GCE O Level English Paper 2 - Writing Practice

Hina was preparing for her GCE O’ levels that year. She desperately needed questions for writing practice. Especially in summary writing practice. Thankfully, her English teacher came up with a sample question for her.

Sample Question

Charice: You know, it is becoming increasingly evident that we are facing the consequences of over-tourism. Look at famous beaches losing their sand due to excessive tourist activity, or cities imposing fines on people just for sitting down in crowded areas. It is like we have reached a tipping point where locals are being pressured to move out of their own towns due to the rising costs and strict rules, which are not even meant to harm the locals.

Paoto: I understand but let us not overlook what tourism has done for us too. Take my story as an example. I owe my livelihood to tourism. It has provided me with a decent standard of living and opportunities I would not have had otherwise. I get your worries about crowded streets and rents going up, but think about it: wouldn’t you prefer having lively cafes and places open all year round rather than dealing with a struggling economy where everything shuts down during the off season?

Charice: Sure, but at what cost? We are seeing irreversible environmental damage in some of the most beautiful places on Earth. And it is not just about the environment; tourism is changing the fabric of communities. Local shops are disappearing, replaced by souvenir shops catering to tourists. What a divide tourism has created between locals and tourists…

Paoto: You are looking at it all wrong. When tourists visit new destinations, they often immerse themselves in the local customs, traditions and cuisines. They bring people together, instead of dividing them. Tourism has helped create jobs too across various sectors such as hospitality, transportation, entertainment, and retail. Sure, there are things we need to fix, but if we plan carefully and tourists act responsibly, we can make sure the drawbacks don’t outweigh the good.

Charice: But it is not just about fixing, we need to think differently about tourism altogether. We can not continue disregarding local communities in the name of profit. This invo0lves preserving cultural heritage and encouraging responsible visitor behaviour. Otherwise, we risk desgtryoing the very attractions that draw tourists in the first place. Remember, in 2021, when a group of visitors carved their names onto a 16th century bridge in Venice, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks?

Paoto: Yeah, who could forget that? I agree that sustainability should be a priority, but we just need to find the right balance between growth and preservation. Tourism does help keep historical sites and monuments in good shape. You know, the money tourists spend often goes towards fixing up these places, making sure they are protected for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

Charice: But striking that balance is not as simple as it sounds. With social media and influencers, there is extra pressure on delicate environments such as the rainforests, coral reefs, and historical places like the Taj Mahal, Machu Picchu, or even The Collosseum. Some celebrity puts out a selfie and suddenly hundreds start visiting some remote waterfall that is not ready for the numbers.

Paoto: Rather than viewing social media as solely a challenge, perhaps we and view it as a tool for promoting responsible travel practices. By working together, I think we have a good chance to strike a better balance between growth and preservation.

Question

The Local Tourism Board, an organization in your country that promotes and develops tourism, is currently in serach of citizens’ insights on the effects of tourism.

Write an email to the tourism board giving your views on whether tourism is beneficial.

Sample Answer