This practice question is designed for IELTS Writing Task 2.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task and write at least 250 words. You can use IELTS Word Counter App.
Write about the following topic#
Some people believe that governments should invest heavily in promoting international tourism to boost their economies. Others argue that this money would be better spent on improving local infrastructure and services for residents.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Sample Answer Outline#
Introduction
- Acknowledge the debate over government spending on tourism vs. local infrastructure
- State your position (balanced view with a slight preference)
Body Paragraph 1:
Arguments for investing in international tourism Mind map ideas:
- Economic benefits (foreign currency, job creation)
- Cultural exchange and international understanding
- Development of tourism-related industries
- Example: Success story of a country that benefited from tourism investment
Body Paragraph 2:
Arguments for focusing on local infrastructure and services Mind map ideas:
- Improved quality of life for residents
- Long-term economic benefits through better infrastructure
- Potential to attract businesses and skilled workers
- Example: City that transformed through infrastructure investment
Body Paragraph 3:
Balanced approach and personal opinion Mind map ideas:
- Importance of finding a balance between the two
- Potential for infrastructure improvements to benefit both locals and tourists
- Sustainable tourism development
- Example: Country successfully balancing tourism and local needs
Conclusion:
- Restate the importance of balancing both aspects
- Emphasize long-term benefits of a balanced approach
Model answer (Band 8 style)
Write your own answer first, then compare structure and vocabulary. Task 2 · 271 words.
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Tourism can bring considerable income to a country, so many governments spend heavily on international marketing campaigns. Others argue that this money would be better used to improve infrastructure and services for local residents. I believe that investing in residents should come first, because it also creates the foundations for successful tourism.
Supporters of tourism promotion argue that it delivers a strong economic return. Advertising campaigns can attract millions of visitors, who spend money in hotels, restaurants and shops, creating jobs and generating tax revenue that can later be spent on public services. For countries with beautiful landscapes or rich history but limited industries, tourism may be the most realistic route to economic growth.
However, focusing on foreign visitors while neglecting residents can be short-sighted. If public transport is unreliable, roads are congested or hospitals are overstretched, locals’ quality of life suffers, and growing numbers of tourists may make these problems worse. Moreover, the benefits of tourism are often unevenly distributed, concentrated in a few hotspots and large companies, while ordinary residents bear the costs of crowding and higher prices.
In my view, the two goals are less opposed than they seem. Good infrastructure, such as efficient airports and transport, clean streets and safe water, improves life for residents and also makes a country more attractive and accessible to tourists. Therefore, governments should prioritise improving local infrastructure and services, while spending more modestly on targeted tourism promotion.
In conclusion, although promoting tourism can boost the economy, governments should focus first on infrastructure and services for residents, since this approach benefits citizens directly and supports sustainable tourism in the long run.
Task Response
Both views are explained and the writer’s opinion is reinforced by showing how infrastructure benefits both groups.
Coherence & Cohesion
Clear organisation with explicit opinion in the introduction, body and conclusion; strong linking (“Moreover”, “Therefore”).
Lexical Resource
Economic vocabulary: economic return, tax revenue, short-sighted, unevenly distributed, hotspots.
Grammatical Range
Conditional structures (“If public transport is unreliable…”), passives and relative clauses used accurately.
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Evaluation Criteria#
For more IELTS Writing Task 2 practice tests, you can visit Traditional Cuisine vs. Fast Food and Education Topic.