ielts_trainer_2_academic_six_practice_tests

difference was smaller but still significant, at 39% and
15% respectively. However, for the older ages the trend
changed: there was actually a lower percentage of
61–75 year olds in large urban areas using public
transport (9%) than others (18%), though for those in the
oldest age bracket the figures reversed (15% and 6%).
It is noteworthy that there is a more marked fluctuation
across age groups for city dwellers: starting at 39% for the
youngest, the figure rises to 66% before dropping sharply
to a low of 9%. By contrast, figures for those living outside
big cities hold fairly steady, with a high of 26% for
16–30 year olds and a low of 6% for the oldest group.
Writing TASk 2
Sample answer
In the last few decades there has been a significant
increase in the number of opportunities for
international travel, with more transport routes and
cheaper fares.
There are undoubtedly benefits flowing from this
growth in international tourism. People now have a
greater awareness of other cultures than was the case
even one generation ago. Travelling widely to enjoy
such things as the art, customs and cuisine of different
countries used to be the preserve of the wealthy classes.
Now even the less well off have access to them.
There are, however, drawbacks associated with this
level of mobility. Firstly, a number of resorts, even
whole countries, have so many tourists that the culture
and environment are severely damaged. For example,
traditional crafts are replaced by the manufacturing
of cheap trinkets and local singing and dancing are
packaged for tourist consumption. Because tourists stay
for only a short time they often don’t care if they behave
badly or litter the streets. Secondly, although the
hospitality industry does bring employment, it tends to
be precarious because much of it is seasonal, with long
periods of the year offering no work. The income from
tourism is unevenly distributed, with a small number
of big businesses (e.g. property developers) making
a lot of money but the majority of people working for
low wages as waiters or guides. Related to this is the
fact that money spent by tourists is seldom retained by
the local economy: profits are frequently taken out by
multinational corporations. Finally, international travel
adds to greenhouse gases, leading to harmful climate
change.
In my view, despite the advantages of travel to both
tourists and host countries, these do not compensate
for the damage inflicted on the environment, social
structures and individuals by mass tourism.
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