The question "Should governments promote tourism or focus on local development?" from the IELTS Speaking Test requires you to express an opinion on a governmental priority between two options: promoting tourism or focusing on local development. This is a typical opinion question where you need to present a balanced view or choose one side.
Here’s a full guide on how to answer this effectively.
1. Understand the Question
This question asks for your viewpoint on the government’s role in tourism vs. local development. You're expected to provide reasons and examples to support your stance.
2. Structure Your Answer
A well-structured answer will help you express your ideas clearly. Here’s a suggested structure:
- Introduction: Give a direct answer to the question.
- Explanation: Provide reasons and examples to support your viewpoint.
- Compare: Briefly discuss the benefits of the other option.
- Conclusion: Sum up your opinion and reinforce your stance.
3. Use Relevant Vocabulary
You should use vocabulary related to tourism, local development, government policies, and economic growth. Examples of relevant words include infrastructure, investment, economic benefits, sustainability, job creation, revenue, standard of living, and local economy.
4. Use a Range of Grammar Structures
Show your command of various grammatical forms, such as:
- Conditionals: "If the government focuses on tourism, it can boost foreign revenue."
- Comparatives: "While local development is important, tourism tends to generate more immediate benefits."
- Modals: "Governments should prioritize local development to ensure long-term stability."
5. Maintain Fluency and Coherence
Link your ideas smoothly with connectors like however, although, furthermore, on the one hand, on the other hand.
Sample Answer:
Introduction:
"I believe that governments should strike a balance between promoting tourism and focusing on local development, but if I had to choose, I would say that local development should be the priority."
Explanation:
"The reason I think this is because local development, such as improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education, has a more direct impact on the quality of life of the local population. It ensures that the community thrives in the long term by creating a solid foundation for sustainable growth. For example, investing in local education will lead to a more skilled workforce, which can improve the economy in the long run."
Comparison:
"On the other hand, tourism can bring in significant foreign revenue and create jobs, especially in areas rich in natural beauty or historical significance. However, tourism can be unreliable, as it’s often affected by global economic downturns or pandemics, as we saw during COVID-19. Moreover, over-dependence on tourism can lead to environmental degradation and overcrowding, which may harm the local culture and community."
Conclusion:
"In conclusion, while promoting tourism has its benefits, I believe that local development should be the government’s main focus. By developing the local economy and infrastructure, governments can ensure long-term prosperity for their citizens, which in turn can also support a more sustainable tourism industry."
Analysis of the Answer:
1. Introduction: The speaker answers the question directly, choosing one side (local development) but acknowledges that both aspects are important.
2. Explanation: The speaker provides clear reasons for their stance, focusing on the long-term benefits of local development, such as improved infrastructure and a skilled workforce. Specific examples are used to make the argument more convincing.
3. Comparison: The answer also acknowledges the merits of promoting tourism, mentioning job creation and revenue. However, it highlights the downsides (unreliability, environmental degradation) to reinforce the speaker’s preference for local development.
4. Conclusion: The conclusion clearly restates the speaker’s opinion and connects local development with a broader positive impact, including on tourism.
Tips:
1. Be Clear About Your Opinion: Whether you support one side or prefer a balance, make sure your opinion is clear from the beginning.
2. Provide Reasons and Examples: Explain your reasons logically and include examples to support your points. For instance, refer to real-world scenarios like the impact of the pandemic on tourism.
3. Acknowledge Both Sides: Even if you have a strong preference, it’s good practice to briefly mention the benefits of the other side. This shows you can consider multiple perspectives.
4. Be Balanced: If you're uncertain, it’s fine to suggest that both tourism and local development should be prioritized simultaneously. But always provide a solid explanation for why you think that.
5. Use a Variety of Sentences: Demonstrating your range of grammar structures and vocabulary is essential for a high score. Incorporate conditionals, complex sentences, and modals to show flexibility in your language use.By following these steps, you will give a well-rounded, thoughtful, and fluent answer that shows your ability to think critically and communicate effectively on complex issues.
