Example: Support points with facts or general examples, not just “In my experience...”
Avoid Colloquial Expressions Informal phrases or slang reduce the professionalism of your writing and can negatively affect your score. Example: Replace “a lot of” with "many” or “numerous.”
Use Varied and Precise Vocabulary Instead of Simple Words Repeated use of simple words like “big” or “good” shows limited vocabulary. Using precise and varied words improves your lexical resource score. Example: Use "significant" instead of "big."
Prevent Excessive Repetition of Vocabulary Repeating the same words too often can make your essay boring and show a lack of vocabulary range. Example: Use synonyms or pronouns to avoid repeating "tourism" too often.
Incorporate Complex Sentence Structures Using only simple sentences makes your writing less fluent and limits your grammatical range score. Example: Combine ideas with conjunctions: "Although tourism boosts the economy, it can harm the environment."
While removing mistakes can improve quality, following best practices can enhance your overall writing and increase your score. Let's explore some tips you can adopt.
Tips to Score Band 7 and Above in Tourism Essay IELTS
Effective structuring can reduce planning time by up to 10 minutes, letting you focus more on grammar accuracy and idea development within the exam's time limits.
Similarly, using diverse vocabulary and varied examples can improve the flow of your essay by as much as 20%, increasing your chances of improving your IELTS writing task 2 score.
Below are targeted tips to help you boost your score in the Tourism Essay for IELTS.
Structuring A well-structured essay guides the reader clearly through your ideas. Begin with a clear introduction, followed by logically ordered body paragraphs, and finish with a concise conclusion.
Example: Start with an introduction that outlines the topic, then dedicate separate paragraphs to advantages and disadvantages, and end with a summary of your opinion.
Coherence Coherence ensures your writing flows smoothly, making it easy to follow your argument. Use linking words and phrases like "however" and "for example.”
Example: “Tourism generates income; however, it can also cause environmental harm.”
Whole Words Over Abbreviations Avoid abbreviations and contractions in IELTS essays to maintain formality and clarity. Writing out full words shows professionalism.
Example: Use “do not” instead of “don’t” and “cannot” instead of “can’t.”
Limited Personal Pronouns Excessive use of “I,” “me,” or “my” makes your writing informal and subjective. Instead, write in a neutral tone by focusing on facts or general statements.
Example: Replace “I believe tourism is beneficial” with “Tourism offers several benefits.”
Neutral Language Using neutral, objective language helps avoid emotional bias and keeps your essay academic.
Example: Say “the environmental impact can be significant” rather than “the environment is completely destroyed.”
Diverse Examples Support your points with a variety of examples, including facts, statistics, and real-world cases, not just personal anecdotes.
Example: Cite how tourism boosts local economies in different countries, rather than only personal travel experiences.
Expanded Vocabulary Using a wide range of vocabulary enhances your lexical resource score. Incorporate synonyms and topic-specific words to express ideas clearly.
Example: Use “economic growth,” “financial benefits,” or “revenue generation” instead of repeatedly saying “money.”
Nuanced Arguments Presenting balanced and nuanced viewpoints demonstrates critical thinking. Acknowledge complexities and avoid oversimplified statements.
Example: Instead of saying “Tourism is good or bad,” explain how it can bring economic benefits while also posing environmental challenges.
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How do I keep my essay coherent when comparing different countries?
To keep your essay coherent, focus each paragraph on a specific point of comparison. Use linking phrases like “in contrast” or “similarly” to clearly show relationships between countries. For example, you can write, “Country A benefits economically from tourism, whereas Country B faces cultural challenges due to mass tourism.”
What is the best way to clearly state my opinion on tourism’s impact?
State your opinion clearly in the introduction and say it in the conclusion to reinforce your viewpoint. Use phrases like “I believe” or “It is clear that” to signal your stance. Support your opinion with specific reasons and examples throughout the essay to make it convincing.
To what extent should I use formal language versus simpler expressions?
You should aim for a formal tone that fits academic writing, avoiding slang and contractions. However, it’s better to use simple, clear words correctly than complicated words incorrectly. For example, saying “significant” instead of “big” shows good vocabulary without risking mistakes.
How can I avoid repeating ideas about economic and cultural impacts?
Plan your essay so that each paragraph covers a unique aspect, such as one on economic benefits and another on cultural effects. For instance, instead of repeating “economic growth,” you might say “financial development” or “increased income.”
How can I effectively handle complex topics that I'm less familiar with?
Break down the topic into smaller parts and focus on what you understand well. Use general examples or facts that apply broadly, rather than trying to cover everything. For example, if you’re unsure about a specific country's tourism issues, discuss common problems like pollution or overcrowding.
What useful vocabulary helps explain causes and effects in tourism essays?
Words and phrases like “due to,” “as a result,” “leads to,” and “consequently” clearly show cause and effect. Using these helps connect your ideas smoothly. For example, “Increased tourism leads to higher income for local businesses” clearly links cause and effect.
How can I manage my time to complete the essay within 40 minutes?
Spend about 5-7 minutes planning your ideas and essay structure, 30 minutes writing, and the last 3-5 minutes reviewing your work for mistakes. Practicing under timed conditions will help you get comfortable with this pacing.
Which examples work well to show environmental effects of tourism?
Use examples like pollution from increased flights, damage to coral reefs from snorkeling, or deforestation to build resorts. These specific cases help illustrate the environmental impact clearly, making your essay more convincing.
How can I effectively analyze the essay prompt to understand what is being asked?
Identify key words that tell you what to do, such as “discuss,” “compare,” or “give your opinion.” Also, note the topic and any specific points mentioned. This will help you stay focused and answer fully.
How important is using a variety of sentence structures for scoring well?
Using a mix of simple and complex sentences shows your grammatical skill and makes your writing more interesting. For example, combining sentences with “although” or “however” demonstrates variety and control.
What are common grammar mistakes to avoid in Task 2 essays?
Common mistakes while writing an essay include subject-verb agreement errors, incorrect article usage, and run-on sentences. Proofreading your essay carefully can help catch these mistakes before submitting.
Sunita Kadian, co-founder and Academic Head at Yuno Learning is an expert in IELTS and English communication. With a background in competitive exam preparation (IELTS, GMAT, CAT, TOEFL), interview pre...
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