Band 7.5 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.5 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-09-01

IELTS Writing Task 2 question

Tourism is one of the fastest growing industries and contributes a great deal to economies around the world. However, the damage tourism can cause to local cultures and the environment is often ignored.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

Student answer (Band 7.5)

Tourism has become one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide and makes a significant contribution to many national economies. However, it is often argued that the negative effects of tourism on local cultures and the environment are overlooked. I largely agree with this view because uncontrolled tourism can damage natural resources and gradually weaken traditional cultures.

One major problem associated with tourism is its impact on the environment. Large numbers of tourists can generate enormous amounts of waste, consume excessive amounts of water and contribute to air pollution through increased transportation. In popular destinations, hotels and resorts are sometimes built in environmentally sensitive areas, resulting in deforestation and the destruction of wildlife habitats. For example, coastal areas that attract thousands of tourists may suffer from plastic pollution and damage to coral reefs. If these problems are not properly managed, the natural attractions that bring tourists to these places may eventually be destroyed.

Tourism can also have a considerable influence on local cultures. Although tourists can create opportunities for local people to promote their traditions, excessive commercialisation may turn cultural practices into products designed mainly for visitors. Traditional festivals, food and handicrafts may gradually lose their original meaning when they are modified to satisfy tourists' expectations. Furthermore, the arrival of large numbers of visitors can encourage younger generations to adopt foreign lifestyles, potentially reducing their interest in traditional customs and languages.

Nevertheless, tourism does not necessarily have to be harmful. When governments and tourism organisations introduce sustainable policies, tourism can support both cultural preservation and environmental protection. Entrance fees, for instance, can be used to maintain national parks and historic sites, while limits on visitor numbers can reduce pressure on fragile ecosystems. Similarly, encouraging tourists to stay in locally owned accommodation and purchase traditional products can provide financial benefits to local communities.

In conclusion, I strongly believe that the negative effects of mass tourism on local cultures and the environment are often underestimated. However, with effective regulation and responsible tourism practices, countries can enjoy the economic benefits of tourism while protecting their cultural heritage and natural environment for future generations.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response — Band 7.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt. You have clearly stated your position in the introduction and maintained it throughout the essay. Each body paragraph provides relevant, well-developed arguments regarding environmental and cultural impacts. The inclusion of a counter-argument in the fourth paragraph demonstrates a sophisticated approach to the topic, showing that you have considered the complexity of the issue. The ideas are extended with relevant examples, such as the mention of plastic pollution and the commercialisation of cultural practices, which effectively support your central thesis. The conclusion provides a clear summary that reinforces your initial stance.

Coherence and Cohesion — Band 7.5

The essay is logically organised with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph has a central theme, and the transition between paragraphs is smooth. You have used a variety of cohesive devices effectively, such as 'Furthermore', 'Nevertheless', and 'For instance', which help to guide the reader through your argument. The paragraphing is appropriate, with each section serving a distinct purpose in the overall structure. The referencing is clear, and there is no evidence of repetitive or mechanical linking, which contributes to the overall flow of the text.

Lexical Resource — Band 7.5

You have demonstrated a wide and flexible range of vocabulary. The language is precise and appropriate for an academic context. Phrases such as 'environmentally sensitive areas', 'excessive commercialisation', and 'fragile ecosystems' show a high level of lexical control. You have successfully used less common items with an awareness of collocation and style. There are no noticeable errors in word choice or spelling, and the vocabulary used is consistently accurate and sophisticated, which allows for a natural and fluent expression of your ideas.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy — Band 7.5

The essay displays a wide range of grammatical structures with high accuracy. You have used a mix of simple and complex sentences effectively, such as the conditional structure 'If these problems are not properly managed, the natural attractions... may eventually be destroyed.' The majority of your sentences are error-free, and the punctuation is used correctly throughout. There are no significant grammatical slips that impede communication. The control over complex sentence forms is consistent, reflecting a high level of grammatical competence suitable for a high band score.

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