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May 2011

IELTS Essay Plan – Should tourists be charged more than locals for visiting attractions?

Today we are sharing some ideas for writing an essay on the topic below, which was recently seen in the IELTS exam in China. Of course, this essay plan is just one of the many possible ways to write a response.

You can use these arguments to practice in writing your own essay on this topic. To get your work checked and marked by a teacher, please get instructions on this page.

Writing task 2 topic

Some people think that foreign visitors should be charged more than locals when they visit culture and tourist attractions in a country. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task and write at least 250 words.

Suggested essay plan

Introduction

Your introduction paragraph would be a good place to explain that the practice of charging foreign visitors a premium is something that several countries do for logical and economic reasons.

Arguments in favor

As far as the differential pricing is concerned, the local government subsidizes the tickets for the citizens to promote national heritage and create more interest / awareness / national pride.

In addition, in several poor countries, there is no way a common person can afford the kind of prices that these monuments deserve. This is a dent in the government coffers, but it is a decision in the national interest which the tourism department of the government has the right to make.

Arguments against

It’s not in the best interest of a nation to ask for more from foreign tourists as it clearly shows that the government considers foreigners a source of easy money. These people have traveled thousands of miles to understand , experience and praise the historical and cultural jewels, which are a treasure for the entire mankind and not just one nation . Hence, charging them a hefty premium is immoral.

Moreover, this differential pricing works as a deterrent for people from underdeveloped and developing nations who could have visited tourist attractions in foreign countries, but missed out due to the combination of high price and unfavorable exchange rate.

Conclusion

Summarize the ideas above, do not add new information.

Vocabulary

premium, differential pricing, immoral, mankind, treasure heritage, coffer, historical and cultural jewels, deterrent

IELTS test in Bahrain – May 2011 (General Training)

The topics and questions below were shared by S, who took his IELTS exam in Bahrain recently. S didn’t remember much about listening and reading, but he did remember the questions from writing and speaking.

Listening test

Section 1. A conversation between a man and a woman on participation in a new course.

Section 2. A conversation of two students about their project.

Sections 3 and 4. Don’t remember.

Reading Test

Passage 1. Several advertisements.

Passages 2-4. Don’t remember.

Writing test

Writing task 1 (a letter)

A friend is having a party at home and asked you to help him/her in the preparation. Write a letter and say

– How would you help him/her?
– What will you bring to the party?
– When will you be free to see him/her?

Writing Task 2 (an essay)

Some people believe that keeping pets is beneficial while others believe it is a bad idea. Discuss both views and include your own opinion.

Speaking test

Interview

– What is your name?
– Can I see your ID?
– Tell me about the apartments you live in.
– What are the advantages of living in it?
– What changes will you do there to make it your home?
– Do people keep birds in your area?
– Do people kill birds in your country?

Cue card

Describe a music event that you saw live or on TV. Please say

– What was the event about?
– How did you find out about it?
– Why was it so interesting?

Discussion

– What do you think about the popularity of music amongst children?
– Is Western music popular in your country?
– What is the long term impact of listening to Western music?