Plan this problem and solution essay about tourism with the ideas and outline below, write it on a 40-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
In popular destinations, tourists come in huge numbers during a short season, causing crowding and high prices.
What are the causes of this problem and what measures could be taken to solve it?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
Pick two or three points from one or both columns. You do not need all of them, and your own examples score better than memorised ones.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 250 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
In many popular destinations, huge numbers of tourists arrive within a few weeks, leading to crowding and high prices. This essay will outline the causes and suggest some measures to ease the problem.
The first cause is the timing of holidays. Schools in most countries close at the same time in summer, so families travel together, and many companies also close in August. The second is climate. Good weather is concentrated in a few months, and travellers want to enjoy beaches or mountain scenery when conditions are best. A third factor is fashion. Certain destinations become famous through social media or films and attract crowds, while equally beautiful places nearby remain quiet.
Several measures could help. Governments and schools could spread holidays across the year, for example by staggering school vacations between regions, as is done in France, so that demand is not concentrated in a single period. Hotels, airlines and attractions could offer discounts during the off-season, which would encourage flexible travellers such as retired people and couples without children to visit when it is quieter. Hotels might also promote events outside the main season, such as food festivals, music concerts or hiking weeks, to give visitors a reason to come. Finally, tourism authorities could promote lesser-known places. If advertising focuses on smaller towns, villages and regions with similar attractions, visitors will be distributed more evenly, and these areas will benefit from the extra income while popular places gain relief.
In conclusion, peak-season crowding results from fixed holiday periods, seasonal weather and the popularity of famous destinations. Staggered holidays, off-season incentives and the promotion of alternative places could reduce the pressure and make travel more pleasant and affordable.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| peak season | busiest time |
| off-season | quiet period |
| tourist hotspot | popular tourist area |
| overcrowded | too full |
| price hike | sudden increase in prices |
| lesser-known destination | place not well known |
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