Band 7.0 IELTS Writing Task 2 Model Answer

Overall Band Score: 7.0 · IELTS Summit Mastery · 2026-09-24

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 7.0)

Tourism has become one of the fastest-growing industries and makes a significant contribution to economies around the world by creating employment and generating revenue. However, the negative effects of tourism on local cultures and the environment should not be overlooked. I partly agree with this statement because, although tourism can cause cultural and environmental problems, these effects can be reduced through responsible tourism and effective government regulations.

Firstly, large numbers of tourists can have a negative impact on local cultures and the natural environment. Cultural erosion may occur when younger generations gradually adopt foreign lifestyles, clothing and traditions while paying less attention to their own cultural heritage. For example, in some popular tourist destinations in India, traditional festivals and local customs are sometimes changed to make them more attractive to foreign visitors. In addition, the commercialization of local culture can turn traditional products and activities into businesses mainly designed to make money. Tourism can also contribute to environmental degradation. For instance, popular tourist places such as Goa and Manali often face problems related to overcrowding, plastic waste and pressure on natural resources during peak tourist seasons. Furthermore, the construction of hotels, roads and other tourist facilities can destroy natural habitats if development is not properly controlled.

On the other hand, it would be unfair to overlook the considerable economic and cultural benefits of tourism. International visitors provide income for local businesses and create employment in areas such as hotels, restaurants, transport and entertainment. In many tourist destinations, part of this revenue can also be used to maintain historical buildings and preserve cultural sites. Moreover, sustainable tourism and eco-tourism can encourage visitors to appreciate nature while supporting conservation. For example, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries can generate income for local communities while helping to protect natural habitats, provided that visitor numbers and tourist activities are carefully managed.

In conclusion, I partly agree that the harmful effects of tourism are sometimes ignored, particularly in relation to cultural erosion and environmental degradation. Nevertheless, tourism can provide substantial economic and conservation benefits. With appropriate laws, responsible tourism practices and greater public awareness, governments can reduce its negative effects while maintaining its advantages.

AI examiner evaluation

Task Achievement / Task Response: Band 6.5

The response fully addresses all parts of the prompt by discussing both the negative impacts of tourism on local cultures and the environment, as well as the economic and conservation benefits, before taking a clear stance. The student presents a well-developed argument in the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Ideas are extended and supported with relevant examples, such as the mention of cultural changes in India and environmental pressures in Goa and Manali. The position is maintained consistently throughout the essay. This performance aligns comfortably with the Band 7 criteria, showing a well-rounded and structured approach to the prompt.

Coherence and Cohesion: Band 6.5

The essay demonstrates clear logical organisation and progression throughout. Each paragraph has a clear central topic, starting with an introduction that outlines the stance, followed by well-sequenced body paragraphs discussing the negative and positive aspects respectively, and ending with a concise conclusion. Cohesive devices such as 'Firstly', 'In addition', 'On the other hand', and 'Moreover' are used effectively to guide the reader through the argument. Paragraphing is used sufficiently and appropriately, contributing to an overall smooth and coherent reading experience.

Lexical Resource: Band 6.5

The student exhibits a sufficient range of vocabulary with good flexibility and precision. Less common lexical items such as 'cultural erosion', 'environmental degradation', 'commercialization', and 'sustainable tourism' are employed with a strong awareness of style and collocation. Word choices are generally natural and accurate. While there are no major lexical errors, the vocabulary occasionally stays within standard academic bounds rather than reaching the fully fluent and sophisticated range required for higher bands. Overall, the lexical resource supports clear and effective communication.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Band 7.5

The writer demonstrates a good variety of complex structures alongside simple sentence forms. Frequent error-free sentences are evident, showcasing good control of grammar and punctuation. Examples of complex clauses, such as conditional structures ('provided that visitor numbers and tourist activities are carefully managed') and concessive clauses ('although tourism can cause cultural and environmental problems, these effects can be reduced...'), are handled accurately. Errors are rare and do not impede communication in any way, showing strong grammatical control.

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