In many countries, international tourism has become an important source of income. However, it also has negative effects. Do the benefits of international tourism outweigh the disadvantages?

Tourism
is one of the most impactful smokeless industries in the past century
due to
the amount of money it is able to generate.
However
, as many regions have started to experience the negative impacts, their benefits and drawbacks are being weighed against each other. From my perspective,
tourism
has done more harm than good for a number of areas and
this
essay will discuss the reasons for that. It is first essential to acknowledge that
tourism
has done wonders for many economies by boosting revenue and creating jobs for the locals. Especially for numerous cities which are designed solely for
this
type of business,
tourism
is the only source of income for the people and can make or break their livelihood.
For example
, there have been cases of villages in Thailand and the Philippines being saved by the sheer influx of foreign travellers. Even in big capitals like Shanghai or Paris, the industry still generates millions of jobs for the citizens. The benefits of
tourism
are
therefore
undeniable.
However
, the industry
also
destroys the environment
due to
the waste that it produces. Every year, thousands of tons of carbon dioxide are being emitted into the atmosphere by aeroplanes
while
tons of rubbish are being disposed of by visitors. In the countryside, the lack of environmental awareness from the side of travellers has wreaked havoc on natural resources, causing soil erosion and water pollution.
Moreover
, immoral and unsustainable travelling practices
such
as trophy hunting put a strain on endangered species and throw our ecological systems off balance. To exemplify, many African countries have to prohibit safari
tourism
and hunting
due to
the critical situation of numerous wild animals. In conclusion,
tourism
is detrimental to the environment because of the sheer amount of waste and pollution it has created. The repercussions of
such
an impact are so great that they overshadow the economic gains that
this
industry has brought to countless regions.
Submitted by angelacalcaterra46 on

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task response
Your essay does address the task effectively, but your argument could be strengthened by providing more detailed examples and statistical evidence. Doing so would give more weight to your claims.
cohesion and coherence
While your ideas are generally clear, there are a few minor grammatical issues and awkward phrasings that could be smoothed out to improve readability. For example, 'The repercussions of such an impact are so great that they overshadow the economic gains that this industry has brought to countless regions.' could be revisited.
task achievement
You've provided a balanced view by discussing both the benefits and the drawbacks of international tourism, which demonstrates a good understanding of the topic.
coherence and cohesion
Both your introduction and conclusion effectively set up and summarize your argument, providing a clear framework for your essay.
coherence and cohesion
Your essay is logically organized and flows well from one point to the next, making it easy to follow your argument.
task achievement
The examples you used, such as those from Thailand, the Philippines, Shanghai, Paris, and Africa, are relevant and help illustrate your points.

Answer the 'Advantages and Disadvantages' topic

IELTS advantages and disadvantages questions normally give you a statement and ask you to comment on the advantages and disadvantages of that statement.

Answer structure for the type of essay

  • Introduction
  • Body paragraph 1 – advantages
  • Body paragraph 2 – disadvantages
  • Conclusion

Examples to start your body paragraph:

  • The main advantage is...
  • The disadvantage of this...
  • The main benefit...
  • Despite these advantages...
  • One possible drawback...

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Topic Vocabulary:
  • Revenue
  • Accommodation
  • Cultural exchange
  • Infrastructure
  • Pollution
  • Erosion
  • Overcrowding
  • Economic dependency
  • Global events
  • Sustainable tourism
  • Mutual understanding
  • Strain on natural resources
  • Foot traffic
  • Local traditions and customs
  • Cultural awareness
  • Vulnerable
  • Pandemics
  • Political instability
  • Residue
  • Host country
What to do next:
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